Listen, if you’re hunting for a ski that’s going to make your days on the mountain unforgettable, stop scrolling and pay attention. The Elan Ripstick 96 is calling your name, and trust me, you’ll want to answer.
I’ve spent enough time carving turns and floating through powder on these bad boys to know they’re worth every penny. Whether you’re an intermediate skier looking to level up or an advanced shredder craving versatility, this ski delivers.
It’s light, playful, and tough enough to handle whatever the mountain throws at you. So, why wait? Snag a pair and let’s hit the slopes together.
My First Turns On The Ripstick 96: A Love Story
Picture this: it’s a crisp morning in Tahoe, the snow’s fresh from an overnight dump, and I’m standing at the top of a groomed run with the Elan Ripstick 96 strapped to my feet. I’d heard the hype—friends raving about how these skis could do it all—but I wasn’t sold yet.
I’m an intermediate skier who’s spent years bouncing between rentals, trying to find something that clicks. So, I pushed off, a little skeptical but curious.
First turn? Holy smokes. The Ripstick 96 felt like an extension of me. It’s light—sneaky light for a resort ski—but it didn’t flop around like some featherweight touring sticks I’d tried. I carved into the groomer, and the edge hold surprised me.
For a 96mm waist, it gripped like a narrower ski, snapping back with this poppy energy that made me grin like an idiot. I couldn’t resist pushing it harder, picking up speed, and the stability held up—no chatter, no wobbles, just smooth sailing.
Later that day, I ventured off-piste into some boot-deep powder. Now, I’m no powder hound, but these skis floated better than I expected. The wide tip did its job, keeping me buoyant while I figured out how to navigate the fluff.
It wasn’t a full-on powder ski experience—let’s not kid ourselves—but it handled well enough to keep me stoked. By the end of the day, I was weaving through moguls, feeling the flex work with me instead of against me.
I walked away thinking, “Okay, Elan, you’ve got my attention.” That demo day turned into a purchase, and I haven’t looked back.
What Makes The Ripstick 96 Tick?
Let’s talk about what’s under the hood—or rather, underfoot. The Ripstick 96 is an all-mountain champ from Elan, a Slovenian company with a knack for blending innovation with real-world performance.
At 96mm wide underfoot, it sits in that sweet spot—not too skinny for powder, not too fat for groomers. It’s got Elan’s Amphibio tech, which means each ski has a left and right version with different camber and rocker profiles.
The inside edge is cambered for grip, while the outside edge rocks more for easier turn transitions. Sounds fancy, right? It is, but it’s not just marketing fluff—it actually works.
The core’s a lightweight wood setup with carbon rods running along the edges, giving it torsional stiffness without piling on the pounds. Add in some vapor tip tech to cut down on chatter, and you’ve got a ski that’s nimble yet tough.
It’s built for skiers who want one pair to rule them all—groomers, pow, bumps, you name it. And at around 1650 grams per ski, it’s light enough to slap some pin bindings on and tour without feeling like you’re dragging an anchor uphill.
Pros of The Ripstick 96: Why I’m Obsessed
- Lightweight Magic That Doesn’t Skimp on Power
You know that feeling when you pick up a ski and think, “Wait, is this it?” That’s the Ripstick 96. It’s shockingly light for how well it performs. I’ve hauled these up a skin track with pin bindings, and my legs didn’t hate me for it. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t feel flimsy.
Those carbon rods Elan tucked into the core? They give it a backbone. I can push these skis hard on groomers, and they store energy like a coiled spring, snapping back with a playful pop that keeps me coming back for more turns.
- Versatility That Covers All Bases
I’m not exaggerating when I say these skis handle everything I throw at them. On groomed runs, they carve like a dream—tight turns, long arcs, whatever mood I’m in. The edge hold is unreal for a 96mm ski, and I’ve ripped down blacks with confidence I didn’t know I had.
Off-piste, they float through boot-top powder without sinking, and in moguls, the flex makes them easy to maneuver. Sure, they’re not perfect in every niche, but they’re the jack-of-all-trades I need as a one-ski-quiver guy.
