2025 Elan Ripstick 106 W

As one of the most highly recommended line of skis, the beloved Ripstick series by Elan is undergoing a total revamp for the 2025 season. This is both exciting and nerve-wracking as it has remained one of the top performing skis in the all-mountain category, suiting the needs and wants of so many different skiers. With a wide array of options, from on-piste domination in the 88 to energetic responsiveness and smooth consistency in the 96, the Ripstick line has done something really right over the years and though we are seeing a shift, no need to fear. While we do see some construction features carry over, the main differences we see are in the shape and technology used. Given the proven success of this entire line, Elan’s goal was to enhance the appeal even further and deliver an even higher performance ceiling and greater power, strength, and mixed snow capabilities. For the 106 W, women now have a wider, soft-snow oriented Ripstick with both power and finesse.

From a construction perspective, Elan continues their use of tubelite wood core consisting of poplar and paulownia, which provides a solid but lively foundation. Now basing their build off of “Carbon Deck Technology”, the carbon rods that we saw in the previous model have been slightly shortened, making room for the uni-directional carbon strips that contribute to the ski’s noticeable smoothness from tip to tail. Where the trademark Ripstick performance comes into play is thanks to the additional carbon strips that are positioned along the sides of the ski underneath the core. Following the Amphibio lines, we get longer strips to boost edge grip and stability on the inside edge, with shorter strips along the outside edge. This specific approach to construction is where Elan has distinguished themselves amongst their competitors as it truly delivers an entirely unique level of performance that gives the Ripstick its signature feel. Another significant change we see is in the tips-where we used to reap the benefits of vapor tip inserts that did a great job at dampening vibrations, now we get full wood all the way to the tip. Lastly, on top of the ski in the shovel, Elan added a flax fiber layer to add both smoothness and stiffness.

While there was a lot to love about the old shape, Elan decided to switch up the waist widths and tweak both the tip and tail shape. As a brand-new option in the Ripstick line, the 106 W features a wider waist width, designed for skiing big lines both at the resort and in the backcountry. Looking at the dimensions, the 168 cm length measures 139/106/119 mm, generating a 17.8-meter turn radius. With extra width and a spoonier shape in the shovels, plus the new tip construction, turn initiation is effortless and smooth. As far as profile, rocker lines remain the same, with great precision underfoot and along the edges thanks to the amphibio profile, and ideal flotation and maneuverability in the extremities. Performance-wise, Tester Allison Kozar really enjoyed her time on the 106 W, expressing “This ski harnessed a lot of energy, and popped with every turn. Even though it’s a fairly wide ski, the turn radius was quick. Great for short, fast turns, but could also be allowed to open up on longer carving turns. Did very well in the deep woods powder. Overall, tremendously enjoyable.”

Ripstick fans will rejoice over the new addition to the Ripstick family. Best suited for advanced level skiers, the level of performance combined with the updated construction and revised shape keep the appeal more than alive. Achieving the perfect balance between energetic responsiveness, powerful stability, and playful flotation in a soft-snow oriented ski isn’t easy, unless you leave it up to Elan.