Elan Ripstick 100 W Skis Review
The Elan Ripstick 100 W skis are designed for women who want one ski to handle everything from hot lap groomers to deep storm‑day powder. They are agile, floaty, and impressively light, yet deliver a powerful, smooth, and responsive ride. With a waist width of 98–100 mm depending on length and a versatile tip‑and‑tail rocker profile, these skis are the steady daily driver you’ll reach for no matter what the mountain throws at you. Living up to their lightweight construction with heavyweight performance, the Ripstick 100 W hits the sweet spot for effortless power and confidence.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Waist Width: 98 mm (154 cm) / 99 mm (161 cm) / 100 mm (168 cm)
- Sidecut Radius: 14.8 m / 15.8 m / 16.8 m (by length)
- Profile: Tip and tail rocker, flat tail, Amphibio technology
- Core & Tech: Tubelite wood core, CarbonDeck, Carbon Rods, UD Carbon, Flax Fiber
- Weight (Pair): 6 lbs. 0.3 oz. (154 cm) – 6 lbs. 15.82 oz. (168 cm)
Lightweight Construction, Heavyweight Performance
The Ripstick 100 W lives up to its billing: a lightweight build that doesn’t sacrifice stability or power. Elan’s Tubelite wood core, combined with CarbonDeck and carbon rods, creates a ski that feels feathery on the feet yet remains planted and damp when you open up the throttle. This balance makes it an ideal daily driver for strong intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that’s easy to maneuver but still charges confidently when the terrain gets steep or choppy.
Amphibio Profile: Easy Turning and Reliable Edge Grip
Elan’s Amphibio technology gives the Ripstick 100 W a unique asymmetrical rocker profile: the outside edge has more rocker for smooth turn initiation, while the inside edge features camber for solid edge hold. The result is a ski that pivots effortlessly in tight trees and bumps yet grips hard on groomers and firm snow. It’s a forgiving yet responsive design that helps you ski with less effort and more control, whether you’re carving corduroy or navigating technical steeps.
Float and Agility for Powder and Trees
With a 98–100 mm waist and tip‑and‑tail rocker, the Ripstick 100 W offers just enough flotation to explore untouched powder without feeling like a dedicated powder ski. The rockered tip and tail keep the ski agile and easy to smear, making it a natural in the trees and on steeper, more technical terrain. When a storm rolls in, you can reach for these skis with confidence—they’ll keep you on top of the snow and ready to duck into your favorite stashes.
Edge Grip and Stability on Groomers
Despite its lightweight build and powder‑friendly shape, the Ripstick 100 W is no slouch on hardpack. The Amphibio profile and Slanted Sidewall Technology (SST) create direct power transmission to the edges, giving you reliable grip and a smooth, energetic feel on groomed runs. The flat tail provides a solid platform for finishing turns and adding a bit of extra power when you need it, making hot lap groomers just as fun as powder days.
Build Quality and Eco‑Conscious Details
Elan doesn’t skimp on construction: the Ripstick 100 W features a sintered high‑speed base for excellent glide, a durable wood core, and carbon and flax fiber reinforcements for a responsive yet damp ride. The ski is also produced with VOC‑free digital printing and meets ISO 14001:2015 environmental management standards, so you can feel good about your gear. The lack of included bindings means you can pair them with your preferred setup, adding to the ski’s versatility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight yet powerful and damp
- Versatile 98–100 mm waist handles groomers and powder
- Amphibio profile offers easy turn initiation and strong edge grip
- Agile and floaty in trees and technical terrain
- Quality construction with eco‑friendly manufacturing
Cons:
- Bindings not included (extra cost and setup)
- Not a dedicated powder ski for the deepest days
- Advanced experts may want a stiffer, more aggressive ski for high‑speed charging
Technical Specifications
| Specification | 154 cm | 161 cm | 168 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tip Width | 131 mm | 132 mm | 134 mm |
| Waist Width | 98 mm | 99 mm | 100 mm |
| Tail Width | 110 mm | 112 mm | 114 mm |
| Sidecut Radius | 14.8 m | 15.8 m | 16.8 m |
| Weight (Pair) | 6 lbs. 0.3 oz. | 6 lbs. 12.29 oz. | 6 lbs. 15.82 oz. |
Additional specs: Ski camber: tip and tail rocker; tail type: flat; core: wood; bindings included: no; gender: women’s; best use: downhill skiing; ski terrain: groomed and powder.
Where to Buy
The Elan Ripstick 100 W skis are available at REI.com and evo.com. Both retailers offer the full size run (154 cm, 161 cm, and 168 cm) and frequently carry the latest model year. REI is a great choice for members who value their generous return policy and co‑op perks, while evo is known for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and a deep selection of ski gear. Whether you’re shopping for your first all‑mountain ski or adding a versatile daily driver to your quiver, these retailers make it easy to get the right length and pair them with bindings of your choice. Check current availability and seasonal sales at both sites.
Final Verdict
The Elan Ripstick 100 W is an outstanding choice for women seeking a lightweight, versatile all‑mountain ski that can handle groomers, powder, trees, and steeps with equal aplomb. Its Amphibio profile and carbon‑enhanced construction deliver a rare combination of easy turning, reliable edge grip, and smooth power. While it’s not a dedicated powder ski and requires bindings, those are minor trade‑offs for a ski that’s this much fun and this versatile. If you want a daily driver that inspires confidence and keeps a smile on your face from first chair to last, the Ripstick 100 W is a worthy addition to your quiver.