Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition: Ski Review (2024)
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Elliott Reviews the 2024 Ski Ripstick 96 Black Edition All Mountain Ski By Elan
Affiliate Link to Buy this ski: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Music By: Joakim Karud Titled: Let's Go Surfing
0:00 On snow footage
1:22 Black VS Regular Ripstick
2:23 First Impressions
3:34 The Good
5:56 The Bad
9:59 Price And Value
10:31 Specs and Construction
11:08 Score
I really like the fact that Elliot just tells you his honest option about the ski he is reviewing.😊
Thanks!
Keeping it so real, most ski reviews I see are from people that also sell them. Can’t truly trust that, this video completely changed my perspective of this ski that previously was derived from other reviews. Thanks dude!
I appreciate that!
I told you months ago, when watching your video and I suggested you try them. To my surprise, you actually answered me and said you would! Thanks for what you do!
Thanks for the suggestion!
200lbs and I owned the 96 green in a 180, which was too short.
The chatter issue is real, but I found to some extend you could kind of just ignore it and the forefoot, mid section, and tail of the ski were still gripping just fine and could be pushed fairly hard. That said, this ski definitely likes to turn and doesn't love long wide GS turns or straightlining. Quicker, shorter, poppy turns were definitely the skis happy place. Otherwise heat carvers, super fun and rewarding while keeping your legs fresh. As for absolute speed limit, ask yourself what kind of runs you have at your home mountain and just how often you can really hit 40+ for long stretches. I demoed a pair of Stockli ARs and while I could absolutely feel the stability and power, I spent 2/3 of the runs dodging other skiers and just barely getting a few high speed turns before needing to scrub speed for rollers or terrain changes. It's nice owning a Ferrari that can hit 200mph, but how most Ferraris still end up stuck on city streets and highways.
The shovel does pop up very well in powder and only felt it struggle in boot high or more. The tails are not loose and as you said, it is not a surfy ski. It still had the desire to turn even in fresh snow rather than slide. It can respond quickly and it's light weight makes it very nimble so it's very capable in technical terrain, but it takes a more carve centric approach. You can slide the tails when you need to, you'll just need a little oomph vs looser skis, but hey, that's the price for the carving performance.
Old crappy snow.... not good. The light wood and carbon translate that energy right to your legs and its not pleasant. True of any ski in this construction style though.
Wet heavy snow, heavy chop - also not good. Well, not good at skiing *through* it I should say. As many people say there's something to be said of approaching any pro model or pro designed ski as preferring the style of the pro who helped make them, these are no different. Glenn Plake skis moguls and catches airs, these would love it if you did too. If your hard charging crud busting mack truck days are behind you and you approach crud fields as a slalom course, then the Ripstick will reward you with easy turns and allow for easy quick recovery when you get deflected. The fat shovels can be hooky, so that light footedness may came in handy. I dont personally pop off bumps too often on purpose, but it was nice knowing if a came up on a rock I could jump out of the way last minute.
Thank you Elliot. Your reviews go further into the skier types than other reviewers. Too many others relate the ski being reviewed to terrain and snow conditions only, but you take it a step further and that is appreciated.
Glad you're enjoying the videos!
Really loving the current review format, can't wait to see more reactions as a result!
Awesome, yes, should give us a lot more options down the road!
I was just out today on my green Ripstik 96. I bought the 88 and love them so much I picked up a pair of 96 from Ski Essentials for a killer deal.
I have both the 88 and 96 black edition models, and I find myself using the 88s even more on the east coast. Absolute blast to ski on them because they are so light and they aren't overly demanding
That's awesome, yeah Ski Essentials has some killer deals.
Thanks for reviewing my daily driver! I'm on my 3rd season with mine (about 50 ski days) and love them. I gotta say, you nailed the strengths and weaknesses perfectly! Yep- they stick in wet/heavy snow. And they'll chatter when you lean them over hard at high speed. I'm a very aggressive skier and I push my ripsticks hard (if the run's not black it'll probably bore me). I found the way around the speed limit is to just not demand a high-load turn from them at speeds over like 35mph. I ski them over 45 mph every time out (last year I had them up to 66mph at snowbasin), and feel completely confident doing so. I just don't demand a loaded turn from them at high speeds. Quick jukes to press the brakes, that's what they'll give you reliably on the top-end. One strength you didn't mention that I particularly love about the ripstick black is the "flickability" in tight spaces like trees, muguls, or finding side-hit jumps. They're lightness and agility is what makes them my primary ski, and they have a bit of forgiveness to them too (for when my legs are tired and technique gets sloppy).
