Elan has revealed the details of their 2024-2025 collection, and it includes a lot of new skis.
We’ve been testing the new Ripstick 94W and Ripstick 96, and BLISTER+ members can check out our Flash Review of the Ripstick 96 for our initial on-snow impressions. We’ll also be posting First Looks in the future with our measured specs, flex pattern numbers, and rocker profile pictures for these skis and some of Elan’s other new models In the meantime, let’s get into the details of what’s new:
2024-2025 Elan Ripstick Skis
The 2024-2025 Ripstick collection will include 8 skis. The Ripstick 88, 96, 102, and 108 make up the men’s Ripstick line; the women’s series includes the Ripstick 88W, 94W, 100W, and 106W.
While there are lots of updates to cover here, Elan doesn’t appear to be drastically changing the design intentions of these skis. Elan’s description of the new models is pretty similar to how they generally describe the current versions:
“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.”
The 24/25 Ripsticks still feature Elan’s “Tubelite Woodcore,” carbon rods, and asymmetrical rocker profiles (which Elan calls “Amphibio”). The carbon tubes run through the (typically lightweight) wood core to add stiffness and power transmission with minimal weight gain. The Amphibio profile refers to the fact that the Ripstick’s outer-edge rocker lines are deeper than their inner-edge rocker lines, with the theory being that you get more precision where you need it (inside edge) and more maneuverability where you don’t (outside edge).
One of the noteworthy changes for 24/25 comes down to shape — the new skis reportedly feature narrower tips for “more stability and mixed-snow performance” and a slightly wider tail to “finish turns with power and strength.”
For reference, Elan’s stated tip-waist-tail widths for the 23/24 180 cm Ripstick 96 are 136-96-110 mm. Their stated dimensions for the new 24/25 182 cm Ripstick 96 are 133-96-114 mm. I.e., we’re not talking about earth-shaking changes here, but tweaking both the tip and tail shape — and decreasing the difference between the tip and tail widths — should make for a noticeable difference on snow.
The available models have also changed a fair bit. On the men’s side, the nominal 88 and 96 mm widths remain, but the Ripstick 106 gets replaced by the new Ripstick 102, and the widest option will now be the Ripstick 108 (they previously offered a Ripstick 116). On the women’s side, the Ripstick 100W replaces the previous Ripstick 102W, but women will now have a wider option, in the form of the new Ripstick 106W.
As of publishing this, we only have specs for the Ripstick 96 and Ripstick 94W, but at least for those skis, the lengths have also changed. The Ripstick 94W will be available in 147, 154,161, 168, and 175 cm lengths; the Ripstick 96 will be available in 161, 168, 175, 182, and 189 cm lengths.
In addition to tweaked shapes, the 24/25 Ripsticks also get some new tech, including “Carbon Deck Technology,” unidirectional carbon edge bands, and flax fibers at the tip. The details are slim in terms of the exact implementation of those two carbon elements, but they’re supposed to amount to “a strong, stable platform with superior response and powerful rebound.” The flax additions, which are becoming more popular across the industry, are meant to “neutralize vibrations and chatter for a smooth ride at high speeds and variable conditions.”
Elan also makes a note of highlighting their efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of these skis. Here are the details, according to Elan:
“The new Ripstick collection is a product of Elan’s sustainable production practices, making it a ski Elan is proud to produce. Each ski is built at Elan’s factory which is powered by 100% renewable energy sources including the facility’s 7,000 solar panels installed in the factory. Through Elan’s digital printing process, ink waste is eliminated, and materials lost in the production process are still recycled or reused. New for the ’24/’25 season, the Ripsticks feature a natural Flax fiber has been added for vibration reduction while a prepreg laminates eliminate the use and waste of traditional resin which improves the working environment for Elan craftsmen and women.”
2024-2025 Elan Ripstick Black Edition Skis
Alongside the overhauled standard line of Ripstick skis, Elan is simultaneously updating their limited-edition, high-end “Black Editions” of the Ripsticks. For 24/25, that will include the Ripstick 94W Black Edition, Ripstick 96W Black Edition, and Ripstick 102 Black Edition.
As you’d expect, the 24/25 Black Edition versions get the same updates as their standard counterparts (e.g., shape, materials, etc.). However, as has historically been the case with the Black Edition skis, the 24/25 models get some additional tech.
