2025 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition

The one to rule them all, as far as competitive performance goes, the Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition takes the cake. While the rest of the Ripstick lineup experienced a makeover, their highly sought after, limited-edition “Black Editions” simultaneously received a remake. With changes also made to both the construction and shape, as per its high-end nature, the Ripstick 94 W Black Edition received some additional technology. For the more advanced level skier who values the overall characteristics of the standard Ripstick 94 but seeks a higher performance ceiling and degree of power, the Black Edition is the perfect all-mountain tool for anything from firm groomers to soft bumps. With such a successful recipe, why not take it to the next level for the more aggressive skiers? With a stiffer flex, more horsepower and greater capability of holding up to the demands, this new rendition is sure to draw in a large crowd.

Similar to its counterparts, we see more changes made to the construction than the shape. And while many will stand by the belief that the former build far from lacked, this new approach certainly made its argument. With a thinner profile overall, we now get a full wood core that extends through the shovel, replacing the vapor tip inserts and adding flax on the top as well. What we see change here is the behavior of the forebody, with greater flexibility in the tip for easier turn initiation. Underneath the core, Elan uses two unidirectional strips of carbon to balance both dampness and responsiveness. On top of the core, we get a full carbon plate under the binding zone for added stability and power. Carrying over from the previous model, we see the use of Quad Rod technology, which incorporates two additional carbon rods to the normal carbon tubes that run alongside the sidewalls. What is unique and beneficial about the use and placement of the additional rods is their alignment to the forebody and aft of the ski without being fully connected. This is what makes the Black Edition stand out as it delivers a greater level of stability and pop than the regular Ripstick. Echoing its appeal, Tester Lauren Reed commented, “favorite ski of the day. So smooth”. Combining dampness and energy has always been this ski’s strength, now even more so.

Upping the ante in terms of construction, we see the same waist width but a slightly different tip shape that promotes better flotation and easier turn initiation. We also see a tighter turn radius, which combined with the new use of carbon we’re getting quite the lively personality. The 16.2-meter turn radius in the 170 cm length drops down to a 15.8 in the 168 cm length. The Amphibio profile continues, putting more rocker on the outside edge and more camber on the inside edge, resulting in an intuitive, smooth feel in a variety of conditions and terrain. Highly versatile and predictable, these skis deliver the highest level of performance in tight trees and bumps, as well as firm groomers.

With an incredible degree of power and responsiveness, the 2025 Elan Ripstick 94 W Black Edition provides those with a preference for precision and strength the ultimate tool for all-mountain performance. While progressing intermediates can certainly hop on this ski and access the benefits, aggressive skiers who want a lighter ski with plenty of power and energy can drive it with force. Its level of versatility and well-rounded nature packed into a high-quality build puts this ski into a category of its own, and a very good one at that.