Thanks again for the review! In my mind you certainly proved your review capabilities by so perfectly describing the personality of a ski I know very well. Wow man- one time on them and you NAILED it! Great Job!
Thanks so much! Glad you found it accurate. Hard to compete with someone's daily driver
Interesting analysis. I often found my ripstick 8 8 to be too chattery for my liking above forty miles an hour... I'm curious if you would have the same experience If you skied them on the east coast where the snow is firm. In my opinion the ripstick did not hold up to east coast conditions. Although I did not have the black edition... For the east it's more of a soft snow ski in my opinion.
What skis don't stick in wet/heavy snow?
@@cntblvitsbutter well, he’s right. They do it more than expected. I skied them on a day of fresh snow at snowbasin that was deep and heavy toward the bottom of the hill, and they just stopped, even in a decent incline. I switched to my Kastle 116s, and no sticking on the very same run.
Interesting because those Kastles have a similarly shaped tip, and there's only a 300g weight difference per ski. Did the Kastle's have a more recent waxing?@@adambarnes5915
Similar to what another commenter said, really digging this type of format. Excited to see what’s next. I know you have a partial affliction for Enforcers, but I’d sell my soul to hear your review of the updated 2025 enforcers (hopefully at a different underfoot… like 89 for instance!). Keep up the great reviews!
Thanks Elliott. I appreciate your review. I really enjoy my Ripstick 96 as a Senior Citizen who really enjoys skiing. As an old guy, I don't need that top end speed, because if I try to do that and fall, there is a higher probability of a ski patrol sled ride than when I was young. I also think it is a good observation that in bad snow, it can get hung up. It's comforting to know that as I do struggle a bit plowing through crud, and maybe it's not just because I ski so badly.
Right on!
@@RicketySkiReviewsyour review was spot on! Please keep doing "the bad" in all your reviews as it's extremely accurate and helpful. Up higher on the mountain with better snow, they performed really well for me. Not really sure how to describe snow types, but lower on the mountain, I had some trouble with crud/sticky/heavy snow. I tried to increase speed rather than making quick turns or slarving, and they became a bit chattery. I wonder whether skis with more weight and stiffness would help in the bad conditions. Personally, I'd be very interested in a video describing different snow terms and conditions and the types of skis best for them. Overall, I really love these skis and can't wait to use them in Utah! Thanks brother!
Great candid, yet objective comments. Excellent video.
Thank you Elliott for spending your money to demo these skis… Your review was very helpful as these were included on my short list of skis to buy last year. I wound up going for the Elan Wingman 86 CTI instead, and the insights you provided in this video (as well as some of the comments from others) make me think i made the right decision for me as a skier. I am 6’4” 250# and i know the Ripstick 96 Black Edition and any of the Ripsticks would be fine but i wanted something more front side oriented that could also handle crud, as well as some of the icy surfaces we are blessed with here in the midwest… really appreciated your feedback as well as others on crud performance as we experience more crud and wet snow than powder and i wanted to progress to some more carving than my Line Sir Francis Bacons have provided…. I love my SFBs, especially when it comes to some deeper snow and our spring condition skiing, but i wanted something to handle the hard pack and ice better and the wingman 86 CTI has been very fun so far…. It’s definitely positioned in between their carving skis and the Ripsticks and hopefully you get a chance to demo a pair of them as well…. Very much appreciate the real world detail on the Pros/Cons of the Ripstick Black…. It might be a nice addition to the quiver down the road for sure 👍
Right on, thanks Keith!
I have the Ripstick 96, and find them to be good in powder, bumps, trees, and groomers. I ski blues and blacks mostly and have no trouble with anything the hill throws at me. I’m 57, so I don’t ski super fast anymore and am always looking to make great turns and ski a good line.
I don’t think I’ve reached the speed limit on these skis because I don’t see or feel the chatter that you mentioned. I took them out in the really crappy snow at Bogus in December, and they still performed well. But these are definitely awesome in 4-8” of powder and easy to go edge to edge on the groomers.
I did find that the boxy tips took a little getting used to at the beginning. They are wider than anything I’ve ever skied before.
Got the 88s and can't wait to try them next week.
Nice congrats!