According to Elan, the 24/25 Ripstick Black Edition skis feature “a QuadRod reinforcement with an additional two carbon rods, which are aligned but not connected to the forebody and tail of the ski to give it more horsepower and strength with the desired flex for demanding performance.” Elan also says that the Black Edition skis offer improved edge grip and stability thanks to “the skis’ C-Ply Carbon Reinforcement placing an additional layer of carbon on the mid-body of the ski.”
2024-2025 Elan Playmaker, Primetime, & Element Skis
The details on the rest of Elan’s skis are a bit limited for the time being, but we wanted to at least touch on the other updates:
First, the Playmakers. The Elan Playmaker 91 and Playmaker 101 debuted during the 23/24 season, and they marked the first season in many years when Elan offered freestyle-oriented, twin-tipped skis. For 24/25, Elan is expanding the Playmaker collection.
On the wider, more soft-snow-oriented end, they’re adding the new Playmaker 111, while the Playmaker 87 is a narrower model designed for “tweeners” who fall between adult and youth ski sizes. The Playmaker 87 will be available in 136, 146, 156,166, and 176 cm lengths, while the Playmaker 111 comes in a 172, 180, and 188 cm. There’s also a new Playmaker 81 T, which is designed for younger kids and is available in 125, 135, 145, 155, and 165 cm lengths.
We should begin testing the new Playmaker 111 and Playmaker 101 in the near future, so stay tuned.
Elan is also adding four new models to their piste-oriented Primetime collection. According to Elan, the new Primetime N°5 W and Primetime 44+ are “designed on a slightly broader platform, for an even more confident, effortless and inspiring ride for enjoyable all-day skiing.” For reference, the Primetime N°5 W’s stated dimensions are 121-69-102 mm, while the Primetime 44+’s are 130-74-111 mm. Elan is also adding the Primetime N°2 and Primetime 22, but we don’t yet have any details on those models.
Lastly, Elan is updating their rental-oriented Element series, which will reportedly span 10 models for 24/25. The signature feature of these skis is their new “WaveMotion” design; here’s how Elan sums up the new Element skis’ tech: “The wave-shaped design works with the early rise rocker profile to allow the ski to flex and turn effortlessly, with balance and confidence, leading to improved carving ability. Furthermore, the ski is enhanced with Extended Sidewall Technology for excellent edge grip and power transmission.”
Elan also tweaked the cap construction and sidewall area of the Element skis to reduce chipping and improve long-term durability.
Again, keep an eye out for our First Looks of several of these new skis, and right now, BLISTER+ members can read our Flash Review of the Ripstick 96 for our initial on-snow impressions. Then, stay tuned for Full Reviews & Deep Dive comparisons once we’ve spent more time on the new skis.
Related Reviews
Now that we’ve spent time on them, you can check out below our reviews of some of the products discussed here. BLISTER+ members and those who purchase our Digital Access Pass can read our Flash Reviews & Deep Dive comparisons, in addition to our initial First Looks and long-term Full Reviews. Get our Digital Access Pass to view all our Deep Dives and Flash Reviews, or become a BLISTER+ member today to get access to that and a LOT more, including the best worldwide Outdoor Injury Insurance, exclusive deals and discounts on skis, personalized gear recommendations from us, and much more.
2024-2025 Elan Ripstick 94 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Elan Ripstick 94 W.
2024-2025 Elan Ripstick 96
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Elan Ripstick 96.
24/25 Elan Ripstick 96
We’ve been spending time on the newest version of Elan’s longstanding all-mountain ski — here are our initial thoughts on the updated Ripstick 96.
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So excited for the playmaker 111!
+1 for the Playmaker 111
Got on the Primetime 44 (69 @ 179) in November in Austria. I was on the Rossi Forza 70 before it and whilst the Primetime was quicker and fun to carve on early morning perfectly groomed pistes, it also felt less substantial and less planted. For a narrow carver I much preferred the Fischer The Curv and Curve GT, much more stable and for similar reasons the Head Supershape e Magnum 72 @ 177
My daughter also got on the No. 4 W (69 @ both 151 and 158) and she enjoyed the energy from the ski, by no means a dead ski!