Elan Ripstick 96: Full Breakdown
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The quick verdict: The lively, lightweight counterargument to metal skis: carbon rods instead of titanal, energy instead of mass, and legs that still work at 3 pm. ~$700
Overview
Elan builds the Ripstick around a TubeLite wood core: hollow carbon tubes and carbon rods stiffen the ski where titanal normally would, saving hundreds of grams. The asymmetric Amphibio profile puts more camber on the inside edge and more rocker on the outside, so each ski has a dedicated left and right. On snow that translates to easy turn initiation, strong rebound out of the turn, and a swing weight that makes bumps and trees feel half as steep. Flax fiber in the tips takes the sting out of chatter.
Where It Shines
- Effortless in moguls, trees, and tight terrain
- Poppy, energetic turn exit that makes easy days fun
- All-day stamina: light enough that the last run feels like the first
Tradeoffs to Know
- Gives up high-speed damping to the M7 Mantra in heavy chop
- Light build can feel nervous on boilerplate ice
- Dedicated left and right skis take a day to get used to
Who It’s For
Skiers who prize quickness and energy over raw speed: mogul lovers, tree skiers, lighter skiers overpowered by metal builds, and anyone whose legs are tired of heavy dailies.
How It Compares
See how it stacks up in our full guide: The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2026-27. Other picks from that list: Völkl M7 Mantra · Blizzard Rustler 9 · Head Kore 94 Ti · K2 Mindbender 90C.