Elan, a company that handles everything from planning to manufacturing in-house, has always been at the forefront of the industry, using the latest technology and ideas. Now, this
manufacturer, which has produced numerous achievements in racing and jumping scenes, proudly presents the RIP STICK freeride model. What is the secret behind its ease of handling and high off-road capability? We delve into the secrets of its performance.
Click here for the latest '22-23 model introduction
elan's ski manufacturing is always at the cutting edge
Founded in Slovenia in 1945, Elan has been around for nearly 75 years. At its own factory at the foot of the Alps, each ski is handcrafted by skilled artisans. It's a well
-known fact that Ingemar Stenmark, considered one of the most successful alpine skiers, wore Elan skis from his early days as an unknown to his reigning champion, right up until his retirement.
Backed by years of experience and possessing cutting-edge technology, Elan has been loved by many athletes competing in alpine skiing, 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. It can be carried onto an airplane and even fits in the trunk of a sedan. It
has been shown to the media for several years, but will actually go on sale in 2022. Several units are expected to be imported to Japan.
This is how they have leveraged their advanced technology to stay ahead of the times.
Now, elan is confidently launching its freeride model, RIPSTICK
What is the freeride model RIPSTICK?
In short, the RIPSTICK is "a board that lets you have fun riding anywhere with just this one board." The available models are for men with center widths of 88, 96, 106, and 116 mm. Women's models are 88 mm, 94 mm, and 102 mm. In addition, there is the special model "BLACK EDITION" that was released this season.
It uses a lightweight and strong core material and a sandwich structure with fiberglass throughout as a reinforcement materialいたサンドイッチ構造。アンフィビオという独自の形状を開発し、部分的にキャンバーとロッカーを使い分けている。テールはディレクショナル。ややソフト目のフレックスで要所にカーボンを配置。操作性のいいターンを可能にし、パワー伝達と強度に優れる。軽量化されたワイドなノーズはターンの導入がしやすく、パウダーでも浮力を増す。
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
Having just one in your car means you can enjoy skiing in any conditions, which in a way is ideal.
Let's take a closer look at the technology incorporated into the RIPSTICK.
The main technologies are the following four
: ● Amphibio
● Carbon Line Technology
● Vapor Tip Insert
● Carbon Rod
Amphibio
Carbon 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
A 5mm diameter carbon rod runs along both sides of the ski, from nose to tail. This strengthens the edges and increases torsional strength, enabling powerful and stable carving not only in the first half of a turn but also in the later stages.
Thanks to carbon line technology and further reinforcement of the inner edge, carving is possible even with a 116mm center width fat ski.
RIPSTICK lineup
Men's Model
(From the right)
RIPSTICK 88
¥77,000 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 beginners and those accustomed to alpine skiing. Also suitable for female skiers.
RIPSTICK 96
¥83,600 L=164 (15.1m), 172 (16.2m), 180 (18.0m), 188 (19.5m) | 136-96-108 | 1650g (180)
If you want a board that can handle everything from groomed slopes to powder and freeride, this is the one for you.
RIPSTICK 106
¥94,600 L=164 (16.0m), 172 (17.0m), 180 (18.1m), 188 (20.4m) | 143-106-120 | 1830g (180)
Suitable for those who enjoy comfortable skiing on groomed slopes and also frequently ski on ungroomed areas.
RIPSTICK 116
¥99,000 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 ski comfortably in powder, this is the one for you.
Women's Model
(From right)
RIPSTICK 88 W
¥75,900 L=146 (13.0m), 154 (13.7m), 162 (14.2m), 170 (15.4m), 178 (17.0m) | 130-88-105 | 1445g (170)
This size is a good starting point for beginner freeride skiers.
RIPSTICK 94 W
¥82,500 L=154(14.0m), 162(15.0m), 170(16.2m), 178(18.0m)｜136-94-110｜1570g(170)
An all-mountain model that can be enjoyed even on days with powder snow.