I have these and sized up (188cm for 6’0” 220#) because of the vapor tip, total length and little shorter than advertised, and even shorter effective edge. I usually ski 175-180cm skis with metal, these are by far my longest. They’re very stable for me at high speeds, and still light enough and shape amenable to slarve, ski bumps, and trees. A very good east coast all mountain ski IMO. Haven’t tried them in the spring and now not planning to.
That sounds like a good length!
Just found your channel after a 20-year pause from skiing. I really like your style and presentation. Looking for new skis and boots, as mine are now vintage (Atomic Beta Ride 10.20s).
I think you're on the right path starting with boots, they will make a world of difference.
Thank you for reviewing these. What length did you get? I had these in 180 and liked them but felt they skied short. Next season i changed them for a 106 in 188cm. I love them. And ski them 80 % of the time, even though I have a par of Salomon force 11.
These were a 180
Great review. I have the Ripstick 96 green version. They are great on soft groomers, and I appreciate the light swing weight in trees and moguls, though at 180 they are a bit long for my 5'8 frame.
The real weakness for this ski I find is heavier, chopped up conditions. They tend to get deflected quite easily.
Felt the same
Haven't tried the 96 Black Edition but I had the same experience with the 88s - great fun throwing them around in the trees at a lower speed but they flap around like mad if you hit the gas pedal and they really didn't like crud/chopped up snow. Probably best for the less athletic skier who isn't going to go super fast and just wants something lightweight, fun and not too tiring.
Thank you for this comment. Pretty much exactly what I wanted to say. On the east coast that speed limit can be pretty low before these things start bouncing around. But definitely fun in some softer snow.
Totally agree with both comments!
Really appreciate the unbiased review. Too many reviewers put out content that every ski is awesome and it's hard to discern. I'm a NYS skier so that means a lot of ice & crud. I've been enjoying my wingman 86 CTS the last few seasons but am looking for something that will do better on those rare powder days-. I was hoping the Ripstick blacks might be a solution but I haven't been able to find a demo on such a day at my local bump...any other recommendations that might be a little easier to find to fit that bill? Thx!
I would check out my Black Crows Octo video or my salomon qst92 and atomic maverick 88ti videos. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!
@@RicketySkiReviews lol I was @5 mins in to it when I got your reply...thanks for the scoop!
Solid review. I’m curious to see your take on some of the narrower Elans, like the Wingman 86 Black Edition.
Also, review some Dynastar M-Free 108s because that ski is just fun.
Can't find either locally, hoping Dynastar or Elan can step up.
Enjoyed this review! You do an amazing job describing, and the attention to detail is fantastic!
On that note, I’m 5-10 200 pounds, I consider myself an intermediate skier, ski mostly on groomers, comfortable on blacks, double blacks I do very cautiously, and on rare occasions I’ll go off piste. I just came off the Volkl mantras M6 @ 177 cm and they kicked my butt. Not to mention my legs were done at the end of the day, I did enjoy them and they were great, but it was a bit too much. I prefer maneuverability and control over speed. I know many will say that the 172 CM for my stats is a short ski, I really don’t want to go up to the 180cm. Hence the reason why I would like to go with the black edition for more stability considering the two extra rods that I’ve been inserted into the ski, Will the 172 CM be able to sustain my height and weight and still be able to enjoy the mountain? I’m hesitant going with The regular Ripstick 96 as I feel that with my height and weight I may end up getting a lot of instability and chattering across the board. Most of my skiing is done out west, California, Utah. I’m not an aggressive skier, at 46 I am more cautious and alert, considering I’m coming off two rotator cuff surgeries, but I do like to come down bowls and get the occasional speed if the opportunity present itself. Thanks!
Good formula, you are starting out with the positive and then letting out the negatives with a sense of perspective. So many reviewers either hide the negatives or overemphasize them. No ski will ever be good for everybody- the more you optimize for some features, the higher the price to pay in other areas.
I demoed ripsticks 4? years ago -- I think you should point out that for an average skier or older cruiser guy -- it's a solid 10 groomer ski -- your comment about speed limits won't be the case for anyone not flying... while the turn initiation and grip are phenomenal and weight feels great for old legs --- I can see myself on a pair in about 15 years... and would recommend them to any 70yr old out there... I don't do groomers and am not older (yet) so they weren't on my short list -- but for either of those demographics, it's hard to find better... I didn't try then off-piste, it was one of those horrible snow, I might as well have fun demoing something on groomers days
I think I did mention it a couple times?
