The 2027 Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings is the most carving-focused ski in the Black Edition lineup, pairing the Carbon Deck platform with the Quadrod system and C-Ply carbon for serious frontside performance in a non-metal package. It keeps the energy and versatility of the Ripstick 88 while adding the locked-in, composed feel of a heavier ski. We paired the Ripstick 88 Black Edition with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

On-edge performance is the headline. With the added carbon and the narrower platform, this ski grips and holds with real authority, especially on hardpack, and it does it without trading away the energy that makes a Ripstick a Ripstick.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who spend most of their time on groomers but want serious carving chops with extra composure. It is a great fit for hard chargers who would rather not commit to a full metal ski but still want strong damping and edge hold.

Highlights:

At this width the Black Edition upgrades translate straight into carving authority. The Quadrod system threads four carbon rods through the ski for a clear gain in torsional stability, which you feel as crisper, more locked-in arcs, and the C-Ply carbon frame adds backbone for high-speed, aggressive edging. An 88 mm waist sharpens the hardpack focus, where the Amphibio profile pairs easy entry with a tenacious hold, and the Sintered Race Structured base keeps it fast and durable underfoot. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

Soft snow is limited at this width, so if you spend real time off-trail you will want a wider Ripstick. The flex also asks more than the standard 88, which makes the plain Ripstick 88 the smarter starting point for skiers still progressing.

Fit & sizing considerations:

It sizes true. Carving-minded skiers can shorten up for quicker turns, while those carrying more speed can lengthen for stability.