Elan Ripstick 88 Skis Review
The Elan Ripstick 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski that blends playful agility with dependable edge grip, making it a strong choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want one ski to handle groomers and softer snow alike. Its 88mm waist offers a balanced platform: wide enough to float in powder yet narrow enough for quick edge-to-edge transitions on hardpack. With Elan’s Amphibio profile, CarbonDeck construction, and Tubelite wood core, the Ripstick 88 delivers a light, smooth, and responsive ride that encourages confidence from first chair to last run.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Best Use: Downhill skiing
- Ski Terrain: Groomed and mixed snow conditions
- Waist Width: 87–88 mm depending on length
- Ski Camber: Tip and tail rocker
- Core: Tubelite wood core
Amphibio Profile for Balanced Performance
The Elan Ripstick 88 uses Elan’s Amphibio profile, which pairs a rockered tip and cambered tail with asymmetric shaping. This design helps the ski initiate turns easily while maintaining solid edge grip through the turn. On groomed terrain, the Ripstick 88 feels precise and stable, and in mixed snow it stays smooth and agile without feeling hooky or unpredictable.
For skiers who like to vary turn shapes and terrain throughout the day, the Amphibio profile supports a natural, intuitive ride. The tip rocker assists with float and turn entry, while the camber underfoot and flatter tail provide power and finish.
CarbonDeck and Tubelite Wood Core
CarbonDeck technology gives the Ripstick 88 a lightweight yet hyper-smooth and responsive platform. Combined with the Tubelite wood core, the ski remains strong and dynamic without adding unnecessary swing weight. Carbon rods, UD carbon, and flax fiber further enhance power and responsiveness, making the ski feel lively underfoot.
The SST (Slanted Sidewall Technology) contributes to direct power transmission at a lighter weight. In practice, this means the Ripstick 88 can hold an edge on firm snow while still feeling easy to pivot and smear when conditions soften.
Groomer Grip and Mixed-Snow Agility
On groomed runs, the Elan Ripstick 88 offers reliable edge grip and precise handling. The 88mm waist and sidecut radius (14.8m at 168cm) create a versatile turn shape that works for short slalom-style turns and longer carved arcs. The ski feels stable at speed but remains forgiving when skied at a moderate pace.
When snow stacks up, the Ripstick 88 rises to the occasion with just enough width to float through powder. It is not a dedicated powder ski, but its rockered tip and balanced flex help it stay smooth and agile in mixed snow conditions, making it a practical one-ski quiver for resort skiers.
Construction and Environmental Details
The Ripstick 88 features a sintered high-speed gliding base for excellent glide, helping maintain momentum across flats and variable snow. The flat tail provides a clean finish to turns and supports a variety of skiing styles. The ski does not include bindings, so you can choose a binding that matches your boot and skiing preferences.
Elan also highlights environmental responsibility: the ski uses VOC-free digital printing and meets ISO 14001:2015, the international standard for environmental management systems. For skiers who value sustainability alongside performance, these details add appeal.
Who Is the Elan Ripstick 88 For?
The Ripstick 88 is best suited to intermediate and advanced men’s downhill skiers who spend most of their time on groomed terrain but want a ski that can handle occasional powder and mixed snow. Its lightweight construction and smooth flex make it a good option for skiers who prioritize agility and easy turn transitions over aggressive charging.
Because it is available in 161cm, 168cm, and 175cm lengths, the Ripstick 88 can accommodate a range of skier sizes and preferences. The 88mm waist is wide enough for soft snow but narrow enough to feel quick on hardpack, making it a strong all-mountain choice for resort-focused skiers.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Smooth and agile in mixed snow; reliable edge grip on groomed terrain; lightweight feel; easy turn-to-turn transitions; Amphibio profile supports intuitive turning; carbon and flax construction adds responsiveness; environmentally conscious production details.
- Cons: Bindings not included; not a dedicated powder ski; 88mm waist may feel narrow for deep snow days; best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers rather than true beginners.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | 161 cm | 168 cm | 175 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tip Width | 123 mm | 125 mm | 127 mm |
| Waist Width | 87 mm | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Tail Width | 102 mm | 104 mm | 106 mm |
| Sidecut Radius | 13.8 m | 14.8 m | 15.8 m |
| Weight (Pair) | 6 lbs. 1.36 oz. | 6 lbs. 3.47 oz. | 6 lbs. 10.53 oz. |
| Ski Camber | Tip and tail rocker | ||
| Tail Type | Flat | ||
| Core | Wood (Tubelite wood core) | ||
| Bindings Included | No | ||
| Gender | Men’s | ||
Where to Buy
The Elan Ripstick 88 skis are available at REI.com and evo.com, two trusted retailers for outdoor gear. Both sites list the men’s 2026/2027 model and provide product details, sizing options, and customer resources to help you choose the right length. Check current availability, pricing, and shipping options directly on each retailer’s product page before purchasing.
Final Verdict
The Elan Ripstick 88 is a well-rounded all-mountain ski for intermediate and advanced men’s skiers who want smooth transitions, dependable edge grip on groomers, and enough versatility to enjoy mixed snow. Its lightweight construction and Amphibio profile make it easy to turn and fun to ride across the resort. If you are looking for a single ski that balances groomer performance with soft-snow agility, the Ripstick 88 is a compelling option—just remember to budget for bindings.