Listen up, folks—if you’re hunting for a ski that can tackle whatever the mountain throws at you, the Elan Ripstick 88 deserves a spot in your quiver. I’m telling you, this isn’t just another plank to strap on; it’s a game-changer that blends agility, versatility, and pure fun into one sleek package.
Whether you’re carving groomers or dodging trees, these skis deliver, and I’ve got the firsthand scoop to prove it.
Trust me, you’ll want to hit the slopes with these under your feet—so let’s get into why they’re worth your hard-earned cash.
My First Ride With The Ripstick 88
Picture this: it’s a crisp March morning in 2025, the snow’s fresh enough to crunch underfoot, and I’m standing at the top of a groomed run with the Elan Ripstick 88s clipped in. I’d heard the buzz—lightweight, snappy, all-mountain champs—but I needed to feel it for myself.
So, I pushed off, and holy cow, it was like the mountain and I had a secret handshake. The first thing that hit me was how quick they turned. I’m no slouch on skis, but these made me feel like I could flick my hips and pivot on a dime, no hesitation.
I started on some hardpack—typical early-day stuff—and the edge grip was unreal. That Amphibio tech Elan brags about? Yeah, it’s not just marketing fluff. The inside edge dug in like it was magnetized to the snow, giving me confidence to lean hard into carves without chattering.
Then, I veered off into some tracked-out crud near the trees. I’ll admit, I braced myself for a bumpy ride, but these skis just shrugged it off.
They’re not the heaviest boards out there, so I wasn’t plowing through like a tank, but they stayed smooth and playful, letting me bounce around without feeling like I was wrestling them.
By midday, a little powder stash opened up off-piste, and I couldn’t resist. At 88mm underfoot, they’re not fat powder hogs, but they floated better than I expected—enough to keep me grinning as I slashed through shin-deep fluff.
Two days later, I took them into some moguls, and while they didn’t glide over bumps like wider siblings might, their agility let me zip around with ease. My 30-something knees thanked me for the lightweight build, too.
After a full weekend, I was hooked—these skis felt like an extension of me, not a tool I had to tame.
What Makes The Ripstick 88 Shine: The Pros
- Edge Grip That Bites
Let’s talk about that edge hold—it’s a standout. The Ripstick 88’s Amphibio profile, with its cambered inside edge, locks into hard snow like it’s got claws. I could carve deep, aggressive turns on groomers without a hint of slippage, even when the slope got icy.
You know that sketchy feeling when your skis start to skid out from under you? Didn’t happen once. It’s like Elan engineered these to give you permission to push your limits, and I’m all for it.
- Lightweight Without Losing Backbone
Weighing in lighter than many all-mountain skis, the Ripstick 88s are a breeze to maneuver. I noticed it most when I was flicking them side to side in tight spots—trees, bumps, you name it. But don’t think “light” means “flimsy.”
The TubeLite Woodcore and carbon reinforcements keep them stiff enough to handle speed and variable snow. I charged some choppy runs, and they stayed composed, no wobbling or folding under pressure. You get the best of both worlds: easy handling and solid performance.
- Versatility for Any Mood
One day you’re chilling, the next you’re shredding—the Ripstick 88 doesn’t care. It’s got this sweet spot where it’s forgiving enough for a mellow cruise but responsive when you want to crank it up. I had a blast playing around with turn shapes, from quick zips to long, swooping arcs.
Powder, hardpack, crud—they handled it all without missing a beat. If you’re the type who likes to mix it up on the mountain, these skis are your wingman.
- Playful Pop You’ll Feel
There’s a springiness to these skis that’s downright addictive. Every turn felt like it had a little extra bounce, thanks to that carbon tech Elan packs in. I found myself hunting side hits just to feel that pop underfoot—it’s not over-the-top, but it’s enough to keep things lively.
You’ll catch yourself smiling as you bounce through a run, and that’s what skiing’s all about, right?
