2021 SkiEssentials.com Ski Test - Elan Ripstick 116

[@ambc38vsxn]

Really like your reviews! Keep up a good work!

[@linogl]

Hey there! I do some free touring and bought a K2 Wayback 96. But for very deep powder like we have sometimes in Switzerland I just don't float right with these. So I need a proper freeride ski (not intended for touring) - is the ripstick 16 floaty enough while also playful enough for shorter turns in pow while also stiff enough for a bit harsher snow? Appreciate your effort in these reviews!

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Lino! I think the Ripstick 116 is an excellent choice. Tremendous float from the width and rocker profile, and makes shorter turns more easily than a lot of skis in its width range. Feels like a fantastic choice.

[@superboost1574]

What would you rather take out for a day, Ripstick vs mindbender?

[@SkiEssentials]

Depends on the day. If I wanted to ski fast and aggressively or if the snow was really firm, probably a Mindbender Ti model. If I wanted to maximize versatility, probably a Ripstick 88 or 96. Fun, floaty, soft snow ski? Take your pick, Ripstick 116 or Mindbender 116C, pretty darn similar in that application. I should say, the Ti Mindbenders are versatile too, they're just heavier and have less rocker so a little less maneuverable/not as quick.

[@ambc38vsxn]

Hi, what is the difference between Rustler 11 and Ripstick 116 in terms of general stiffness? I am thinking about touring (50offpiste/50touring) setup for tall and heavy expert level skier. Ripstick is lighter and this sounds like a heavy plus..

[@SkiEssentials]

Rustler is definitely a little stiffer thanks to the metal underfoot. I think I'd prefer the Ripstick 116 for touring, although both could work.

[@ambc38vsxn]

@@SkiEssentials last question - what will you prefer: Rustler 11 192, Ripstick 116 193 or Mindbender 116C 193?

[@SkiEssentials]

@@ambc38vsxn For a touring ski for me it would be between the Ripstick 116 and Mindbender 116. I really enjoy skiing both of those, so hard to pick a favorite between them.

[@ambc38vsxn]

@@SkiEssentials thanks for you reply!

[@bretts7037]

Hey this ski looks unreal! What's the difference between it and the previous season? I have volkl mantra M5 and looking for something for our west coast deep days so wondering what these are like compared with the Atomic Backland 117? I see your review on the 107. Do you have the 117 or last year's to compare the 2?

[@SkiEssentials]

There isn't a huge difference compared to last year's, but they did add a little more carbon, which gives it more responsiveness and increased edge grip. More noticeable in the narrower widths, in my opinion, but an improvement in the 116 width too. The shape is also more blunted in the tips and tails. In my opinion, they're pretty comparable to the feel of the Backlands. The Ripstick is a little smoother in my opinion. Slightly softer flex and more vibration damping. Both are light and playful, but the Backlands feel stiffer. Hope that helps!

[@jtatone00]

How do these compare to the Wailer 112s

[@SkiEssentials]

A little smoother, in my opinion. Softer flex overall, and a little more vibration damping. They feel a little more playful to me. Wailers are really precise thanks to the Alchemist construction. Ripsticks are smoother, a little softer, and have a distinctly *fun* attitude.

[@jtatone00]

@@SkiEssentials Thanks! You guys have the best reviews!