Elan Ripstick 94W Black Edition Women's Skis 2024 154cm

New to the Ellis Brigham range is the Ripstick 94 W Black Edition, a ski that wowed us during testing. Stable, smooth and precise yet still playful, it’s one the most impressive and versatile skis on the mountain. Using the same platform as the excellent Ripstick 94 W, it builds on this by increasing the amount of carbon and using QuadRod technology in the core, resulting in better precision and edge grip with no significant extra weight. On hardpack it is powerful and confident, in soft snow it floats and handle like a true freeride thoroughbred, all the time with the most effortless handling and control. Terrain Type & Ability Level Terrain Type This a great example of a freeride ski, capable of skiing anywhere on the mountain, not just powder or mainly firm conditions, but everywhere. Where standard Ripsticks maybe favour softer snow, the Black Edition shines on firmer conditions. It’s got the wdith and shape to work really well in soft snow, with good float and easy handling. The Amphibio asymmetric camber/rocker aids the edge hold and feeling of positivity on pistes without making the ski any harder to use. There’s no metal in the ski so to strengthen grip on hard snow, carbon fibre improves the stiffness. The flex feels great on all terrain, with carbon fibre ensuring grip and control on even the steepest, firmest runs. Thanks to it being relatively lightweight, mounting it with a BC binding is an option if you want to do the occasional trip away from the lifts. Skier Type The Ripstick is aimed at advanced and expert skiers wanting a freeride option, maybe as a single ski quiver or maybe as a second ski to compliment a piste model. There's no metal but the use of the Amphibio Carbon Line technology means it still delivers the precision that the best skiers demand and thanks to clever design, it isn't tricky to use. Overview Shape 94mm in the waist is a key part of what makes this a ski for those who want ultimate versatility. It’s wide enough to handle powder, yet narrow enough in the waist to grip and rip on the frontside. The re-shaped tip and tail taper design keep it feeling comfortable in every turn shape, on any surface. The relatively long nose and tail provide fogiveness and stability. Rocker Ripsticks use Amphibio technology, a revolutionary ski design that integrates both rocker and camber profiles into dedicated left and right skis. These skis feature a cambered inside edge assuring precision, edge grip and stability, while a rockered outside edge provides forgiveness, turning ease and smooth transitions. Core The Tubelite Woodcore uses two super lightweight carbon tubes inserted into a lightweight laminated wood core. These tubes run the length of the ski following the arc of the sidecut. They provide torsional stability and powerful rebound while allowing for material reduction of the core. The result is incredible lightweight response and stability. Construction SST construction uses sidewalls ensure quick, nimble and direct power transmission from the ski to snow as well as providing exceptional torsional rigidity. Key Features Amphibio Carbon Line Technology Amphibio Carbon Line technology is a combination of innovations that provide the best balance of lightweight construction with power and performance. Amphibio Carbon Line technology elevates the asymmetrical ski design to the next level by strategically locating carbon reinforcement over the inside edges of the skis to provide more power in the turn. Carbon rods inserted into the woodcore maximize weight savings and overall stability. The end result is an extremely lightweight high-performance ski with uncompromised versatility and smooth handling. 100% Recycled Vaportip Reinforcment Vapor inserts are advanced composites integrated into the tip and tail area of the ski’s core. These inserts reduce weight and vibration, dramatically improving stability and ensuring a smooth ride even in the most demanding conditions. Making a difference in sustainability is the drive behind every process and using 100% recycled materials in the components of their products is the approach that Elan take to reduce waste. Completely recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the main ingredient in plastic bottles, is processed into high-performance foam materials that are light, strong, and used in the VaporTip reinforcement. Quadrod Reinforcement Quadrod Reinforcement expands on the TubeLite Woodcore, which features two full-length carbon rods placed in the core, adjacent to the edges and the shape of the sidecut, by adding two additional carbon rods to the centre of the ski, one in the tip and one in the tail. It delivers next level smoothness and grip, with a natural flex pattern for the prefect blend of playful, yet powerful performance. EB tester’s comments: Sally (Milton Keynes) They need you to put the effort in to get the most out of them. They suit a more aggressive charging style yet are composed in variable terrain, making it a versatile ski when you want to explore. Size (cm) Tip Width (mm) Waist Width (mm) Tail Width (mm) Radius (m) Weight (g) 154 131 94 107 14 1390 162 133 94 108 15 1460 General Information Skier Ability: Advanced|Expert Rocker: Tip/Tail Rocker Radius: Medium Bindings: Ski sold flat DIN: n/a Construction: Full Sidewall Core: Wood, Carbon Demo: No Sizing Description: Nose level to forehead height is ideal, but longer length is important if there is a bigger rocker or you're spending more time off piste where the extra stability and float a larger size provides will be beneficial.