Does the Ripstick 94 perform mostly like a wider Ripstick 88 or are there other characteristics that differentiate the two?
I’m a bit on the fence between the 88 or 94 for New England touring (mostly tight trees, some alpine). The extra float and shorter turn radius of the 94 could be nice in the trees. On the other hand, the larger radius on the 88 seems like it might provide a more confident edge on ice or hard pack (beyond just being narrower).
Any insight here would be great!
Elan Ripstick Tour 94 Ski
Finally, a lighter touring version of Elan's beloved Ripsticks! The Ripstick Tour 94 has a nice wide shovel and generous sidecut to make you think you have machetes on your feet as you slice through everything from powder to punchy top layers. With a 360° ABS sidewall these skis are a powerful set of boards with plenty of rock-solid effective edge to keep control in tough conditions. Making turns is easy as pie (which can be surprisingly difficult to make by the way), with edge-to-edge rocker, also known as the Amphibio profile. This approach to ski construction helps you initiate and exit turns more easily while transferring power to your inside edge. Out-of-the-box thinking has also led to Elan's Carbon Bridge Technology. Imagine how having a carbon tube running the length of the ski would make for a stiff yet damp ride; that's the idea and the end result. Carbon deserves more carbon, so the construction also consists of 2 layers of carbon for torsional rigidity and more excuses to talk about carbon. Laying down tight turns in the backcountry is an amazing feeling, don't deny yourself a good time by taking a pass on these skis. Whether skiing powder, or volcanoes in spring, getting out on your Elan Ripstick Tour 94's is a wonderful thing.
- Carbon Bridge Technology offers a smooth ride that absorbs vibration like Brawny absorbs spilled milk.
- 360° pyramid-shaped ABS sidewall increases durability so you can ski just a bit further into the spring.
- Carbon-reinforced laminate woodcore is torsionally stiff and light with a delightful underfoot feel.
- Amphibio profile* offers easy turns all day to keep you looking smooth and feeling fresh.
- Precut skins are available so you can hit the skin track as soon as you open the box.
* Amphibio means you will have a left and a right ski since they are turned up asymmetrically.
Update 2023/24: Same great ski, just a new topsheet!
Update 2025/26: No changes to construction, but another fresh topsheet!
| Specifications | |
| Length(s) cm | 157, 164, 171, 178, 185 |
|
Weight |
1370g [164] 1435g [171] 1525g [178] 1550g [185] |
| Weight (pair) | 2740g [164] 2870g [171] 3050g [178] 3100g [185] |
|
|
129-94-109 [All] |
|
Turn |
12.0m [157] 13.7m [164] 15.6m [171] 17.4m [178] 19.4m [185] |
|
Skin |
Tip notch, flat tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Amphibio asymmetrical rocker edge to edge |
|
|
Tapered tip and tail |
|
|
Carbon bridge technology, 360° sidewall |
|
|
Laminated woodcore with carbon reinforcement |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday touring from tight trees to open bowls |
| Notes | Asymmetric rocker cuts through just about anything |
| Bottom Line | Backcountry ripper for carving lovers |
| Compare to other Mid-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
11/9/2025
11/10/2025
Nate- You are correct that the Ripstick 94 performs mostly like a wider 88. Even though the turn radius is different I did not notice a big difference on the turn shape. I think the narrower waist of the 88 makes the ski quicker edge to edge which might make the difference on side cut. Both are equally at home on ice in terms of edge hold. Overall though, the 88 felt a little zippier than the 94.
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8/16/2025
Is it still possible to find an Elan skin for the 24/25 Ripstick Tour 94 in the 178 length?
8/16/2025
Hi Jeremy, this years model will work, but we were recently informed Elan skins were cancelled into the US due to high tariffs on Switzerland.
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3/2/2025
Looking at this ski for NE BC glade skiing. I am new to BC and completely suck at quick turn initiation. Currently on 2022 Fischer Ranger 92's at 185 length, which are great for all mountain, but I have found to be treacherous for me in trees.
At 6'2" and 195 lbs, plus a pack....I am not sure if I want a 185 length or ski shorter with the 172 since I have trouble turning on a dime in the BC. Thoughts?
Am I better off looking for a rockered tail ski that I can release the tail on better?
At 6'2" and 195 lbs, plus a pack....I am not sure if I want a 185 length or ski shorter with the 172 since I have trouble turning on a dime in the BC. Thoughts?
Am I better off looking for a rockered tail ski that I can release the tail on better?
3/3/2025
Hi Jonathan, the 178cm in this ski sounds like it could tick your boxes if you're finding your 185cm Rangers not maneuverable enough. The 172cm might be a bit short at your height and weight. You're correct that a rockered tail with allow you to release turns more easily. Ripstick 94's have a touch of tail rocker but probably not much more than your Ranger 92's.
