When you take a pair of skis that actually belong to the rep working the demo, you expect them to be perfectly tuned. Therefore, it was no surprise that the Elan RIPstick was impressive.

Model: Elan RIPstick
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 164/12.8 170/14.3 178/15.9
Sidecut: 109-66-98
Length Tested: 164

Manufacturer’s Description:

“Target: Expert to intermediate carvers preferring precision and stability in all conditions

Benefits: Advanced sidewall technology for easy initiation while remaining powerful under foot.

With its lengths of 164 and 170 cm, the RIPstick has all the meat and potatoes you’ll need to take on the whole mountain. The Double Express technology provides the highest degree of torsional rigidity, optimized edge grip and direct power transmission. In a nutshell: the RIPstick provides perfect performance, even at top speeds; The ski for professionals, skiing instructors, competition skiers and expert all mountain skiers.”

Ski-Review’s verdict:

However, testing the RIPstick 2 weeks later and using a pair that did not have the same special attention, yielded the same result. Elan’s RIPstick lives up to its name and will surely gain the respect of any who still harbour any anti-Elan sentiment. Get over it. They developed parabolic skis at the entry level, and even are largely responsible for the acceptance and success of shaped skis.

A few quotes from others on our test:

"The name says it all. Quick and FUN.”

"The modified “Pro-version” binding mount allows more precise control of the tail, and can add more “pop” at the end the turn. Ski ’em right! Mistakes are not forgiven.

“Race feel with versatility. Cruise, carve or RIP.”

“The Rip Stick rocks! It’s the real deal. There is a reason they don’t come in longer sizes. They shouldn’t.”

Real time prices for the Elan Rip Stick (2006), or similar ski products:

Reader Ski Reviews of the Elan Rip Stick (2006)

Elan Rip Stick (2006)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 11/30 at 02:53 AM

This ski is wall to wall fun. I skied a 170 CM and found it easy to handle, and almost “automatic”, meaning that every move you thought about happened. Very responsive, yet stable.

Elan Rip Stick (2006)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 01/31 at 05:21 AM

Spent the last three days at Timberline WV trying all types of ski’s…trying to find the right pair. Fishers, Blizzards, K2’s and finally the Elan’s. Travis (the man in the cage at T-line working demo’s) said “dude, are you ready to jump into prime time now? I did and these bad boys can do it all. 6 hours later I’m back home after 3 days of trying to find the best of the best—-got my own pair of Rip Sticks in the garage ready to rock out west!

Elan Rip Stick (2006)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 01/09 at 10:14 PM

just lovin my ripsticks! I just spent a couple of days with guys wearing their all mountain 176’s etc. and their was no leaving me behind on 164cm Ripsticks. This is my second pair of Elan’s with the fusion system and I’m a beleiver.

Elan Rip Stick (2006)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 03/25 at 07:29 PM

I bought these skis with no questions asked.

Straight down avalanche at Cannon Mountain on 170’s. These skis have to be the most stable 170’s ever.

Elan Rip Stick (2006)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 03/26 at 11:50 PM

Skiing with my buddy who uses 178 Head World cup GS skis and I’m on my Rip Sticks and pass him says’ alot about this ski design.

I weigh 165 and he weighs 200lbs.

Elan Rip Stick (2006)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 03/27 at 12:10 AM

As a Former Ski racer For GMVS I took one look at the Rip Stick Design and said, I got to have these.

I have skied on everything that is made. These skies have a unique stiffness and they make you ski forward.

These skies will last a long time and get better with age if you take care of them.

The cross member laminate in the mid section give the ski extra stiffness and unique smoothness at higher speeds that one could not find in any 170cm.

Im talking going 72 miles per hr on a pair of 170 Elan Rip sticks.

They didn’t vibrate under my feet at these speeds which I though was unusual for a short ski.

The Duff Mister

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