- Playful Yet Predictable Ride
There’s something about the Ripstick 96 that just screams fun. It’s responsive without taking over—YOU decide where it’s going, not the other way around. I love how I can flick it around in tight spots like trees or bumps, but it still feels steady when I open it up on a wide-open bowl.
It’s like having a dance partner who knows all the moves but lets you lead. That balance of playfulness and reliability is what hooked me.
- Smooth Operator in Variable Conditions
Variable snow can be a nightmare—chopped-up crud, wind-blown crust, you name it. The Ripstick 96 doesn’t bat an eye. It’s got this dampness that smooths out the ride, soaking up vibrations so I don’t feel like I’m rattling apart.
I’ve blasted through spring slush and sketchy backcountry weirdness, and these skis kept me in control. They’re not invincible, but they handle the messy stuff better than most lightweight options I’ve tried.
Cons of The Ripstick 96: Where It Falls Short
- Speed Limits Apply
Look, I’m no speed demon, but I like to let it rip sometimes. The Ripstick 96 starts to chatter when I push past 45 mph, especially on firm snow.
It’s not a dealbreaker for me—I’m usually cruising at a saner pace—but if you’re a heavier, more aggressive skier who charges like a bull, you might feel it. The Black Edition might be your fix; I hear it’s stiffer and can take more punishment.
- Powder Performance Has Limits
Don’t get me wrong—these skis handle powder way better than I expected for 96mm. I’ve had a blast in fresh snow, but when it gets deep—like, over-the-knee deep—they’re not keeping up with fatter boards.
The tail’s a bit stiff, so it doesn’t smear as playfully as a dedicated powder ski. If you live for storm days, you might want something wider in your quiver.
- Edge-to-Edge Could Be Snappier
Carving is a joy on these, but transitioning edge-to-edge isn’t lightning-fast. It’s not sluggish by any means, but I’ve noticed a slight delay compared to narrower, race-bred skis.
For me, it’s a fair trade-off for the all-mountain versatility, but if you’re all about quick, precise cuts, you might find it lacking.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Ripsticks Ripping
- Waxing Like A Pro: You want these skis to glide like butter? Wax them regularly. I hit mine every 5-7 days on the mountain, depending on conditions. Grab a universal wax if you’re lazy like me—it works fine for most temps. Scrape off the old gunk with a plastic scraper, iron on the new stuff (don’t burn it—keep the iron moving!), and scrape again once it cools. Your bases will thank you, and you’ll feel the difference on those first turns.
- Edge TLC: Sharp edges are your best friend on the Ripstick 96—they’re what make it carve so well. I tune mine with a file and stone every couple of weeks, focusing on a 1-degree base bevel and 2-degree side angle. If you’re not handy, take them to a shop, but don’t let them dull out. A quick pass with a diamond stone between big tunes keeps them biting.
- Storage Smarts: When the season’s done, don’t just chuck these in the garage and call it a day. I clean mine with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt, dry them thoroughly, and slap on a thick layer of storage wax (no scraping). Store them upright, away from heat sources—your basement’s perfect. It keeps the bases from drying out and the edges from rusting.
- Binding Checkups: If you’re touring like I do with pin bindings, give those a once-over before every trip. Tighten any loose screws, and make sure the release settings match your weight and style. I’ve had a binding pop off mid-tour once—not fun. A quick check saves headaches.
- Inspecting for Damage: These skis are tough, but they’re not invincible. After a rowdy day, I check the topsheets for dings and the bases for core shots. Small scratches? No biggie—fill with P-Tex and smooth it out. Bigger gouges? Hit up a shop. Keeping them in shape means they’ll keep YOU in shape on the hill.
Comparison With Other Brands: How Does Elan Ripstick 96 Stack Up?
I’ve had the chance to ski some killer boards over the years, and the Elan Ripstick 96 holds its own against the big players. Let’s stack it up against the Volkl M6 Mantra, the Elan Ripstick 88, and the Salomon QST 98—three skis I’ve spent real time on.
