We spoke to ELAN a brand that has produced hit products created with high technical skills, such hugely popular RIPSTICK series and the PLAY MAKER , at JSP SNOW EXPO JAPAN 2024 (held February 13-14, 2024 at Pacifico Yokohama).
New size 111 now available for PLAYMAKER
For the 2024-2025 season, the PLAYMAKER, which previously only had 101mm and 91mm waist sizes, has been released with a new fat 111mm waist. This model is aimed at athletes pursuing freeride, such as FWT. Until now, the directional-shaped RIPSTICK series also had a 116mm size, and some riders have competed in competitions with this, but considering the big mountain competitive environment of FWT, a twin tip is more suitable, so the 116mm RIPSTICK has been discontinued and the twin tip PLAYMAKER has been moved to the 111mm
The PLAYMAKER111 features a surf rocker design with a twin tip and a slight camber in the center for bidirectional buoyancy. The "Dual Float Technology" utilizes carbon fiber underfoot and a very thin tip and tail, which benefits the ski's lateral movement in powder and maximizes buoyancy in both directions. The PLAYMAKER111 also features a 360-degree sidewall, making it extremely durable and lightweight
The RIPSTICK series has evolved even further
It's easier to point out what's unchanged about the directional backcountry freeride model "RIPSTICK" for the 2024-2025 season than what's changed. ELAN's unique asymmetric rocker, "Amphibio Technology," which has a slight rocker on the inside of the ski and more rocker on the outside, has been retained, but everything else has changed, from the mold to the size pitch
The fattest is the 108, followed by the 102, 96, and 88. The inherited Amphibio technology still provides strong edge grip and ease of turning, making it an appealing choice. The newly adopted iconic technology inside is the "Carbon Deck Technology." A wide carbon (UD carbon) tape is built into the edge side of the top sheet of the ski, with a longer tape on the inside and a shorter tape on the outside
In addition to these, there are still two carbon tubes (carbon rods) as before. These allow for a lightweight design while also providing a powerful yet smooth ride with excellent response. The inclusion of carbon tubes and tape-like carbon allows for minimal carbon to be added where necessary, eliminating unnecessary weight. The result is a more precise finish that maintains flexibility while ensuring the ski's directional stability
Additionally, the top shovel is made with a natural vibration-absorbing material called flax fiber. The reason for using natural materials is said to be from the perspective of the SDGs. In this way, the 2024-2025 RIPSTICK series has further evolved to meet the needs of the times
"RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION" also updated
The BLACK EDITION is a high-end model positioned at the pinnacle of the RIPSTICK range. For the 2024-2025 season, the board is based on the regular collection as usual, but with generous use of carbon throughout to further improve performance. It features a single carbon chip called C-Ply carbon at the base, which first enhances stability underfoot. While the regular collection has two built-in carbon rods, the BLACK EDITION has additional carbon at the top and tail in the middle, for a total of four carbon tubes. This further enhances stability
Generally speaking, adding metal to skis makes them more stable, but it also makes them very heavy. That's why lightweight carbon is used, but the properties of carbon mean that adding it in sheet form creates too much tension. This isn't a problem for slalom skis, which require fast rebound, but it also makes the skis too stiff. That's why ELAN came up with a unique technology that incorporates carbon in the form of tubes or tapes, achieving stability without compromising flex
Until now, the BLACK EDITION has been perceived as being stiffer and more powerful, but at the same time, it required more skill and power from the rider. However, for the 2024-2025 season, the BLACK EDITION feels a little softer and is much easier to handle than the regular collection. This is entirely due to the effects of the carbon. The cutting-edge carbon structure improves stability at speed and combines with power, resulting in a board that is clearly higher performing than the regular collection and, in a sense, very easy to ride and suitable for anyone
RIPSTICK ladies' collection with designs that appeal to women's sensibilities
This is RIPSTICK's women's collection. In today's age of diversity, some people question whether it's appropriate to distinguish between "women's" and gender. However, ELAN's answer is not to discriminate between men and women and then create women's clothing, but to provide the same quality level as men's clothing while taking into consideration the unique physique and strength of women
ELAN has had an all-female development team for many years. The designs they came up with for the 2024-2025 season were highly praised by shop dealers at exhibitions. The variety of waist widths available, including 106mm, 100mm, 94mm, and 88mm, is also a reflection of the respect they have for women
Information
Official website: https://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
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