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Elan Ripstick 86 W Review
December 21, 2017The Good
- Solid at speed
- Versatile in turn shape and snow conditions
- A multi-ability level ski
The Bad
- Tip is sluggish to initiate high-performance turns
- Lacks bomber edge grip on hardpack
- Has a hollow sound
The Elan Ripstick 86 W is a freeride-oriented Frontside ski that’s strong underfoot and easy to butter. The Ripstick series is an exciting development from Elan – freeride-oriented skis that are lightweight yet strong, able to carve, and butter. The Ripstick technology has three main elements: Vapor Tip, Tubelite and Amphibio. Vapor Tip inserts in the tip and tail are designed to reduce weight and vibration. The ski scored less than average scores for flotation even with the light tip but testers did note a lack of vibration resulting from the tips.
The Tubelite wood core is made up of two light hollow carbon “tubes” running the full length of the ski, designed to reduce weight while maintaining torsional rigidity. At 158 centimeters length, the Ripstick 86 W weights 1,340 grams, fairly light for an ski wish an 86 millimeter waist. Testers noted the lightweight feel, but gave the ski high marks for stability. Many described it as “damp” and “solid at speed.” One tester commented on the ski’s “hollow sound at speed.”
Elan’s Amphibio Profile appears in many of the models in freeride and all mountain categories. The technology, now into multiple iterations, dedicates a right and left ski due to the cambered inside edge and rockered outside edge designed to increase edge grip as well as smooth turn transitions. Testers called the ski “a good carver,” and noted that it was “strong underfoot.” The Ripstick 86 W received mixed scores for Carving Pleasure and Turn Shape Variability, with its highest scores for Stability and Edge Hold.
Testers lauded the Stability and Edge Hold of the ski, while scoring Flotation and Turn Shape Variability slightly lower. “These skis are a bit stubborn like a mule until you get them going, then they feel strong as an ox,” said one tester. “They’re light but stable with a penchant for speed,” said another. The tip was noted by several testers who felt that the shape and Vapor Tip inserts made it challenging to set the tip at the top of the turn on hardpack, but adequate in soft snow and bumps. “Know that this ski doesn’t love boilerplate, and take it off-piste or in soft snow to reap the benefits of versatility,” said one tester. Overall, the Ripstick 86 W combines a lightweight core wrapped up in a strong package, resulting in solid ski that competently handles snow and turn variations.
Flotation
If you’re looking for more flotation, look to the wider Ripstick 102 W, with a wider footprint than the 86 W (136-102-115 mm vs. 123-86-112 mm). However, testers felt the Ripstick 86 W had average flotation for the category. Some cited the “damp” feeling and all-mountain tip shape as the reason for average float but many applauded the skis’ ability to butter in tight terrain areas.
Stability
Stability is the highest-scoring attribute for the Ripstick 86 W. The ski features Elan’s TNT technology, which includes the Tubelite wood core and carbon rods running along the edges of the ski. This construction creates what one tester calls “a light and stable ride that’s strong underfoot and able to handle speed.”
Edge Hold
The Ripstick 86 W has Elan’s SST Sidewall, designed for torsional rigidity and energy transmission of the edges. Testers gave fair scores for Edge Hold, noting that the ski performs best in soft snow conditions. “It doesn’t like boilerplate, though not many people do,” quipped one tester. Though many agreed the ski felt strong underfoot, many testers commented on the tip affecting the initiation of the turn, in terms of not engaging easily in arced turns on hardpack. Testers noted that the versatility of the ski’s turn intensity is of value to a range of abilities since it can accomodate an aggressive, race style as well as a relaxed stance.
Carving Pleasure
Testers gave the Ripstick 86 W lower scores for Carving Pleasure. “The all-mountain tip doesn’t engage easily on hardpack,” said one tester. “It’s hard to set the tip at the top of the turn,” said another. Though carving pleasure wasn’t high on tester’s list, they valued the versatility of the Ripstick 86 W in terms of snow conditions and turn shape versatility. Many felt the ski’s all-mountain frontside personality would benefit a Western skier with soft snow – not boilerplate conditions.
Turn Shape Variability
Since the Ripstick 86 W has a 15 mm turn radius and an 86 mm waist, it’s no surprise that testers said it favored medium to long radius turns. It’s intention is not a slalom ski and testers agreed that the ski’s forte is in the versatility of how you ski it; meaning that it can be skied aggressively or more relaxed and can handle a variety of snow conditions, but not icy slopes.
Krista Crabtree
- SkiingPassionate about women’s ski camps and women-specific gear, Krista organizes women’s ski programs at Eldora and Vail, including her own camp called She Skis. A former editor at SKI Magazine, she currently runs the ski test for OnTheSnow.com.
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