elan has always been at the forefront of the industry, using the latest technology and ideas to complete everything from planning to manufacturing in-house. This
manufacturer, which has achieved numerous successes in racing and the jump scene, is now proud to release the freeride model RIP STICK. What makes this bike both easy to handle and highly capable? We take a closer look at the secrets of its performance.
Click here for the latest '22-23 model introduction
elan's ski manufacturing is always at the cutting edge
It's been nearly 75 years since elan was founded in Slovenia in 1945. At their own factory at the foot of the Alps, artisans handcraft each and every ski. It's well-
known that Ingemar Stenmark, arguably the most accomplished alpine skier, wore elan skis from his days as an unknown to his reign as undisputed champion until his retirement.
With technical expertise and cutting-edge technology backed by years of experience, elan skis were beloved by many skiers in alpine, ski jumping, and ski cross.
Let's take a look at a video that demonstrates elan's high level of technical skill
They have developed a foldable, portable ski. This ski can be carried on an airplane and even fits in the trunk of a sedan. It
has been appearing in the media for several years, but it will actually go on sale in the 2022 season. Several units are also expected to be available in Japan.
In this way, they have been ahead of the times by utilizing their advanced technological capabilities.
Now, elan is confidently launching its freeride model, RIPSTICK
What is the freeride model RIPSTICK?
Simply put, the RIPSTICK is a board that lets you have fun and skate anywhere . Available models for men include center widths of 88, 96, 106, and 116mm. Women's models are available in 88mm, 94mm, and 102mm. This season also sees the release of a special model, the "BLACK EDITION."
It features a lightweight, strong core and a sandwich construction with fiberglass reinforcement
The RIPSTICK outline allows you to enjoy sharp turns on the slopes, handle powder and rough terrain, and is lightweight, making it ideal for touring
It's an ideal system in a sense, as you can just put it on your ski rack and enjoy skiing in any condition.
Let's take a closer look at the technology used in the RIPSTICK.
The main technologies are the following four
: Amphibio
; Carbon Line Technology
; Vapor Tip Insert
; Carbon Rod
Amphibiocarbon
Line Technology
Amphibio, a signature Elan technology introduced in 2013, features an asymmetrical structure. This means that the outside of the ski is rocker and the inside is camber. The camber on the thumb side of the outside ski, which requires the most weight when turning, creates excellent grip. The rocker characteristics on the pinky side of the inside ski improve the ski's maneuverability. This means that the sole of your foot can accurately grip the snow surface, enabling smooth carving even at high speeds
The Carbon Line Technology works in synergy with the Amphibio structure. This technology incorporates a mesh of carbon fiber into the inside of the ski from the base to the top. This increases the strength of the ski while also generating a moderate amount of rebound. The more you push down, the more rebound the ski generates, allowing for sharper turns. It also reduces vibrations caused by impacts at high speeds, allowing for a stable glide
These technologies allow advanced riders to make sharper turns and beginners to enjoy more stable control. The RIPSTICK is a board that is easy to handle for all riders
Vapor Tip Insert
The Vapor tip embedded in the nose works well with the carbon line technology. Instead of hardening the base with carbon, the nose is made lighter, improving the overall balance. By substituting a lightweight, soft, and viscous Vapor tip instead of a core material on the nose top, it reduces the swing weight and provides a flotation effect
The lightweight nose is especially effective in powder. The increased buoyancy of the nose makes it easier to turn in the snow, and the camber allows you to push down and turn. Not only does it give you the floating sensation of sliding over the fresh snow like a rocker, but it also allows you to push down into the snow
Carbon rod
There are 5mm diameter carbon rods on both sides of the ski, from nose to tail. This strengthens the edge and increases torsional strength, allowing for powerful and stable carving not only in the first half of the turn but also in the second half and beyond.
Carbon Line Technology and further strengthening of the inside edge make carving possible even on fat skis with a center of 116mm.
RIPSTICK lineup
Men's Model
(From the right)
RIPSTICK 88
77,000 yen L = 148 (13.8m), 156 (13.7m), 164 (14.2m), 172 (15.4m), 180 (17.0m), 188 (18.9m) | 130-88-105 | 1550g (180)
For those who are used to basic and alpine skiing. Also suitable for female skiers.
RIPSTICK 96
83,600 yen L=164 (15.1m), 172 (16.2m), 180 (18.0m), 188 (19.5m) | 136-96-108 | 1650g (180)
If you want to ride all-mountain, from slopes to powder to freeride, this is the one for you.
RIPSTICK 106
94,600 yen L=164 (16.0m), 172 (17.0m), 180 (18.1m), 188 (20.4m) | 143-106-120 | 1830g (180)
For those who enjoy skiing on slopes but also like to go on ungroomed slopes.
RIPSTICK 116
99,000 yen L=177 (19.4m), 185 (20.4m), 193 (23.3m) | 146-116-132 | 1900g (185)
If you want to enjoy long turns on the slopes and enjoy powder skiing, this is the board for you.
Women's Model
(From right)
RIPSTICK 88 W
75,900 yen L=146 (13.0m), 154 (13.7m), 162 (14.2m), 170 (15.4m), 178 (17.0m) | 130-88-105 | 1445g (170)
Beginners to freeride skiing should start with this size.
RIPSTICK 94 W
82,500 yen L=154 (14.0m), 162 (15.0m), 170 (16.2m), 178 (18.0m) | 136-94-110 | 1570g (170)
A model that can be enjoyed as an all-mountain ski. Enjoy it even on powdery days.
