REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Good floatation
REASONS TO AVOID
Brittle
Nervous at speed
Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Review
Dependable and forgiving in softer snow, but unstable and chattery when things get firm
Credit: Elan
RELATED: Best Skis of 2024
Our Verdict
Elan's new Ripstick 96 Black Edition performs best in soft and forgiving snow. Designers crafted this ski with a considerable amount more carbon material compared to the normal Ripstick version. This input of carbon serves to keep the overall weight down while adding stability and torsional rigidity for more high-performance skiing. Despite the improvements over the base Ripstick, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition earned lower than average scores in most of our performance metrics. Our testers found the most success with this ski on higher edge angles and in more predictable softer terrain.
Editor's Note: We updated this Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition review on February 23, 2022, with an unbiased take on product value and a direct comparison to similar products, just in case this isn't the best ski for you.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $584.99 at Evo Compare at 3 sellers | $449.99 at Evo Compare at 3 sellers | $519.99 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $749.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $550 List $474.89 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This carbon-infused ski is lightweight and great in soft snow, but a bit too brittle for firm conditions | Whether you forgot to check the conditions report or are just skiing at a new hill, fret not with this standout all-mountain performer | This ski means business and is one of our favorites for all-mountain carving | Fantastic powder performance for the hard-charging, expert all-mountain skier | A solid blend of performance and value for the intermediate-to-advanced skier |
| Rating Categories | Elan Ripstick 96 Bl... | Volkl M6 Mantra | Nordica Enforcer 94 | Blizzard Rustler 9 | Salomon QST 92 |
| Stability at Speed (20%) | |||||
| Carving Ability (20%) | |||||
| Powder Performance (20%) | |||||
| Crud Performance (20%) | |||||
| Terrain Playfulness (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Elan Ripstick 96 Bl... | Volkl M6 Mantra | Nordica Enforcer 94 | Blizzard Rustler 9 | Salomon QST 92 |
| Waist Width | 96 mm | 96 mm | 94 mm | 98 mm | 92 mm |
| Sidecut (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) | 136-96-110 mm | 135-96-119 mm | 127-94-115.5 mm | 131.5-98-121 mm | 129-92-117 mm |
| Available Lengths | 164, 172, 180, 188 cm | 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm | 165, 172, 179, 186,191 cm | 162, 168, 174, 180, 186 cm | 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm |
| Length Tested | 180 cm | 177 cm | 179 cm | 186 cm | 184 cm |
| Turn Radius | 18 m | 18 m | 17.1 m | 18 m | 16 m |
| Camber Profile | Amphibio Profile | Tip/Tail Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Tip/Tail Rocker | Tip/Tail Rocker |
| Manufacturer Claimed Weight | 7.6 lbs | 9.0 lbs | 8.9 lbs | 8.5 lbs | 8.6 lbs |
| Core Material | Tubelite Woodcore, Carbon Inserts | Poplar, Beech, Double Titanal | Performance Wood (Proprietary), Double Titanium, GR400 Carbon Glass | Freeride Trueblend Woodcore | Poplar |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Elan introduces their Ripstick 96 Black Edition to improve upon the well-established Ripstick 96. This high-performance version includes Elan's VaporTip, Carbon TubeLite Woodcore, TNT Technology, and SST Sidewall. Combined with Ripstick's Amphibio profile – specialized sidecuts on the left and right skis – we expected a lot from the technology included in the Ripstick 96 Black Edition. Our testers were overall disappointed, and this ski's overall scores reflect that. There were at least a few high points to note for the die-hard Elan fans out there.
Performance Comparison
The Ripstick 96 Black Edition liked higher edge angles when sliding in soft snow.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Stability at Speed
Unfortunately, we could not find the Ripstick 96 Black Edition offering any of the familiar stability or dampening qualities that we found in other skis that utilize carbon in their construction. Testers described the ski as "nervous at speed." While the infused carbon helps keep the weight down, we found that the skis bounce and chatter at higher speeds or on firmer snow.
The Ripstick 96 Black Edition struggled to provide consistent results for our testers.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Carving Ability
Our crew noted that the Ripstick 96 Black Edition had an inconsistent, "brittle" flex. We also found that even with this ski being so light, it wasn't as quick as expected. This sluggishness was surprising, especially compared to similar width but heavier skis. As far as groomers go, this ski performed best in fresh-packed powder conditions where the snow is more receptive to the ski's edge.
Get the Ripstick 96 Black Edition in its element and there are moments of greatness.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Powder Performance
Absolutely where the Ripstick 96 Black Edition shines the most in the steep and deep stuff. Elan's laundry list of technologies comes together and delivers a strong floating sensation in a lightweight package. While we still couldn't feel much assistance from Elan's Amphibio Profile – where the specific left and right skis have slightly different shapes – we noted the nervousness from on-piste was gone, and the ski felt nimble and athletic. Again, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition prefers a somewhat longer turn radius at a medium-type speed.
Big slashes on the Ripstick 96 Black Edition result in big snow sprays, whether in powder or springtime slush!
Credit: Scott Rokis
Crud Performance
A surprising metric for the Ripstick 96 Black Edition was how it dealt with crud. Especially considering how difficult different crud situations can be, we gained some of our smiles back after adventuring off the groomed. Other skis still scored higher in this metric, but the Ripstick 96 Black Edition might be a ski to look at if lower weight is a top consideration for you.
Terrain Playfulness
The one-word description of the Ripstick 96 Black Edition was "brittle." Within the moments of greatness steering through trees on ridges and venturing through natural gullies, there was a constant inconsistency with the ski flex. This inconsistency was especially alarming when lining up to air over an obstacle or moving through soft, then firm, and then more soft snow.
Bumps on the smaller side were manageable at times on the Ripstick 96 Black Edition.
Credit: Scott Rokis
Should You Buy the Ripstick 96 Black Edition?
To be frank about it, probably not. The Ripstick 96 Black Edition has some things going for it – like a lightweight, nimble feel in the deep and fluffy stuff – but at 96 millimeters underfoot, this would be an interesting choice for a powder ski. We've heard the argument that skinnier skis do make for more face shots, so if you live in a place where light and dry snow is common and you enjoy "skiing the bottom" on a powder day, then this is a niche ski for you.
What Other All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?
Even though the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition can be considered a specialty powder tool within the market of top all-mountain skis, other skis like the Blizzard Rustler 9 are more fun to ski in powder, and more versatile. We recognize that weight savings can be a major factor.
—
Bobby Garrett
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