2026 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

The Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition is a carryover model for 2026 featuring the same build, shape, and graphics as last year. The 96 Black Edition has always been a favorite of ours here at SkiEssentials, and those feelings do not change. With smooth flex in the shovel for added versatility, 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. The 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 2026 Elan Ripstick 96 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. As a bit of a beefed-up version of the Green Edition, this Black Edition feels a bit more solid and planted on the snow.

As a result of the most recent construction changes, Elan makes the profile a bit thinner, leading to a more flexible tip. Under the core, Elan includes 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, 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. 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. Tester Bob St.Pierre states that “This ski in the 189 feels like a smooth and capable operator. It's still not strong enough for super aggressive skiing, but it works great in the mid-range. As a mid-90's underfoot ski, it's very versatile and well-rounded so you can do whatever you want on these things.”

Similar to build, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition also uses asymmetry in the rocker profile. 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 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 there’s still a lot to like here. The off-trail capabilities of this ski have always been incredibly strong, and we’re excited to hear that those strengths carry forward into 2026 without losing any of the fun-loving characteristics of the older 96 Black Edition. Bob continues to state that “Even though it's a Black Edition with more carbon than the normal one, the 96 BE is still approachable for intermediate and advanced skiers. Those with good technique will like the energy out of the tail while those who are progressing will not be overpowered, nor will this ski make you pay for your mistakes like a Mantra M7 or similar.”

As such, we’ll continue to feel that 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 2026 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition is still a prime performer. If you want more performance, the longer lengths seem to answer that call quite well.