Elan Ripstick 96 Skis 2021

elan’s excellent Ripsticks have had an upgrade, most significantly is the introduction of Amphibio Carbon Line Technology that places carbon inserts over the inside edges of the ski for improved grip without over-stiffening the ski or adding excess weight. The result is the same lightweight performance, just now with added precision and control. The clever Amphibio rocker technology remains, with camber on the inside edge and rocker on the outside, giving the ski excellent edge hold on firmer snow and easy manoeuvrability when off-piste. This the ellis Brigham Freeride Ski of the Year. Terrain Type & Ability LevelTerrain Type This a great example of a freeride ski, capable of skiing anywhere on the mountain, not just powder or mainly firm conditions, but everywhere. That said, every ski has a certain things it does especially well and, in this case, Ripsticks shine brightest in softer conditions. It’s got the wdith and shape to work really well in soft snow, with good float and easy handling. The Amphibio asymmetric camber/rocker aids the edge hold and feeling of positivity on pistes without making the ski any harder to use. There’s no metal in the ski so to strengthen grip on hard snow the new Amphibio Line Technology uses carbon reinforcement along the inside edge to improve the stiffness. The flex feels great on pretty much all terrain, with only the steepest, firmest runs needing more care. Thanks to it being relatively lightweight, mounting it with a BC binding is an option if you want to do the occasional trip away from the lifts. Skier TypeThe Ripstick is aimed squarely at advanced skiers wanting a freeride option, maybe as a single ski quiver or maybe as a second ski to compliment a piste model. There’s no metal so it won’t suit the heaviest or most powerful skiers but, thanks to clever design, it isn’t tricky to use. It does reward good technique with precision and stabilty to take it anywhere OverviewShape96mm in the waist is a key part of what makes this a true freeride ski that can double as an all mountain model for those who want ultimate versatility. It’s wide enough to handle powder, yet narrow enough in the waist to grip and rip on the frontside. The re-shaped tip and tail taper design keeps it feeling comfortable in every turn shape, on any surface. The relatively long nose and tail provide fogiveness and stability.RockerRipsticks use Amphibio technology, a revolutionary ski design that integrates both rocker and camber profiles into dedicated left and right skis. These skis feature a cambered inside edge assuring precision, edge grip and stability, while a rockered outside edge provides forgiveness, turning ease and smooth transitions.CoreThe Tubelite Woodcore uses two super lightweight carbon tubes inserted into a lightweight laminated wood core. These tubes run the length of the ski following the arc of the sidecut. They provide torsional stability and powerful rebound while allowing for material reduction of the core. The result is incredible lightweight response and stability.ConstructionSST construction uses sidewalls ensure quick, nimble and direct power transmission from the ski to snow as well as providing exceptional torsional rigidity.Key FeaturesAmphibio Carbon Line TechnologyAmphibio Carbon Line technology is a combination of innovations that provide the best balance of lightweight construction with power and performance. Amphibio Carbon Line technology elevates the asymmetrical ski design to the next level by strategically locating carbon reinforcement over the inside edges of the skis to provide more power in the turn. Carbon rods inserted into the woodcore maximize weight savings and overall stability. The end result is an extremely lightweight high-performance ski with uncompromised versatility and smooth handling. Vaportip ReinforcmentVapor inserts are advanced composites integrated into the tip and tail area of the ski’s core. These inserts reduce weight and vibration, dramatically improving stability and ensuring a smooth ride even in the most demanding conditions. eB tester’s comments: Luke (Buying Team) I’ve always been a fan of the Ripstick, finding it nicely forgiving and confidence boosting. The new version does feel stiffer with better grip, in a positive way. Better skiers can charge more now but it still has the element of forgiveness for those who sometimes want to wash out turns.Technical SpecificationsSize (cm)Tip Width (mm)Waist Width (mm)Tail Width (mm)Radius (m)Weight (g)1721369611016.21615180136961101816501881369611019.51790General InformationSkier Ability: Advanced/expertTerrain Type: Freeride Rocker: Tip/Tail RockerRadius: MediumBase: SinteredBindings: n/aDIN: n/aConstruction: Full SidewallCore: Wood, CarbonDemo: YesSizing Description: Forehead to over head height. The increased length ensures better grip, stability and floatation and is essential to making the ski work to its full potential. Large rockers at the tip mean it is important not to size down.