Elan Ripstick 116 Skis Review

Finding great powder skis can be quite a challenge. There are countless all-mountain skis, but a quality powder ski with excellent performance in these lighter conditions is hard to find.

With that said, the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis may be exactly what you’re after. They work great on nearly every type of terrain, are very stable, and, due to their construction, are extremely lightweight.

Even still, they can’t be recommended for everyone. Some testers warned the Ripstick 116s were ill-suited for beginners.

Is that a deal-breaker? Before you make your final decision, let’s take a closer look at the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis.

Elan Ripstick 116 Skis: The Details

In a Nutshell

• Lengths: 185, 193 cm.
• Sidecuts: 143/116/132 mm at 185 cm length.
• Profile: Amphibio rocker profile.
• Turn Radius: 20.3 meters at 185 cm length.
• Level: Advanced to Expert.
• Type: Powder skis.

Features

Profile

The Elan Ripstick 116 Skis have an Amphibio rocker profile.

This is a very unique profile design since the outside rim of the ski has a flat camber for optimum edge hold on hard-packed snow. Meanwhile, the inner rim is rockered at both the tip and the tail for added control.

When you combine these rocker and camber aspects – especially in their unique zones – you can enjoy a fast and stable ride on hard-packed snow, without making it difficult to maneuver.

As a bonus, since these are powder skis, you’ll also have a smooth experience in freshly-fallen snow.

Core

The core of the Ripstick 116 skis is Elan’s Tubelite Woodcore, which is composed of two super-light carbon tubes, inserted into a laminated wood core.

The tubes are about 5 mm in diameter and run the entire length of each ski. As such, this design helps with stability, rebound when performing jumps or tricks, responsiveness, and makes the skis extremely lightweight.

Base

The Ripstick 116 skis also have a sintered base. What does that mean? The manufacturer took P-tex pellets and both melted and fused them together into a sheet, which was then cut into the length needed for the skis.

A sintered base holds wax more effectively, so less can be used during maintenance times, saving you money and boosting the skis’ performance.

As such, this design improves the durability and speed of the set.

Sidewalls

Elan uses SST Sidewall Construction for the Ripstick 116s. This ensures the skis are responsive, quick, and stable enough to get you through both powder and hard snow without slipping, sliding, or wiping out.

Sidewalls balance the skis to ensure you stay upright even in cruddy snow.

Laminates

Elan uses two different laminates in the Ripstick 116 skis: triaxial fiberglass and vapor tips.

Specifically, Elan weaves the fiberglass in three different directions, which ensures the skis are strong and stiff enough to take the impact of hard-packed and rough terrain.

The vapor tip inserts are then placed in the tip and tail of each ski’s core. This helps to reduce weight and boost the skis’ dampness, so you feel next to no vibration or chatter.

Furthermore, it improves stability by adding strength to the tip and tail. In less than ideal conditions, you have the smoothest ride possible.

Elan: The Brand

Elan was founded in 1945 by Rudi Finžgar, a ski jumper who set a world record in 1941 for the highest jump. The company soon made its mark in the ski industry and exported its products to the US within a few years.

They now manufacturer skis for men, women, and children, along with all the necessary accessories. They are headquartered in a small village in Slovenia, specifically in the Alps.

Their stated mission is to not just build skis, but to “build better skis” that provide “exceptional experiences in the mountains again and again.”

Elan Ripstick 116 Skis Review

The Positives

Stable

Based on tester feedback, the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis are very stable. Due to the combination of an Amphibio rocker profile, a wood core, and SST sidewalls, there’s no worry of feeling wobbly or insecure on this set.

The profile ensures you always have some contact with the snow, while the sidewalls keep you balanced even in rougher conditions.

Stable skis are key in ensuring the skier stays both upright and confident while out on the snow. You’ll be using left effort to keep yourself in line, meaning your body will be thanking you for these skis too – you’ll feel less tired after a day on the slopes.

Of course, stable skis will help you lower the risks of wipeouts or accidents, making the Elan Ripstick a safer ski option overall.

Great for Most Terrains

These are mainly powder skis, but they operate well on many kinds of terrain. Whether you’re skiing on freshly-fallen snow, groomers, or hard-packed, cruddy terrain, you’re guaranteed a smooth, damp ride.

The addition of the sidewalls and laminates also remove limitations on where your next adventure takes place; the terrain won’t matter, just your expertise.

