2025 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

With the updates to all Ripstick skis for 2025, the 96 Black Edition moves forward with style and substance. This 96 Black Edition has always been a favorite of ours here at SkiEssentials, and those feelings do not change. We get a bit more flex in the shovel for added versatility while the ski’s ability to make multiple turn shapes and styles stays right where it’s always been. The mid-90's is a great place to be for true all-mountain versatility. Ripstick 96 Black Edition fits squarely in that zone, offering a multitude of skiers the proper tool for a variety of jobs. From trees and bumps to steeps and groomers, the 2025 Elan Ripstick Black Edition is a wonderful ski for pure well-rounded skiing. We get the carving capabilities as well as the off-piste prowess to create an awesome ski experience for a variety of skiers.

While the shape of the ski generally stays the same, the build is quite a bit different. We now get a full wood core with flax on the shovel. This replaces the vapor tip inserts used to dampen vibrations. As a result, Elan makes the profile a bit thinner, leading to a more flexible tip. Under the core, Elan adds two unidirectional strips of carbon to increase responsiveness while keeping the silence to a minimum. On top, we see a full carbon plate under the binding zone. As usual with the Black Edition skis, the Quad Rod technology is implemented. We get the normal carbon tubes that run alongside the sidewalls and two more tubes in the forebody of the ski and aft of the bindings. These two additional rods keep the ski functioning with more stability and pop versus the non-Black Edition models. Tester David Wolfgang notes that “This ski wants you to give it the effort. If you do you will be rewarded with a nimble powerhouse. I found that you had to drive the tip to get the full effect of the torsional carbon rods. Loved the groomed corduroy, danced in the soft powder. Was a little sluggish in the wind packed powder or that could have been me. If you want a little more laid back ski I would highly recommend the non-Black edition.” This 96 has always done a great job at mixing the groomed corduroy and softer powder. And it’s still very light, with the 182 hitting the scale at a paltry 1640 grams per ski.

While the 96 mm waist stays the same, we do get a different tip shape that allows for better flotation and an easier entry into the turn. The radius tightens up a bit, with the 182 finding a 17.8-meter arc versus the 18-meter radius in the outgoing 180 cm length. We still get the Amphibio rocker profile that puts more rocker on the outside edge and more camber on the inside edge. Due to this asymmetric profile, the skis are smooth and maneuverable in all conditions and terrain. It’s not quite as powerful as the outgoing 96, but Bob St.Pierre still notes some positive changes to the ski: “There is a lot of versatility here, so for whatever powerful downfalls there may be, this thing can do everything. I thought the bumps and trees were the best spot due to the easy-turning nature.” The off-trail capabilities of this ski have always been incredibly strong, and we’re excited to hear that those strengths carry forward into 2025 without losing any of the fun-loving characteristics of the older 96 Black Edition.

Skiers can have a wide range of abilities with this ski. Progressing intermediates will not find it too demanding while experts who are looking for a lighter ski to handle crud and chop will also find success. We find that heavier and more aggressive skiers may find the top end and experience some chatter and excess flexibility as a result. This mainly happens on firm snow, so if you’re looking for a lighter ski that excels in softer snow and in variable terrain, the 2025 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition is still a prime performer.