Elan has a history of developing skis in Slovenia for over 75 years. It's well-known because alpine skiing legend Ingemar Stenmark has used it throughout his long career. At the same time, many people probably have a strong image of it. It seems somewhat hard-core and unfamiliar to us freeskiers...
However, when you open the Elan catalog, you'll find it's far from our image. ( See the catalog here .)
The cover features the keyword "Always Good Times." Skiing is always fun, no matter where you ski, whether it's sunny or not! That's the message it conveys. Below the tagline is a photo of a group of men and women posing with big smiles on their faces. They even use selfie sticks and look like they're having a great time
Elan has a ski that embodies this catchphrase:
the RIPSTICK. Developed as a freeride ski for all-mountain skiing, it offers a ride that's easy for anyone to handle. Even beginners will quickly appreciate the ease of skiing. Of course, even advanced skiers will become addicted to the exhilarating feeling of being able to ski hard at any time. Let's take a
look at the RIPSTICK's gimmicks, which make it an all-purpose ski that can be used anywhere, in any situation. It's packed with the technical expertise of elan, a company that has been at the forefront of ski manufacturing for many years.
RIPSTICK lineup
From left) RIPSTICK 116 ¥115,500
D=146mm-114mm-132mm｜L=177,185,193cm
R=19.4m(177cm), 20.4(185), 23.3(193)｜W=1,900g(185)
RIPSTICK 106 ¥104,500
D=143-106-120｜L=164,172,180,188cm
R=16.0m(164cm), 17.0(172), 18.1(180), 20.4(188)｜W=1,830g(180)
RIPSTICK 96 ¥93,500
D=136-96-110｜L=164,172,180,188cm
R=15.1m(164cm), 16.2(172), 18.0(180), 19.5(188) ｜W=1,650g(180)
RIPSTICK 88 ¥82,500
D=130-88-105｜L=148,156,164,172,180,188cm
R=13.0m(148cm), 13.7(156), 14.2(164), 15.4(172), 17.0(180), 18.9(188)｜W=1,550g(180)
RIPSTICK 102 W ¥103,400
D=136mm-102mm-115mm(154cm), 138-103-117(162cm), 143-104-120(170cm), 143-105-120(178cm)｜L=154,162,170,178cm
R=15.0m(154cm), 15.8(162), 17.0(170), 18.1(178)｜W=1,750g(170cm)
RIPSTICK 94 W ¥92,400
D=131-94-107(154cm), 133-94-108(162cm), 136-94-110(170,178cm)｜L=154,162,170,178cm
R=14.0m(146cm), 15.0(162), 16.2(170), 18.0(178) ｜W=1,570g(170)
RIPSTICK 88 W ¥81,400
D=130-88-105｜L=146,154,162,170,178cm
R=13.0m(146cm), 13.7(154), 14.2(162), 15.4(170), 17.0(178)｜W=1,445g(170)
RIPSTICK's technology
Amphibio Profile: Asymmetrical design for stable carving
First, we'd like to draw your attention to elan's signature proprietary technology, the "Amphibio Profile," which was introduced in 2011. This features rocker on the outside of the ski and camber on the inside, resulting in an asymmetrical shape of the ski. 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 even at high speeds, the sole of your foot can accurately grip the snow surface, allowing for smooth carving
Carbon line technology and carbon rods that dramatically improve off-road performance
The Carbon Line Technology works in synergy with the Amphibio Profile. 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
Both sides of the board are fitted with 5mm diameter carbon rods 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 reinforced inside edges make carving possible even with a fat ski with a 116mm center. These carbon materials allow advanced skiers to create sharper turns and provide stable maneuverability for beginners. The RIPSTICK is a board that is easy to use for all types of skiers
Vapor tip that gives you a floating sensation with powder
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
A professional review of RIPSTICK
It turns out that the RIPSTICK is equipped with technology that doesn't compromise the enjoyment of skiing in any situation, whether it's rough terrain, powder, or groomed skis. Of course, the fact that it also has the fun of carving skis has been proven by professionals who have competed in technical competitions and the world of alpine skiing. Let
's hear what two people with experience as demonstrators have to say about the RIPSTICK.
Norihisa GotoProfileFormer
demonstrator
and Interski 95 Nozawa Onsen Japan representative. Currently, he uses his experience as a demonstrator to convey the joy and wonder of all-around skiing, whether it be competitive or basic skiing.
As he usually teaches competitive and basic skiing, he often skis down the slopes at high speeds.
