Elan has a history of developing skis in Slovenia for over 75 years. It's well-known to many because it was a favorite of alpine skiing legend Ingemar Stenmark throughout his long career. At the same time, many people probably have a strong image of Elan in that regard. It seems somewhat hardcore and unrelated to us freeskiers...
However, opening the Elan catalog reveals a world far removed from our preconceived notions. (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 perfectly embodies that tagline:
the "RIPSTICK." Developed as a freeride ski for all-mountain riding, it offers a user-friendly ride that anyone can easily handle. Even beginners will immediately appreciate its ease of use. Of course, advanced skiers will also become addicted to the exhilarating feeling of being able to ski hard anytime. Let's
introduce the features of the RIPSTICK that allow you to ski anywhere, in any situation. It's packed with the culmination of Elan's technical expertise, honed over many years of ski manufacturing at the forefront of the industry.
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's clear that the RIPSTICK incorporates technology that ensures the enjoyment of skiing in all conditions, from uneven terrain and powder to groomed slopes. Of course, its carving capabilities have also been proven by professionals who have competed in technical competitions and the world of alpine skiing. Let's hear
the evaluations of two experienced demonstrators regarding the RIPSTICK.
Norihisa Goto
Profile:
Former demonstrator, Interski 95 Nozawa Onsen Japan representative. Currently, he uses his experience as a demonstrator to convey the fun and wonder of skiing in an all-around way, regardless of whether it's competitive or recreational skiing. He
usually teaches competitive and recreational skiing, so he often skis down the slopes at high speeds.
The RIPSTICK, with Elan's unique asymmetrical Amphibio profile, makes turning and initiation easy. Despite being a wide ski, it offers excellent stability and maneuverability on groomed slopes, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy skiing on any mountain. I
usually use racing skis or slightly softer versions of them, but when heavy snow fell during the day after grooming, I was surprised to find that while my usual skis would have been navigating snowdrifts and requiring careful handling, the RIPSTICK's buoyancy and ability to float made it incredibly comfortable and even fun to ski!
Yu Inoue
Profile:
Born in Sugadaira Plateau, Nagano Prefecture. Started skiing at a young age and has experience in various skiing disciplines including alpine skiing, basic skiing, and ski cross. Has been an SAJ Demonstrator for 7 terms (14 years). He
usually gives ski lessons at Sugadaira Plateau Ski Resort using the SLX WORLD CUP 157.
These skis, featuring an asymmetrical Amphibio structure, are exhilarating to ski on a fresh snowy morning, offering a sense of floating while maintaining stability and allowing for smooth turns. I also love that they allow for enjoyable carving turns on groomed slopes, making them a great choice for a full day of skiing.
The women's model has a wider waist of 88mm, which is great for practicing the direction and amount of weight transfer. After using the RIPSTICK, switching back to regular skis helps to align body positioning and force distribution, resulting in a much better skiing experience.
Derivative models specialized for specific scenes
In addition to the main model, RIPSTICK also has two derivative models:
the [BLACK EDITION] and the [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 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 covers not only the inside but also the outside. Carbon rods that ran along the sides have also been added to the front and back of the center of the board. As a result, it is even stronger in torsion, can grip the snow surface with the board, absorbs shocks on uneven slopes, and allows for stable skiing.
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 TOUR88 ¥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
The RIPSTICK offers comfortable skiing in a variety of conditions and situations. For backcountry skiing or a more challenging experience, choose the TOUR or BLACK EDITION.
Above all, the best thing about these skis is that they excel in no situation, making skiing enjoyable at all times.
With just one pair, anyone can enjoy skiing in almost any condition – they're truly versatile skis.