2021 SkiEssentials.com Ski Test - Elan Ripstick 106

[@pepecuvan9867]

Great review! I'm a 204cm tall intermediate skier, 95kg. I'm hesitating between the 96 and the 106 for varying conditions on slope and some touring not very far from beaten trails. I figure that, since there are no models taller than 188cm, a wider ski might give me some more stability and effective edge. I don't worry too much about edge to edge since I'm such a long lever :) What would you suggest?

[@TheGuyWho3415]

I have clapped out 1st gen Soul 7s, would these be a suitable replacement? Mount w/ kingpin 50/50

[@SkiEssentials]

Heck yeah! Great choice to replace those Soul 7s. Just as playful, good float, good maneuverability, but better edge grip.

[@flytimothypaul]

I am looking to replace a pair of atomic automatic 109 - 188. I’m torn between the Ripstick 106 and Atomic Backland 109. How would you compare the rides? I LOVE the automatics btw. They would be Just to Ski Fernie of piste pow.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Tim! I think I might go with the Ripstick, actually. That might seem surprising given the Backland is an Atomic and you're replacing an Atomic, but the Backlands feel a lot lighter and I'm not sure they'd give you the same overall performance you're used to. Does that make sense to you? Ripstick feels like a similarly well-rounded ski as the Automatic 109...

[@laurin6574]

How do These compare to the black crows atris

[@SkiEssentials]

The Atris has more of a twin tip shape, more freestyle/backcountry-freestyle in its design. I also think the Atris feels heavier. Arguably more stable at speed and a little more stout overall. The Ripstick is quicker both in terms of how it responds to skier input and the fact that the swing weight is lighter.

[@tobeysiegel4011]

I'm about 5'7" lightweight about 135 lbs would you recommend the 164 or 172?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd probably go 172 cm I think. It's relatively light, not too stiff, and has a good amount of rocker. I would worry a little bit that 164 cm would feel short.

[@minassoloman]

Not the skis for the east coast (icy coast) though

[@SkiEssentials]

Good powder ski option if you have a quiver of skis! One thing that's impressive about these skis is they do hold quite well on firm snow for their width and shape, but of course there are superior east coast carvers.

[@ipfreely9976]

For someone who is 5’ 11” and 170 lb what length would you recommend for this ski? Not sure if 181 is too short or if 188 is too long.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think 181 cm is the way to go. I'm a similar size, maybe a little smaller, and that's the length I prefer. I feel like going up to 188 cm would take away some of the playfulness and maneuverability that makes this ski so great.

[@jonathanschaufler1112]

Hey, thanks for this review. What is the difference of RS 106 '21 to the RS 106 black?

[@SkiEssentials]

Basically Elan took some of the construction elements of the Black Edition and applied it to the 2021 Ripsticks. Instead of a full extra sheet of carbon in the Black, they have a partial carbon sheet along the inside edge. The shape is a little different too. More abrupt rise in the tail and longer effective edge, but that was a pretty subtle change.

[@TelisHero]

Whould they work fine as telemark, w Meidjo 3.0 or how does the inner/outer ski (right/left) work?

[@SkiEssentials]

I think they'd work great as a tele ski, yeah! You just need to keep them on the correct feet.

[@travisjurgens3006]

I am 5’8” 180 lb. Ski mainly in Tahoe. Looking for an all mountain ski and I can only have one pair. Deciding between Ripstick 96 and 106. Ski mainly 70/30 on/off piste, but looking to get more off piste. What would u recommend?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd probably go with the 96. It's quicker edge to edge and feels more responsive on groomers. It's still really good off trail too. I think the 106 would make more sense if you were spending more time off-piste than on, but it doesn't sound like you're quite doing that yet. If that's what you mean by going off-piste more, like most of your time, then I'd go 106.

[@qhgflies]

Diff between Ripstick, head kore, and bent Chet?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Kore is the stiffest for sure. Bent Chetler is the most playful, then the Ripstick is kind of in between. The Bent Chetler almost feels like it doesn't really fall into the same category with its twin tip shape and simple wood core. Both the Kore and Ripstick have more torsional stiffness and better edge grip, and a more directional shape. Even though the Kore is stiffest, I'd say the Ripsticks are the smoothest as they have better vibration damping.

[@Wrgb1]

Comparisons between the RS 106 black and the Salomon Qst 106 ?

[@SkiEssentials]

Ripstick feels lighter and a little more energetic. More responsive and more precise overall. The QST 106 is heavier, has more vibration damping, and overall has a more surfy, drifty feel rather than the precise feel of the Ripstick. Both are fun, playful, versatile freeride skis, but they do feel different.