Versatile skis like these open up skiers options to a variety of skills and conditions. Chances are, you’ll never be bored with the Ripstick 116 skis.

If you’re looking for a pair of skis to take on a variety of skiing expeditions, the Elan Risptick will give you the flexibility to do so. They’re great to have on hand for those skiers who want to experience it all.

Damp

There are few things worse than a bumpy ride full of vibration. Due to the rocker profile and the laminates, you won’t experience that with the Ripstick 116 skis.

These two features help absorb the vibrations you may feel when riding along rougher snow. The profile and laminates operate like shock absorbers.

You won’t feel every bump along the slopes – and, trust us, your knees and legs will thank you for it.

Lightweight

Multiple testers noted how lightweight these skis are. Elan did everything possible during the manufacturing process to ensure this set reduced its weight without sacrificing durability.

The materials are designed to be lightweight but are backed up with a thoroughly strong composition.

No one wants to feel burdened by their skis, and, with the Ripstick set, that won’t be the case. After a while, you’ll forget they’re on your feet.

Lighter skis make it all the easier when it comes to tackling jumps, tricks, and rails while making turning and maneuvering breezier than they’d be with a heavier set.

As a bonus, a lightweight pair of skis means you’ll have less to lug to and from the slopes at the beginning and end of your day.

Fast

If you have a need for speed, the Ripstick 116 skis are the perfect match for you. The sintered base ensures you can go extremely fast, all without losing stability or control.

A lightweight design and proper edge control are needed to enjoy a fast pace safely, especially when it comes to powder. The Ripstick set offers both of these features.

Whether you’re racing friends down a mountain or just want to feel the wind soaring across your face, these skis will have you zooming through the snow with ease in no time.

Stability and dampness are important when it comes to looking for a speedy pair, and the Ripstick 116 skis don’t disappoint.

Good for Aggressive Skiers 

Given the pros and features above, it’s not surprising that the Elan Ripstick Skis give a solid performance on powder, but they’re also great for those who like to charge hard down the slopes.

Thanks to the durability of these skis, you won’t have to be too worried about going hard with the Elan Ripstick 116s. They’ll stand up to the challenge of heavier, more aggressive skiers without trouble.

They’re great on turns whether on powder or slamming through crud, keeping you stable and upright the entire time. And thanks to the long-lasting, heavy-duty materials incorporated into this ski, you’ll be sure these Elan skis will last for seasons to come.

The Negatives

Not for Beginners

These Ripstick 116 skis are responsive and easy to control, yes. However, you will need a certain degree of skill to properly manage them – and especially to make them reach their full potential.

Testers recommended these only to advanced or expert skiers. These are not for beginners. A newbie lacks the degree of experience necessary to ride these hard and adequately control them.

An aggressive skier will enjoy a far smoother experience. But don’t worry, beginners. There are plenty of skis on the market that can better suit your needs.

Price

While these skis aren’t the most expensive powder skis available on the market, they’re not exactly on the cheap end.

Some testers noted that if your pockets are light, there’s a chance you can find similar models for a lesser cost.

That said, not every ski of the same type will bode the same quality, so if you’re sold on this one, it may be worth paying the extra dollars.

Overall Verdict

After combing through all the positives and negatives, we highly recommend the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis.

Testers raved about their stable nature, dampness, and their ability to handle nearly any terrain. They also loved how fast this set could go.

You won’t ever feel weighed down as you hike up the mountain or back to the lodge, thanks to their lightweight construction.

If you’re a beginner, then it’s wise to save these skis for later. Otherwise, these should work perfectly for you. They stand up ideally to the power and aggression an advanced skier brings with them to the slopes.

On your next powder day, the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis will move like a dream!

Where to Buy the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis

Elan’s years of experience in skis and winter sporting equipment shows with the design and performance of the Elan Ripstick 116s.

Thanks to this brand’s attention to quality and success, products from Elan can be found around the globe and are popular across continents including North America and Europe. As such, it won’t be too hard to find the Elan Ripstick 116 Skis both in-store and online.

While it’s usually best to check outdoor and sporting equipment stores, you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• Level Nine Sports (from $599)
• Ski Essentials (from $749)
• Elan Skis (from $950)

And of course, you can also find these powder skis on Amazon.

That’s the end of our Elan Ripstick 116 review. Tempted to give these skis a try?