- Easy on the Body
After a full day, my legs weren’t screaming at me, and I credit the lightweight design. At 63, I imagine you’d feel the same relief—less heft to lug around means more energy for the fun stuff.
Even on longer sessions, I didn’t feel bogged down, which isn’t something I can say about every ski I’ve tried. You’ll thank Elan when you’re still fresh for that last run.
Where The Ripstick 88 Falls Short: The Cons
- Not a Powder Beast
Let’s be real—the 88mm waist isn’t built for bottomless pow. I got decent float in shallower stuff, but when I daydream about chest-deep days, I’d reach for something wider. If powder’s your main jam, these might leave you wanting more buoyancy.
They’ll get you through moderate fluff, but they’re not the floaty dreamboats you’d pick for a storm chase.
- Speed Limit in Rough Stuff
Push these too hard in heavy chop or crust, and you’ll feel the lightweight trade-off. I hit some gnarly variable snow at full tilt, and the tips started to flap a bit—nothing dangerous, just a reminder they’re not bruisers.
If you’re a hard-charging ex-racer who loves to blast through anything, you might find their ceiling lower than a beefier ski. They’re happiest when you keep the pace playful, not reckless.
- Moguls Take Some Finesse
In bumps, the Ripstick 88’s agility is a plus, but the narrower waist and stiffer tail don’t absorb as much as a softer, wider ski might. I managed fine, weaving through with quick turns, but it took more focus than I’d need on something purpose-built for moguls.
If you live for zipper lines, they’ll work—just don’t expect them to float over bumps effortlessly.
- Inside Ski Quirks
That Amphibio design—cambered inside, rockered outside—gives killer edge grip, but it can feel odd when both skis are engaged. I noticed the inside ski wanted to slide a bit on carves, which threw me off until I adjusted.
It’s not a dealbreaker, just something you’ll need to get used to. Once you sync up, it’s smooth sailing, but the first few runs might feel funky.
Keeping Your Ripstick 88 In Top Shape: Maintenance Tips
- Waxing for the Win: You want these skis to glide like butter? Wax them regularly. I hit mine every 4-5 days on the mountain, depending on conditions—more if it’s wet snow, less if it’s dry and cold. Grab a good all-temp wax, heat it on with an iron, and scrape it smooth. I’ve found it keeps that edge-to-edge quickness popping and saves you from sticking on flat traverses. Don’t skimp here; a fresh wax job makes a world of difference.
- Edge TLC: Those edges are your lifeline, so keep them sharp. I tune mine with a file and stone every couple weeks, focusing on that inside edge where the camber bites hardest. A 1-degree bevel on the base and 2 on the side works for me—keeps them grippy without catching too much. If you’re not handy with tools, take them to a shop; dull edges kill the Ripstick’s magic.
- Store Smart: After a day out, dry them off—snowmelt’s a rust magnet. I stash mine in a cool, dry spot, standing upright with straps to keep the bases from touching. Avoid heat sources like radiators; it messes with the core. Last season, I forgot to dry them once, and I swear they felt sluggish next time out. Treat them right, and they’ll treat you back.
- Check the Bases: Scratches happen, especially off-piste. I inspect mine after every trip—small gouges get a quick P-Tex fill, deeper ones might need a pro. A smooth base keeps you flying; I learned that the hard way when a rock left me dragging on a flat. Keep an eye out, and don’t let little dings turn into big problems.
- Binding Love: Your bindings take a beating, so give them a once-over. I tighten screws if they loosen and wipe off grime—snow and ice love to gunk them up. Test the release now and then; I had a sticky one last year that freaked me out mid-run. Safe bindings mean safe skiing, so don’t sleep on this.
How The Ripstick 88 Stacks Up Against the Competition?
I’ve skied a bunch of boards, and the Elan Ripstick 88 has some serious rivals out there. Let’s put it toe-to-toe with a few contenders—Elan’s own Ripstick 96, the Salomon QST 92, and the Blizzard Rustler 9—and see how it stacks up. Spoiler: it’s got some tricks up its sleeve that keep me coming back.
