2027 Elan Ripstick 94 W

For 2027, the Elan Ripstick 94 W gets a graphic change but returns structurally the same as last year. What you’re getting here is one of the lightest, funnest, and easiest skis to use on the market today. The best part is that they have a very high performance ceiling as well as containing some amazing energy and rebound to make for a comprehensive and versatile all-mountain skiing experience. Elan has always been about fun, and the Ripstick series encapsulates that attitude precisely. These skis have a huge audience, both from the shape and from the build, allowing skiers to easily navigate all-mountain conditions and terrain with poise and confidence. With quickness and agility to spare, the Ripstick 94 W is an insanely simple and smooth ski to use in an all-mountain format and on a daily basis.

Elan uses a lot of sophistication and engineering in the construction of these skis. Built with a tubelite wood core consisting of poplar and paulownia, these skis are light and easy to turn. The carbon tubes are placed in milled-out zones along the sidewalls and these tubes provide a ton of pep to the skis. On the bottom of the core, Elan places two carbon strips that add to the energetic feel. Since they’re on the bottom, they are insulated from feeling too pingy or loud, providing a smooth feel. In the shovel of the ski, Elan uses a flax laminate to further silence vibrations. These skis are quite flexible in the tips, making for easy turning and carving while the underfoot zone and through the tail are a bit stiffer and more reactive. In the 168 cm length, these skis have a stated weight of 1500 g/ski which is quite light. Tester Allison Kaminer notes that " My first impression was wow, these skis were light but powered through the crud and griped the surface. These skis are fun. The Elan Ripsticks 94W can really go anywhere. Let 'em "rip"!!"

While the asymmetry in the construction works wonders, it also filters into the ski's footprint. Skis like this in the mid-90's underfoot are incredibly useful for variable terrain and conditions. Whether you encounter powder, ice, trees, bumps, or groomers, this shape is totally versatile. This Ripstick 94 W is no exception. Elan uses their Amphibio rocker profile in these skis, putting more rocker on the outside edge and more camber on the inside portion. By building their skis asymmetrically and using a right/left-specific ski, they can take more liberties in shaping to create a smooth and cohesive effect. The 168 uses measurements of 129/94/109 mm to generate a 15.8-meter turn radius, and in all honesty, it feels even shorter than that because of the lighter weight and more accessible flexion. Tester E.V. Hamilton states that "Once on snow, the Ripstick was surprisingly quick, fun, and very responsive. It felt easy to maneuver and had a playful, energetic feel that would make it enjoyable in a variety of conditions, especially in tighter terrain or softer snow."

Smart, fun, and full of finesse, the Ripstick 94 W is a highly versatile all-mountain ski. This is a very accessible ski for those who are looking for non-demanding performance. The energy is still very applicable here, but it’s so darn easy to access. That’s the beauty of the carbon-powered Ripstick 94 W. With a blend of light energy, flexible fun, and a unique construction and profile that are asymmetrical, the Elan Ripstick 94 W can hold up to aggressive use while also appealing to those who are looking for easy fun and well-rounded energy. It's one of those skis that you don't have to think about—it's intuitive and inspiring of confidence in all sorts of conditions and terrain.