Playmaker 101 | 2026

The Playmaker series was born out of the success of Elan’s Ripstick line. While you can see some design nods from the brand’s directional freeride collection, the Playmaker 101 represents Elan’s dedicated venture into twin-tip, freestyle-oriented skis.

The most obvious difference from the Ripstick line is the Playmaker’s true twin construction. Elan designates this as surf rocker, which allows for easy edge release and generally provides a loose, playful feel. 

The Playmaker 101 gets Elan’s popular core of wood and carbon rods, but with a crucial difference from the other series. Carbon is located in the center third of the ski, unlike the Ripstick line which has it throughout most of the ski. This positioning makes it feel soft on either end of the ski, perfect for butters and jibbing, while the stiffer midsection provides responsive energy when popping off jumps around the resort.

The ample tip and tail rocker combined with soft extremities means this ski wants to be initiated laterally rather than through the tip. You’ll feel this ski perform well on groomers, but if you prefer a crispy and energetic carver, the Ripstick family delivers that better. The energy concentrated around the middle gives impressive responsiveness for park features while keeping the tip and tail loose so you can dance off side hits on your way downhill.

For skiers looking for a lightweight ski with freestyle versatility and all-mountain capability, the Playmaker 101 offers an appealing combination without much sacrifice.