2023 Elan Ripstick 106 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

www.skiessentials.com/2023-sk...

[@DD-sr9xm]

Live in CO and ski 100 days per year. Been on original QST 106 for years and loved them but a decade on a single pair of skis is enough. Flipped to the rip stick 10y and WOW. first thing I noticed was ice and hard pack grip was insane vs the QST which is known to have a loose tail. So immediately carving in conditions I was sideslipping in. Second the rip sticks like to run, I am skiing probably 10-20 mph faster on everything but with the same comfort level. Only downside was bumps (I went from 181 to 188 as well) but by day four I had figured it out. Great GREAT skis. 2024 was the last season for this model. Go to SE and ship in. A pair at deep discount

[@loug4626]

Thanks for another good review as usual. Just sold my 188 Rossignal 106 Soul 7 HD (and shed few tears) which were great in the big open bowls but in the tighter steep terrain and trees/moguls at Revelstoke, Fernie etc did ok with bit more effort but leaning to a 180 in either these or the Renoun (come in 178 or 184). Have you had opportunity to try the Renoun 106 Citadel or a review forthcoming on those per chance would really appreciated. Majority of our skiing is at Tremblant with at least one week out west each winter.

[@SkiEssentials]

We'll try some Renoun skis this year--they're just not always available for us to get on. I can say that the Ripstick 106 is a highly energetic and entertaining ski in both soft and firm snow. It's light, approachable, and awesome, while still retaining excellent edge grip and a strong carving character.

[@loug4626]

Thanks.@@SkiEssentials

[@alexfato6107]

hi, i usually ski in Vermont i own a ripstick 88 i absolutely love it, but i want to get something for powder days here in the east ... which one you guys recommend me 106 or the new 104 tour ? and what do you think isthe difference between those two? thanks for the videos very helpful 🔥🤙

[@SkiEssentials]

The 106 feels more like a real ski--the 104 is pretty light and swively. If you want to use this ski in a resort setting, no touring, I'd go with the 106 for sure.

[@tristansmillie1170]

What binding do you recommend for these? All I do is resort skiing. I just picked up marker griffon 13’s. With the 110 brake size. Is that fine?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup! Griffon with the 110 brake is a great option. Not too heavy, trustworthy performance, relatively low stand height. There's a lot to like there.

[@douglasgueho9563]

Hello, I am very interested in the Ripstick 106s but need a recommendation on length. Presently on Volkl M5s at 177 but find them a bit of work in tight spots, trees and steeps. I am 5'9 and 180ish lbs., mid 60's and ski western Canada. Would the 172s work or should I be looking at the 180s? Thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

HI Douglas! I think your Mantra experience, combined with your stats puts you more in the 172. The 106 has a good amount of material to it, so I'd think the 180 would feel on the long side. Have fun! SE

[@douglasgueho9563]

@@SkiEssentials I was able to find a pair of the 172s and have been on them for around 20 days. These skiis are incredible. After adjusting stance a bit I am very comfortable going hard in any condition. Edge to edge on hardpack is easy and seamless, carving is real. True powder days have been better than expected, turns in trees and tights are done with confidence. Also, they will go if you point them. Thanks for your help! Douglas.

[@jamesantonelli2979]

hello - what is your opinion about putting a shift binding on the 106? I know that you have said in the past the the 96 is a great option for a shift set up, but the 106??

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi james! Depends on your style/application of touring. Most skiers that we know who use the Shift mainly tour in bounds/resort. In that case, the 96 is normally plenty of ski. If you're using this setup for only and always fresh snow, then there's nothing wrong with the 106 in that regard, just makes more sense to me if you're in-bounds to use a "narrower" ski. Have fun! SE

[@jamesantonelli2979]

Cool. Thanks for the reply.

[@jacobmalekan3497]

Hi I live on the east coast and usually ski in Vermont. I ski on Brahma 88s but I want something more playful that would also work when I go out west. I’m not sure wether I should get the 96 or 106. I feel like the 96 would be more suitable for Vermont but not sure how it would be if it took it out west.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Jacob! We've skied the 106 a lot here in Vermont and it's still perfectly appropriate. If you're thinking of it as a playful soft snow ski, go for it. Certainly better when you go out west than the 96 in terms of powder performance and float. If you want it to just be a more playful daily driver alternative to your Brahma, I might stick with the 96. Hope that helps you decide!

[@jaykuhn1764]

What is the difference between the 2023 and 2022 model if any?

[@SkiEssentials]

Nope, just a graphics update! SE