RIPSTICK 102 W
¥93,500 L=154(15.0m), 162(15.8m), 170(17.0m), 178(18.1m)｜143-102-120｜1750g(170)
A model even more suited to freeriding. Ideal for skiing on uneven terrain.
further improving the off-road capabilities of the RIPSTICK
, the RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION, has been released,
What is RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION?
The BLACK EDITION uses an even greater amount of carbon.
While the regular model uses carbon line technology with carbon from the foot to the tip, the Black Edition incorporates it from the tail to the nose. Furthermore, the carbon at the foot extends not only to the inside but also to the outside. Carbon rods that previously ran along the sides have also been added to the front and back of the center of the board. This makes it even more torsionally strong, allowing the board to grip the snow surface better, and absorbing shocks on uneven slopes for a more stable ride.
The bike comes in two sizes: center width 96 and 106.
Having these options should give you even greater off-road capability.
(From 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 board that powerfully conquers even the toughest conditions. It can even ski down icy, hard-packed slopes.
RIPSTICK 106 BLACK EDITION
¥143,000 L=164 (16.0m), 172 (17.0m), 180 (18.1m), 188 (20.4m) | 143-106-120 | 1900g (180)
The brand's flagship freeride model. If you want to ride down any slope at high speed, this is the one.
Two people's impressions of using RIPSTICK
Review_1 Naoto Kono
He works at his family's inn and rental shop in Nozawa Onsen, while spending his days immersed in skiing and snowboarding. Two years ago, he had the opportunity to try out RIPSTICK bindings and has been using them ever since. His brothers are Kenji Kawano, a former member of the Japanese national ski cross team, and Katsuyuki Kawano, a professional skier.
Height: 173cm, Weight: 70kg,
Model used: RIPSTICK 116 (185) (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 = unsuitable ⇔ 5 = best)
Powder: 5 / Grooming: 4 / Hardpack: 3 / Park: 1 / Moguls: 1 / Tour: 4
First of all, the skis are incredibly light. I was surprised by how light they were, something you don't find in conventional fat skis.
Lately, there have been more lightweight ski boots available, and I like wearing them too, but even with such light boots, these don't feel worn out and are easy to wear.
While many fat skis have rocker designs, I like that the RIPSTICKprioritizes camber. The rebound in powder and the way the tail releases in the latter half of turns are fantastic, something you can't experience with full rocker skis. The firm camber underfoot and soft nose allow the nose to float even when you press down hard in powder. The flex is slightly soft
. This allows you to press down without straining from the beginning of the turn, and you can easily feel the response underfoot.
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
A member of the STEEP editorial team. Has been skiing since the age of two, for nearly 30 years. After alpine skiing, moved into the world of freeskiing. Like Kono, she tried out RIPSTICK skis for work, became hooked, and purchased a pair.
Height: 160cm, Weight: 60kg,
Model used: RIPSTICK 106 (164) (Binding position manufacturer recommended)
■ Impression of hardness (1 = soft ⇔ 5 = hard)
Nose: 2/5
Center: 4/5
Tail: 3/5
■Recommendations for each situation (1 = unsuitable ⇔ 5 = best)
Powder: 4 / Grooming: 5 / Hardpack: 4 / Park: 3 / Moguls: No answer / Tour: 4
My first impression of these skis was the speed at which they initiate turns and their excellent responsiveness at the peak of the turn. I have an ambitious skiing style that includes carving turns on groomed slopes, as well as off-piste and backcountry runs, so I can't compromise on the basic specifications of a carving ski. Although
the RIPSTICK is a freeride model, ELAN's unique technologies, such as the Amphibio structure and carbon line technology, allow for comfortable carving turns. In particular, the balance between the lightness of the nose and the carbon underfoot is excellent, making it easy to initiate turns. The skis also have good rebound after pressing down, making them fun to ski. They're absolutely fantastic on groomed slopes first thing in the morning.
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