Each one’s got its vibe, and I’ll break it down so you can see where the Ripstick 96 shines and where it bends.
- Elan Ripstick 96 Vs. Volkl M6 Mantra
The Volkl M6 Mantra is like the muscle car of skis—beefy, powerful, and ready to charge. I took it out on a firm day in Utah, and it felt like a tank, plowing through chop with a metal-laced core that screamed stability.
The Ripstick 96, though?
It’s the sporty coupe—lighter and way more playful. I love how it snaps into turns and dances through moguls without wearing me out. The M6’s got an edge on raw power and high-speed dampness, no doubt, but it’s a workout to maneuver compared to the Ripstick’s nimble flex.
If you’re a hard-charger who lives for steeps, the M6 might call your name. Me? I’d rather enjoy the ride with the Ripstick 96’s forgiving finesse.
- Elan Ripstick 96 Vs. Elan Ripstick 88
Staying in the family, the Ripstick 88 is the 96’s leaner sibling, clocking in at 88mm underfoot. I skied it on a groomer-heavy day, and man, it’s quick—edge-to-edge transitions felt snappier than the 96, and it gripped icy patches like a champ.
The Ripstick 96 trades some of that precision for versatility. I’ve floated it through powder the 88 couldn’t touch and muscled it through crud without blinking.
The 88’s a carving machine, perfect if you stick to hardpack, but the 96’s my pick for mixing it up across the mountain. It’s like choosing between a scalpel and a Swiss Army knife—depends on your day.
- Elan Ripstick 96 Vs. Salomon QST 98
The Salomon QST 98 and I got cozy during a stormy week in Tahoe, and it’s a beast in its own lane. At 98mm, it’s got a hair more width than the Ripstick 96, and it shows—deeper snow felt easier, and it crushed variable crud with a damp, planted ride. But here’s the rub: it’s heavier.
I felt it lugging uphill on a short tour, where the Ripstick 96’s light swing weight kept me grinning. On groomers, the 96 carves with more pop, thanks to that Amphibio tech, while the QST 98 leans into a smoother, less aggressive turn.
If you prioritize stability and off-piste grunt, the QST 98’s your guy. For me, the Ripstick 96’s agility and all-day energy win out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Ripstick 88 and 96 are siblings, but they’ve got different personalities. The 88’s narrower at 88mm underfoot, so it’s quicker edge-to-edge and grips harder on firm snow—think groomer days. The 96, at 96mm, gives you more float in powder and handles variable stuff better. I’d say the 88’s for precision carving, while the 96’s my go-to for all-mountain versatility. Pick based on where you ski most!
They’re solid, but not perfect. I’ve taken my Ripstick 96 through boot-deep pow and had a blast—it floats decently thanks to the wide tip and rocker. But in legit deep stuff, like knee-high or more, it starts to struggle. The tail’s stiff, so it’s not as smeary as a fat powder ski. If you chase storms, you might want something wider, but for occasional pow days, it’s more than workable.
Sizing’s personal, but here’s my take: I’m 6’2”, 200 lbs, and the 180cm Ripstick 96 feels spot-on—nimble yet stable. Elan skis run a bit short, so go with your height or a smidge longer if you’re aggressive. Intermediate? Stick close to your chin. Charging hard or touring? Size up. I’d say 168cm for lighter folks, 175-180cm for average builds, and 188cm if you’re tall and powerful. Try before you buy if you can!
Conclusion: Your Next Ski Awaits
Alright, you’ve heard my story, and I’m telling you—the Elan Ripstick 96 is the real deal. It’s light, fun, and ready to tackle whatever you throw at it, from groomers to pow. Sure, it’s got quirks, but the pros outweigh them by a mile.
If you’re ready to stop renting and start owning the mountain, these skis are your ticket. Grab a pair, wax ‘em up, and meet me out there—I promise you won’t regret it. Let’s make some turns!