@@RicketySkiReviews you did -- and I thought it was a great review -- I probably should hav eworded that better -- and just said that although for many people its an 8.5 or 9 -- for a specific demographic it's a solid 10.... and I think you've got enough insight to point out who the ski is perfect for vs who it is good for vs who it ijust sn't for at all...
Another great video Elliot. I really like the reviews. In my opinion, the best skis for on piste performance that also are competent in 5" or less of fresh powder have at least one full or partial sheet of titanal (metal) in them. Think of the Bonafide, Enforcer, Unleashed, M6, Ranger 96, etc. If you are worried about the swing weight or overall weight of the ski with one or two sheets of titanal, just go down one size in length. My daily drivers are usually around 174-176 cm and always contain metal (I am 6' and 190 lbs). They feel stable and damp at 45-50 mph on piste. Easy and nimble in the trees and tight chutes. When the snow is 6" or deeper, I use my dedicated powder ski which is usually around 185 cm in length and 112-116mm under foot. Two ski quivers are necessary out west, in my opinion. And for reference, the Elan website states the weight of the Ripstick 96 Black (180 cm) at 1645 grams per ski. Too light to handle carving at the speed I like to ski.
I'm out west too and totally agree 👍
You are Mr. Bogus Basin. Looks like a fun local mountain. Please demo the Nordica Unleashed 98. You should enjoy it. @@RicketySkiReviews
I’ll respectully disagree there. I think it’s preference. I ski my ripstick blacks like the tails are on fire and they’re ultra fun at 50mph. I don’t care to arc a hard turn at that speed, I just need them to be precise and stable, and my ripsticks give me that. I had a set of enforcer 100s- hated them. I had the Mantra 5, didn’t hate it, but I wasn’t a fan. I now have 3 sets of non-metal skis (varied waist widths) in my quiver and push them all very hard. But I’m also 5’6”, 165lbs, so maybe that’s the difference too. I think my size means I feel (and suffer) the weight of a metal ski more than others would.
The skier's weight has a huge impact on how the ski will react at higher speeds. Heavier skiers probably do benefit from heavier & stiffer skis. I have demoed my fair share of non-metal skis, and I will stick with metal skis. @@adambarnes5915
I bought these last year and really enjoyed them when new snow fell but as the day went on and the groomers turn to hard pack it started to chattered and I found it harder to control, so I bought Elan wingman 82 TI to compensate for the hard pack and firmer days, I found your review accurate in all aspects
Thanks, how did you like the wingman?
they're a decent ski stable at speed easy to carving good groomer but with lack o snow I haven't been able to get out much to really see how are in any other condition
@@RicketySkiReviews
How would you compare them the the QST 98
Elliot, as coincidence would have it, I demoed the ripstick 96 (green one) last Sunday, and came away with very similar notes, but maybe a little worse. I am almost settled on a ski, but I really want to try the Declivity 92ti next, just cant find it to demo. Any plans on reviewing that ski?
Hoping to if I can find it! It's been very hard for me to find as well!
Yes! Totally agree about the chatter at speed. As a former racer, that’s exactly what I didn’t like about them.
But they really are a pretty ski.
Totally that contrast on the snow is beautiful
I tried the non black edition and they were ok skis but just didn’t wow me.
Tried some wingman 86 Black Edition and they were pretty nice.
Then tried Kendo 88 and they had the wow.
i demoed the green edition and had so much fun, until i hit the crud. like you said the ski chatters and I got bounced around like a rag doll trying to plow though the crud doing big turns down an ungroomed black diamond run. i actually flew out of the bindings, true story. (the rental shop did set them kinda low )
Dang, yeah I usually have to make a special request when I demo lol
You note two "bad" aspects to this ski : NG in soft crud and lots of chatter. What ski would you recommend for best slicing of PNW soft, hacked up crud? I'm well equipped for groomers and light powder, but not so for soft crud . And I love watching your reviews. Thanks!
Hey Judy, I have two recent reviews of the Volkl Kendo and Nordica Enforcer. I also have some videos on the Volkl m6 mantra, and honestly I think the Peak 104s I reviewed would probably be pretty good too.
What Elliott said…Ripstick Black owner who got Kendos to fill in where the ripstick fell flat. They’re more demanding, but ski them with good form and they reward you. They’re really versatile.
Do you like this or maverick 95ti more? And why? I’m just deciding between the two.
Thank you.