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1/15/2025
I'm looking for a New England backcountry ski. I've been using a heavier G3 Roamr (100mm underfoot) ski so i'm not terribly scared of weight. I'm looking for something a little more nimble in the glades and can handle variable conditions a little better. I've been looking at both the Elan Ripstick Tour 94 and the Elan Ripstick Black 96. What are your thoughts between these two skis?
1/15/2025
Hi Scott! The Elan Ripstick Tour 94 would be an excellent ski for you! With a natural inclination for tighter turns, you should find the maneuverability you are after. Additionally, this ski quite versatile, handing a range of conditions quite well. It does hold firm snow in a special place in its heart, so if you find yourself in uniform NE conditions or even on a groomer, you're sure to have a good time. The Black carries similar characteristics, but being geared towards resort skiing, the weight will be reflected, making it not the most accommodating for touring. The Tour 94 may be a great ski for you!
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2/21/2024
I am searching for a Colorado spring ski. I tend to like heavier, more aggressive touring skis, and have two pairs of skis specifically for Colorado mid-winter conditions (breakable, powder, etc). Really, I need something that can ski firm chalk and corn and will survive in powder. Is this the ski? I want something a little heavier than a standard mountaineering ski (maybe 1500g/ski). I was looking at the Dynastar M-Tour 99 but it seems like the effective edge might be a little bit short for steep edging. Thanks!
2/22/2024
Hi Alex,
This would be a solid choice! It would be a lot of fun on corn and firmer snow. It is a turnier ski with a decent amount of sidecut. By comparison, the M-Tour 99 is a bit straighter and has a more rockered tip which will perform better in powder. I think both might be good options for you - the Dynastar M-Tour 99 is frequently used by steep skiing legend Vivian Bruchez on incredibly steep descents around the world, so I wouldn't say it's lacking in capability in those environments! The rockered tip is complemented by camber underfoot and a flat tail, which work quite well for steep skiing.
This would be a solid choice! It would be a lot of fun on corn and firmer snow. It is a turnier ski with a decent amount of sidecut. By comparison, the M-Tour 99 is a bit straighter and has a more rockered tip which will perform better in powder. I think both might be good options for you - the Dynastar M-Tour 99 is frequently used by steep skiing legend Vivian Bruchez on incredibly steep descents around the world, so I wouldn't say it's lacking in capability in those environments! The rockered tip is complemented by camber underfoot and a flat tail, which work quite well for steep skiing.
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10/16/2023
I am an beginner towards intermediate telemarker, looking for a lighter ski for going up, with still some downhill capabilities. These seem to hit the sweet spot for me...but are these suitable for mounting 78mm tele bindings?
10/16/2023
Brian,
The Elans shouldn't have a problem being mounted with Tele bindings.
The Ripsticks actually are very good on the down and fun to ski. Will be a good choice.
The Elans shouldn't have a problem being mounted with Tele bindings.
The Ripsticks actually are very good on the down and fun to ski. Will be a good choice.
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2/18/2023
Would this ski be too much for the Zero G Peak Carbon? I know waist width is often bandied about as a limiting factor for 1 kilo boots, but what about weight?
2/20/2023
Hi Travis!
Although reaching towards the upper end of the general limits of the Zero G Peak Carbon, I think the two would make for a fine pair. The Zero G Peak Carbons punch far above their weight class, and in favorable snow conditions, they can drive bigger skis than expected. Regardless, both the weight and waist width do play a factor, but in this case, I think the Zero G Peaks could drive these skis well. Thanks!
Although reaching towards the upper end of the general limits of the Zero G Peak Carbon, I think the two would make for a fine pair. The Zero G Peak Carbons punch far above their weight class, and in favorable snow conditions, they can drive bigger skis than expected. Regardless, both the weight and waist width do play a factor, but in this case, I think the Zero G Peaks could drive these skis well. Thanks!
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9/23/2022
Whats the tip to tail measurement on the 185s?
9/23/2022
Jon, measured along the base, they are 183cm. If they had a pointed tip, would be 185cm.
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8/30/2022
Are the ski weights actuals?
8/30/2022
Hi Jonathan, yes we weighed several pair of each length.
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11/7/2021
From the photos, it appears these skis have no tail notch.
Yet the "non-tour" Ripsticks do. That's completely bizarre.
Yet the "non-tour" Ripsticks do. That's completely bizarre.
11/7/2021
Never mind.. the pictures on the Elan web site seem to indicate a subtle notch. Phew!
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