- Elan Ripstick 88 Vs. Elan Ripstick 96
First up, it’s a family feud—Ripstick 88 versus Ripstick 96. I’ve taken both out, and they’re like siblings with different personalities. The 88, with its 88mm waist, is my go-to for quick, snappy turns—it’s light and flickable, perfect when I’m carving groomers or dodging trees.
The 96, at 96mm underfoot, feels beefier and floats better in powder; I noticed it smoothing out deeper snow where the 88 had to work harder. But that extra width makes the 96 less nimble—when I’m zipping through tight spots, the 88’s agility wins me over.
It’s a tradeoff: the 88’s my speed demon, while the 96’s the chill all-day cruiser.
- Elan Ripstick 88 Vs. Salomon QST 92
Next, let’s pit the Ripstick 88 against the Salomon QST 92. I’ve shredded on the QST, and it’s got this damp, planted vibe that eats up chop—like a tank rolling over rough terrain.
The Ripstick 88, though, is lighter and livelier; I can whip it around faster, especially on hardpack where its edge grip shines. The QST 92’s 92mm waist gives it a slight edge in soft snow, floating a bit better than the 88, but it’s not as quick to pivot.
When I want stability in crud, the QST nudges ahead; for playful precision, I’m sticking with the Ripstick 88 every time.
- Elan Ripstick 88 Vs. Blizzard Rustler 9
Finally, the Ripstick 88 squares off with the Blizzard Rustler 9. The Rustler’s a freeride fave—I’ve had a blast on its 94mm waist, which surfs powder and glides through bumps like a dream.
It’s softer up front, soaking up jolts better than the 88, especially in moguls where I felt the Ripstick’s stiffer tail. But on groomers, the Ripstick 88 carves circles around it—that Amphibio edge bites hard, while the Rustler feels looser and less precise.
If I’m chasing soft snow all day, the Rustler’s got the upper hand; for a mix of hardpack and everything else, the 88 keeps me grinning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Ripstick 88 and 96 are siblings, but they’ve got distinct vibes. The 88, at 88mm underfoot, is narrower and leans into quick, precise turns—think groomers and tight spots. I found it snappier and lighter on my feet. The 96, with its 96mm waist, steps up the float game for powder and handles chop with a bit more stability thanks to the extra width. It’s less nimble but smoother in softer snow. Pick the 88 for agility, the 96 for versatility in deeper stuff.
Sizing depends on you, buddy. I’m 5’10”, 170 pounds, and went with the 172cm—felt perfect for my mix of carving and playing around. Elan offers lengths from 160cm to 184cm. If you’re lighter or love quick turns, go shorter; taller or faster, size up. Stand next to them—they should hit between your chin and nose. I’d say match your skill and style: intermediate and chill? Shorter. Expert and aggressive? Longer. Test a demo if you can.
They’re solid, but not mogul kings. I took the 88s through bumps, and their agility let me zip around tight lines—super fun. But the narrower waist and stiffer tail don’t soak up jolts like a softer, wider ski might. You’ll need to stay light on your feet and work the turns; they won’t glide over bumps effortlessly. If moguls are your daily grind, something softer might edge out, but for occasional runs, they hold their own.
Elan crafts these beauties in Slovenia, right in the Alps. I love knowing they’re born in a place that lives and breathes skiing—it’s like they’ve got mountain DNA baked in. The factory’s been at it for decades, using green energy and recycled materials, which is pretty cool if you ask me. You can feel the craftsmanship when you ski them—handmade vibes from a snowy corner of Europe.
Wrapping It Up: Get The Ripstick 88 Already
Here’s the deal: the Elan Ripstick 88 is your ticket to a blast on the mountain, no matter what’s underfoot. I’ve skied them hard, and they’ve won me over with their edge grip, versatility, and that playful kick.
Sure, they’ve got limits—deep pow and high-speed crud aren’t their forte—but for most days, they’re gold. You deserve skis that make every run a thrill, so grab these and hit the slopes. You won’t regret it.
