[Editor’s Note: In the interest of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, we’re posting here some of our measured specs and manufacturer details, and will update in the future. Take a look, and let us know in the Comments Section below what questions you’d like us to answer.]

What Elan says about the Ripstick 96

“Elan Skis, handcrafted in modern production and 100% made in the Alps for nearly 80 years, is pleased to introduce the all-new, next generation of Ripstick, thoughtfully designed over many years of development. Careful to not abandon the innate Ripstick characteristics of the award-winning series loved and trusted by freeride skiers across the globe, the new Ripsticks are upgraded with modern technology and shapes that excel everywhere across the mountain.

The new Ripstick collection debuts eight new models; four for men: Ripstick 108, 102, 96, 88; and four for women: Ripstick 106W, 100W, 94W, 88W; all featuring a respectable lightweight chassis that delivers outstanding heavyweight performance, the new Ripsticks are all technically designed for powerful performance on the slopes from powder to crud, but light enough to navigate backcountry tours with ease and confidence in any terrain.

Without losing the world renown performance of the Ripstick, Elan focused on minor improvements to make the great ski even greater. Elan accomplished this by improving tip stability, integrity at speed and turn finish through the new geometry, construction enhancements and 3D shape.

The new collection maintains Elan’s acclaimed Tubelite Woodcore, carbon rods and Amphibio technology but elevates the skis’ signature asymmetrical design with all new sizes and a new geometry featuring a slightly narrowed tip for more stability and mixed snow performance and a slightly wider tail to finish turns with power and strength. The new Ripsticks debut a new state-of-the-art Carbon Deck Technology amplifying the skis’ core, carbon and shape with unidirectional carbon (UD) edge bands for a strong, stable platform with superior response and powerful rebound. Furthermore, a layer of Flax Fiber is placed in the tip of the ski to neutralize vibrations and chatter for a smooth ride at high speeds and variable conditions.”

(For more info on the whole new Ripstick collection and Elan’s other new models, check out our writeup on Elan’s new 2024-2025 ski collection.)

Flex Pattern

Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Ripstick 96:

Tips: 5-5.5
Shovels: 5.5-6.5
In Front of Toe Piece: 7-9.5
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-8.5
Tails: 8.5-7.5

This ski has a pretty directional flex pattern, with a front half that’s notably softer than the back. It starts very soft at the tips and shovels, and then slowly stiffens as you move toward the middle of the ski. Then, the Ripstick 96 stays pretty stiff until you get to the rockered portion of its tail, but that tail is considerably stiffer than the ski’s tips and shovels.

Stay Tuned…

We’ve been testing the new Ripstick 96 and will be posting a Full Review in the future. Keep an eye out for updates, and let us know of any questions you have.