The RIPSTICK skis feature Elan's unique asymmetrical Amphibio profile, which makes it easy to initiate and launch turns. Despite being wide, they also offer excellent stability and maneuverability on flat terrain. The appeal of these skis is that they allow you to enjoy skiing on any mountain. I
usually use racing skis or slightly softer types, but after getting my skis ready, there was a heavy snowfall during the day, and with my regular skis, there were piles of snow, which made skiing difficult. However, with the RIPSTICK, the buoyancy and float were so great that I didn't have to worry about it at all. I was surprised at how comfortable and enjoyable it was!
Profile
of Yu Inoue Born in Sugadaira, Nagano Prefecture. Started skiing as a child and has experience in various ski competitions including alpine skiing, basic skiing, and ski cross. Has been an SAJ demonstrator for 14 years over 7 terms. He
usually gives ski lessons at Sugadaira Ski Resort using the SLX WORLD CUP 157.
These skis, which feature an asymmetrical Amphibio structure, are perfect for taking off on snowy mornings, as they offer a sense of stability and smooth turns that are exhilarating. Then, on the piste, you can also make carving turns with ease, which I really like about being able to enjoy a whole day on one ski.
The women's model has a wide waist, starting at 88mm, which is a plus, as it allows you to carefully practice the direction and amount of center of gravity shift. Switching to regular skis after riding the RIPSTICKs allows your body and force to mesh, resulting in great skiing.
Derivative models specialized for specific scenes
In addition to the main model, RIPSTICK also has two derivative models:
[BLACK EDITION] and [TOUR].
RIPSTICK 106 BLACK EDITION ¥148,500
D=138mm-104mm-117mm(164cm), 143-105-120(172cm), 143-106-120(180,188cm)｜L=164,172,180,188cm
R=16.0m(164cm), 17.0(172), 18.1(180), 20.4(188)｜W=1,900g(180)
RIPSTICK 96 BLACK EDITION ¥137,500
D=133-94-108(164cm), 136-95-110(172cm), 136-96-110(180,188cm)｜L=164,172,180,188cm
R=15.1m(164cm), 16.2(172), 18.0(180), 19.5(188)｜W=1,710g(180)
RIPSTICK 94 W BLACK EDITION ¥121,000
D=131-94-107(154cm), 133-94-108(162cm), 136-94-110(170cm), 136-94-110(178cm)｜L=154,162,170,178cm
R=14.0m(154cm), 15.0(162), 16.2(170), 18.0(178)｜W=1,590g(170)
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 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 ran along the sides have been added to the front and back of the center of the board. This increases torsional strength, allows the board to grip the snow surface, and absorbs shocks even on uneven slopes, resulting in a stable run.
RIPSTICK TOUR 104 ¥121,000
D=129mm-104mm-122mm｜L=166,173,180,187cm
R=19.0m(166cm), 21.5(173), 23.0(180), 25.4(187)｜W=1,540g(180)
RIPSTICK TOUR 94 ¥115,500
D=129-94-109｜L=157,164,171,178,185cm
R=12.0m(157cm), 13.7(164), 15.6(171), 17.4(178), 19.4(185) ｜W=1,490g(178)
RIPSTICK TOUR 88 ¥110,000
D=128-88-108｜L=148,156,163,170,177,184cm
R=13.7m(148cm), 14.8(156), 15.6(163), 16.8(170), 17.6(177), 18.8(184)｜W=1,330g(177)
RIPSTICK TOUR 94W ¥115,500
D=129-94-109｜L=157,164,171,178cm
R=12.0m(157cm), 13.7(164), 15.6(171), 17.4(178)｜W=1,410g(171)
RIPSTICK TOUR 88W ¥110,000
D=127-88-106｜L=148,156,163,170,177cm
R=13.7m(148cm), 14.8(156), 15.6(163), 16.8(170), 17.6(177)｜W=1,150g(163)
For the 2022-2023 season, the RIPSTICK TOUR model was made with lighter materials. This lighter weight makes it more comfortable to walk in, even on long tours. The 104 is the signature model of legendary skier Glen Plake, known for his trademark mohawk
In this video, you can hear the story behind the development from the man himself
RIPSTICK is a ski that can be skied comfortably in a variety of conditions and situations. For backcountry or more stoic skiing, choose the TOUR or BLACK EDITION.
The best thing about these skis is that they are not weak in any situation, so you can enjoy skiing any time.
With just one pair, they are a versatile board that anyone can enjoy skiing in most conditions.