I prefer the Maverick, but I think if you want a ski that's easier to turn the elan is better in that category, but overall I prefer the mavericks, here's my 95ti review: ruclips.net/video/JjtSLtniAbA/видео.htmlsi=CpsgTpj7DdzMnwkG
Bought the Ripstick 96 hoping it would keep in the game. At 77 yo I knew I would need help. Skiied for over 50 yrs on straight skis and was never comfortable with the world of sidecuts. Ski like Stein is embedded in my brain. So far the longer rocker on the outside edge is the game changer…seems really hard to “catch” it on the transition.
Makes total sense!
Elliott, what do you consider “high speed?” I’ve ski’d mine on ice cookies and they do chatter a bit, but nothing too bad, had them in soft March snow at fairly warm temps and never felt sticky.
idk I don't have mph, I would say as soon as you get into an upper GS speed
I assume “upper GS speed” is 70+mph? If so, nope I’m definitely not going that fast, so for me they’ve been great! FYI, my fastest speed, 62.5 mph, once!
FYI, God willing I’ll be 74 😎
Atomic Maverick 95 or Elan Ripstip Black 96, which one are you choosing?
Maverick 95
It would be nice to see over all rankings of all the skis at the end of the episodes so we know how they performe relative to other skis, maby because of different strenghs and weaknesses you could do categories like off piste and groomers, but i dont know maby that would over-complicate stuff at the end :)
Great ski for beginner/intermediates and advanced skiers who like to take it easy! I think of it as a "mom ski" plenty of fun as long as you dont want to go fast!
I could eek a lot of speed out of it but im 140lbs, and it definitely chatters. It really comes alive at low speeds and makes great turns.
Agreed with the low speeds, it really is ready to rip as soon as you hit the snow.
Getting hung up on sticky snow: might be just a question of suitable wax and/or base greind pattern. And that combined with a light weight of the ski could well translate to what you feel.
I notice similar stuff with my Hustle 9. They work nicely on a uniform surface, be it harder or softer. But on mixed terrain, like late afternoon groomers with ice and soft bumps, they get a fair amount of unpredictability.
I have not tried the Black Edition of the Ripstick, but with the reqular 96, I was not too impressed. I could consider it to similar use than my Hustle 9, 70/30 touring/inbounds.
I think it was the Ripstick 106 that I tried and my dad demoed for three days. He really loved skiing those, more than the other half-dozen wide all-mountain demos he's tried. I could see the appeal for someone who prioritizes playfulness and light swing weight, and it's really great to hear this take since Elliott's preferences deprioritize crud-cutting ability. I almost wonder if the regular edition Ripsticks would score better than the Black editions. Seems like the regular Ripsticks try to be a super light, playful, floppy ski, so it would make sense if trying to stiffen it up in an attempt to turn the Ripstick into something a bit more crowd-pleasing like the Salomon QSTs would result in a ski that's just worse at both serving the audience the Ripstick is oriented for while having a fundamental design that doesn't excel in the way the QSTs excel.
I didn't enjoy the Ripstick 106 nearly as much as my Nordica Enforcer 104s. Carving just wasn't satisfying, and my issues mirrored Elliott's, if not worse on the wider, floppier Ripstick 106. I definitely felt way more stoked on the Mirus Cor despite its obvious shortcomings off-piste. I've been intrigued by the black edition, but it sounds like I still wouldn't be satisfied on the black edition.
I really don’t notice much chatter at all at high speeds. I’ve gone almost 60 on mine (188) and they don’t freak out. Every ski will chatter at a point but these don’t limit me. Boxy? Yes! Soft snow they seem to suck for some reason. They don’t feel balanced in powder I was surprised. Maybe my ski ability was off. Whatever. They’re a success
Before you even start talking about the ski.. It looks like you had great conditions and I am jealous because you are getting out more than me;)
I am not a huge fan of skis that get hung up on sticky snow and also do not like chatter..
Are you in that part of the season that you are in your groove? When you start talking about high speed and chatter and stuff then I know that I am in my groove.. A couple of weeks I was really lapping and did a LOT of runs in a short period.. 2 days ago.. Not so much.. I was out of my groove..
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I just got into skiing and wanted to let you know that your videos are very helpful!
love to hear it! Thanks for watching@@justinmatias5142
1000$ for a ski?😮 I got my QST 98 for 435€ here in Europe. 🤔
Tbf these are around that now, it just depends on when you buy it.
just as a sidetone, maybe put your voice over the skiing clips instead of the upbeat music. it makes the video unnecessarily longer and also distracting. also the volume difference between your voice and music is kinda irritating. No hate just an observation.
Appreciate the feedback