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I’ve realized to by no means decide a guide by its cowl, or a ski by its topsheet. Once I first picked up Elan’s new Ripstick 102, I’d be mendacity if I stated that I assumed it regarded cool–however inside only a few activates it, I knew I wouldn’t wish to cease snowboarding it. Constructed with enter from freeskiing legend Glen Plake, the Ripstick collection has been part of Slovenian model Elan’s lineup for the higher a part of a decade now, nevertheless it’s quietly flown beneath the radar for a lot of skiers. That’s a little bit of a bummer, as a result of these are fairly probably a few of the most approachable and enjoyable directional all-mountain skis I’ve ever been on.
Elan’s Ripstick 102 an absolute sleeper agent within the crowded all-mountain class, impressively mixing attributes of hard-snow particular skis and off-piste chargers, all in a surprisingly low weight. The pretty traditional-looking form harbors some refined design options (the skis are asymmetrically rockered, extra on that beneath), and whereas it’s marketed as a resort ski, it may simply do double-duty within the backcountry because of its weight, versatile form, and flat tail with pores and skin clip cutouts.
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Elan Ripstick 102 Specs
Measurement skied: 182cm, 189cmLengths out there: 161cm, 168cm, 175cm, 182cm, 189cmSidecut: 138mm – 102mm – 118mmRadius: 18.8m (182cm)Profile: Asymmetrical Amphibio RockerWeight: 1720g (182cm)
Form, Flex and Building
On the floor, Elan’s Ripstick 102 seems to be like your run-of-the-mill directional all-mountain ski. Name it a dad ski if you’ll. Dig a bit of deeper, nevertheless, and the form hides some actually cool and distinctive design options. The squared-off suggestions pair prolonged taper with lengthy and low rocker traces within the entrance half of the ski–that upon nearer inspection reveal themselves to be uneven. Huh, you would possibly ask? Elan builds of their “Amphibio Know-how,” which brings the within edge contact level a bit of nearer to the entrance of the ski than the skin to enhance edge grip and forestall your skis from crossing. Sure, that signifies that there are left- and right-specific skis, and no, you received’t die in case you change them.
The ski tails are principally flat, with a slight upturn and taper factors very near the top of the ski.
Diving into the flex, the Ripstick 102 falls on the softer finish of the spectrum, however because of carbon rods constructed into the core, the ski feels extremely energetic, with a handy guide a rough rebound and actually spectacular quantities of pop. Which means it received’t plow in addition to a heavier ski with a great deal of metallic, however will permit you ski rather more actively.
Inside, Elan actually leans into utilizing inventive supplies, with Flax fibers close to the tip to stop vibration, in addition to carbon rods and unidirectional carbon bands within the core to fine-tune torsional stability and preserve the burden down.
Hanne Lundin
On-Snow Efficiency
Let’s put it this fashion: Relating to making a enjoyable and versatile all-mountain ski Elan completely understood the task with the Ripstick 102. Whereas the ski isn’t actually a looker, the efficiency of the ski greater than speaks for itself. This one actually outpaces its rivals in the case of each ripping groomers and cruising by way of tender chop, windbuff, and different off-piste circumstances you would possibly discover at most resorts.
The primary phrase I’d use to explain the ski is “responsive”, adopted by “forgiving.” Curiously, I’ve discovered that these two attributes don’t sometimes go collectively in a ski, however by some means, it really works on the Ripstick. The Ripstick 102 feels impressively nimble, with edge grip akin to a a lot heavier and stiffer ski. Typically, skis this gentle and tender received’t grip agency snow as nicely at excessive speeds, however I discovered the Ripstick to not simply present a real “on-rails” feeling on agency groomers, but in addition featured the responsiveness of an costly sports activities automobile–or a thin carving ski.
Take it off piste, nevertheless, and the vibe modifications dramatically. Gone is that extra severe “on-rails” feeling, changed by a free, pivot-y and slashy feeling that also holds up at pace. One tester famous: “Total, that is surprisingly probably the greatest inbounds freeride skis I’ve ever been on. The broad shovel floats and planes above tender and chopped up snow, they’re gentle so they do not tire you out, and tender sufficient to be playful and enjoyable at gradual speeds. However, put the pedal to the metallic and so they completely ship. Go straightline that subsequent chute, I dare you.”
What about that uneven Amphibio Know-how? It’s not simply mumbo-jumbo. The left and proper ski characteristic completely different rocker profiles for the within and out of doors edges of every, making every ski observe barely otherwise when on edge. That permits you to drive the downhill ski and have your inside ski simply observe alongside. On snow, that enables the skis to make actually predictable and highly effective turns with out feeling hooky or bizarre, particularly in variable snow.
Carter Edwards
Comparisons
Mid-100-waisted freeride skis are a dime a dozen lately, so there’s a lot to attract a comparability to with the Elan Ripstick 102, however we’ll follow two skis additionally new for 2026, the Salomon QST 100 and the Dynastar M-Professional 100.
In comparison with the Salomon QST 100, we’re coping with a REALLY related vibe right here. Each are extremely straightforward to ski, on hardpack and in variable snow, making them wonderful selections for a wide range of potential ranges from intermediate skiers trying to cruise across the mountain, and knowledgeable skiers searching for a enjoyable and versatile on a regular basis ski. The place does the Elan win? Off-piste, notably in deeper snow.
Trying on the Dynastar M-Professional 100, these skis share related shapes and intentions, however the Dynastar feels rather more “severe.” The Elan is a bit lighter, softer flexing, and enjoyable at gradual pace, the place the M-Professional 100 higher caters to extra aggressive skiers.
To notice, Elan’s Ripstick 102 can be out there in a stiffer and barely heavier Black Version (primarily a Glen Plake pro-model ski) that provides some extra carbon into the development to beef up the ski.
Carter Edwards
What kind of skier is the Elan Ripstick 102 greatest for?
Regardless of being a little bit of the ugly duckling of our check this yr, Elan’s Ripstick 102 might be the ski you can purchase in case you’re searching for a directional daily-driver resort ski for many mountains. It’s not a freestyle ski by any means, nevertheless it’s extraordinarily poppy, energetic and enjoyable when carving on piste, and provides a really forgiving trip off-piste, excelling in windbuff, dust-on-crust, and in any other case questionable circumstances.
On the lookout for a dependable ski to tear Mammoth windbuff, Jackson Gap chalk, or cruise across the Colorado excessive nation days after a storm? Look no additional.
