SKI CANADA TEST 2022
ELAN RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION 96 * NON-METAL ALL-MOUNTAIN * EDITORS’ CHOICE
BEST FOR: An all-mountain quiver killer.
This was one of the most popular skis on test day. “Solid, easygoing crud buster. I would buy it,” said Chris Grover. “Favourite test ski. It’s responsive in all conditions,” wrote Paul Laperrière. It could be the stealth bomber black graphics, or maybe all the carbon. Two carbon rods run along the edge of the ski, paralleling the lightweight wood core and providing edge hold and stiffness. More carbon in the tip and tail adds power transmission and stability without weight. Then there’s a carbon weave, focused over the inside edges and under the binding, adding torsional stiffness. The result is a ski with incredible versatility. In soft snow it feels bigger than it is, floating and slashing. On hard snow, there’s plenty of bite for carving. In between, it runs over chopped-up and weaves through bumps and trees. It doesn’t demand too much, but remains smooth and stable at high speeds. As Grover states, “It’s an awesome off-piste ripper.”
LENGTHS: 167, 172, 180, 188
DIMENSIONS: 136/96/110 @ 180
RADIUS: 18 @ 180
OTHER MODELS: 106
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $900
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