RIPSTICK 102 W
93,500 yen L=154 (15.0m), 162 (15.8m), 170 (17.0m), 178 (18.1m) | 143-102-120 | 1750g (170)
A model more suited to freeriding. Great for skiing on uneven ground.
the RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION has been released, which further improves the RIPSTICK's off-road performance
What is RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION?
The BLACK EDITION uses even more carbon.
Whereas the carbon used in the regular model's Carbon Line Technology runs from the feet to the tip, the BLACK EDITION is built in from the tail to the nose. What's more, the board now covers the feet not only on the inside but also on the outside. The carbon rods that previously ran along the sides have been added to the front and back of the center of the board. This increases torsional strength, allowing the board to grip the snow surface better, and absorbs shocks even on uneven slopes, resulting in a stable run.
The bike comes in two sizes, with a center width of 96 and 106.
With these, you can expect even greater off-road capability.
(From the right)
RIPSTICK 96 BLACK EDITION
132,000 yen L=164 (15.1m), 172 (13.6m), 180 (18.0m), 188 (19.5m) | 136-96-110 | 1710g (180)
A powerful ski that can handle even the toughest conditions. It can also slide down hard slopes like ice.
RIPSTICK 106 BLACK EDITION
143,000 yen L=164 (16.0m), 172 (17.0m), 180 (18.1m), 188 (20.4m) | 143-106-120 | 1900g (180)
The brand's freeride flagship model. If you want to ride through any slope at high speed, this is the one for you.
Two people's impressions of using RIPSTICK
Review_1 Naoto Kono
He spends his days skiing and snowboarding while working at his family's inn and rental shop in Nozawa Onsen. He had the opportunity to test ride RIPSTICK two years ago, and liked it so much he continues to wear it. His brothers are Kenji Kono, a former member of the Japanese ski cross team, and Katsuyuki Kono, a professional skier. He
is 173cm tall and weighs 70kg.
He uses the RIPSTICK 116 (185) model (binding position recommended by the manufacturer).
■ Impression of hardness (1 = soft ⇔ 5 = hard)
Nose: 2.5/5
Center: 4/5
Tail: 3/5
■Recommendations for each situation (1 = not suitable ⇔ 5 = best)
Powder: 5 / Groomed: 4 / Hard Pack: 3 / Park: 1 / Mogul: 1 / Tour: 4
First of all, the skis are incredibly light. I was surprised at how light they are, something not found in traditional fat skis.
Recently, there has been an increase in lightweight ski boots, and I personally enjoy wearing them, but even these light boots don't wear out easily.
While many fat skis have rocker, I like the fact that the RIPSTICK is with an emphasis on camber . The board's rebound in powder and the tail release in the latter half of a turn are excellent, something you can't get with full rocker. The ski has a solid camber underfoot and a soft nose, so the nose floats up even when you push down hard in powder.
The flex is slightly soft. This means you can push down without exerting too much force in the first half of a turn, and it's easy to feel the response under your feet.
I use a 116mm board, and because the board has partial camber underfoot, the effective edge is long, allowing for carving turns without feeling like it's too thick. Thanks to the Amphibio design, with camber on the inside and rocker on the outside, I particularly feel the quick grip of the inside edge in the first half of the turn. The flat tail also provides grip in the second half of the turn, allowing the board to release very well. I was able to make really great long turns
I was able to ski comfortably anywhere, but personally I would especially recommend the soft groomed runs and the slushy snow in spring
Review_2 Daigo Onozuka
He is a member of the STEEP editorial team. He has been skiing since he was two years old, with a total of nearly 30 years of experience. After alpine skiing, he moved into the world of freeskiing. Like Kono, he test-rode a RIPSTICK for work, fell in love with it, and bought one.
He is 160cm tall and weighs 60kg
Model used: RIPSTICK 106 (164) (binding position recommended by the manufacturer).
■ Impression of hardness (1 = soft ⇔ 5 = hard)
Nose: 2/5
Center: 4/5
Tail: 3/5
■Recommendations for each situation (1 = not suitable ⇔ 5 = best)
Powder: 4 / Groomed: 5 / Hard Pack: 4 / Park: 3 / Moguls: No answer / Tour: 4
My first impression when I put them on was how quickly they initiated turns and how explosive the skis were when maxing out turns. I like to carve turns on the slopes, and I have an ambitious style of skiing that involves riding on rough terrain and in the backcountry, so I couldn't compromise on the basic specs of a carving ski.
While the RIPSTICK is a freeride model, it allows for comfortable carving turns thanks to ELAN's unique technologies, such as the Amphibio structure and carbon line technology. In particular, the lightness of the nose and the excellent balance of the carbon underfoot make it easy to initiate turns. The board also has good rebound after pushing down, making it a fun ski to ski on. On-piste skiing first thing in the morning is truly the best.
It's effective even on uneven terrain. The light swing weight allows for quick response even on uneven slopes and tree runs that require tight turns. Even when dropping the board vertically, there was no flapping or feeling of insecurity. You can enjoy skiing even on days when the powder is up to your knees
Also, because of my job, I often pack everything into one ski bag, and the RIPSTICK is a big help in those situations. I don't have to carry two skis, like "I'll bring this ski in case it snows heavily, and this ski for skiing on the slopes..." and I don't have to worry about "I brought my fat skis, but they're not fun on the slopes!" This one ski is enough wherever I go
I also go on tours with ARMADA SHIFT MNC13 bindings. They're lightweight, so walking on them is stress-free. I'd recommend them to anyone who wants to go into the backcountry without compromising on performance
PHOTO = Daniel Honda, Ryo Yasui