Ripstick 88 Black Edition | 2027

Elan’s Black Edition skis are the brand’s most aggressive high-performance offerings, featuring double the carbon of its non-Black Edition counterparts. For 2027, the Ripstick 88 is getting the Black Edition treatment, transforming the precise frontside ski into
a snappy and energetic carving machine.

As with the rest of the Ripstick line, the 88 features an asymmetrical design with unique inner and outer contact points on the dedicated left and right skis. By placing the inside contact points closer to the tip of the ski, the inside edge of the downhill ski hooks up quickly on every turn, making transitions smooth and easy.

Unlike the standard Ripstick 88, which has two carbon rods running along the sidewalls, the Black Edition features four. The two most important are positioned in front of and behind the binding. This placement reduces chatter and provides support where the ski is most likely to flex. Additional reinforcement comes from two carbon sheets under the poplar and paulownia wood core, plus a carbon sheet positioned directly underfoot. The result of this lightweight carbon layering is a unique power-to-weight ratio that provides energy in and out of turns. 

This ski is not an overly damp frontside carver. It’s a fantastic daily driver for most frontside-oriented rippers who want a snappy, responsive ski that can thrive in firm off-piste conditions.