Emily is riding those Ripstick with such control, easiness and style, just like a match made in Heaven. Fantastic carving and such grace ont the slopes. Amazing symbiosis. Elan rules!
I've heard certain Canadian ski cross racers, I won't mention any names, sometimes reverse the ski's right ski on left foot left ski on right foot depending on the course they are competing on. Apparently it gives the ski's a shorter turning radius. What the hell could be worth a try!
We've heard the same from some high-level instructors. While perhaps not the best idea for most skiers, I'm all about experimentation and trying new things on skis!
Hi Emily and Bob. Thanks for the great review! You mentioned length in the review, but just to confirm: is there any difference in terms of length between the women's 94 black edition in 162cms and the men's 96 black edition in 164 cms? Am I correct to assume that Elan uses the same mold for the two skis? Thanks again and cheers!
The Black Editions sound very much like Head Kores…no metal, super light, stiff, almost no chatter & phenomenal edge grip. I would say one negative about the Black Edition is they are expensive though I don’t how the cost differential vs the Kore??
The Kore 97W retails for 799, so it's even more expensive than the Ripstick 94. The Kore uses more carbon in a horizontal format, so it's a different use of materials. Both are fantastic for what you're describing--performance often comes with a price!
Thanks for this. You guys have steered me right before so I'm gonna ask. Looking for a Front side or all mountain ski for a woman 164cm long and 85kg early intermediate skier, athletic.
If you're looking for the low-80's, I'd take a look at the Blizzard Black Pearl 82, Stockli Nela 80, or Rossignol Experience 82Ti. All of these are great on-trail carvers with some all-mountain versatility built in.
Overall you're getting a lot of similarities, although we've found that the Blaze prefers slightly shorter and quicker turns while the Ripstick is more amenable to longer turns at higher speeds. The dampness and lack of vibrations in the Elan are remarkable.
@@sandraredmond4812The secret takes the power and stability to the next level. Former racers and expert skiers will feel more at home on the more aggressive Secret vs. the other two skis which are lighter and more flexible, especially when it comes to harder snow and more grippy turns.
@@SkiEssentials thanks for quick response. I tried the secrets and really liked them. I have always used my kids hand me up slalom race skis but as I often ski in Utah I needed a more all mountain ski that can handle crud and fresh snow. Before buying the secret is there any other ski worth trying ?
Did you ski on the 170 Emily? I'm trying to decide between the 162 and the 170, I demoed both sizes and can't decide. I'm 5'6" 125lb, expert, 48 years old.
is it a big diffrence between male and female version apart from Waist Width? If I could find cheaper woman version would it make a big difference for me as a male? 94 widht in women version seems to me good choice something between male wingman 86 cti and 96 Black Edition
There's really no difference at all aside from the graphics, length options, etc. So, no, it wouldn't make a big difference at all! Definitely will still feel closer to 96 Black Edition than Wingman, but an interesting option!
did you end up buying a pair. I was thinking the same thing. I'm male 5' 8“ and want the 172 but the female 170 can be found at good a good price right now
Bob since you enjoy the head kore ( and are riding the 93) how would you compare the ripstick black. I enjoy the head kore 93 ,I have a 21 edition,so prior to the top sheet add chattery but love how light and responsive it is. Do u think the ripstick black is comparable to your 23 kore or is the ripstick more well rounded . I find I have to pay attention Ie ski well to get the most out of the kore . If I slack off it may be not as forgiving .
I think the Ripstick is more well-rounded than the Kore. The Kore is not an "everybody" ski like the Elan. I really like the light:stiff ratio of the Kore for what I do, and as a heavier skier I can bend the Kore, allowing it to fully engage. It's a bit tough in the bumps, but I feel like I can make it work. Ripstick Black is just so automatic when it comes to all-mountain versatility and performance. My only knock on it is that the shovels are on the more flexible side--I prefer the consistency of the Kore in that realm.
The Atomic is considerably lighter, and not nearly the downhill performer of the Elan. If you're looking for a lighter ski that can handle some touring, I'd say The Ripstick is a great choice, while if you're looking for a touring ski that has strong downhill/resort acumen, the Atomic isn't the best option.
The addition of the two extra carbon rods along with the longer and wider carbon laminate makes the Black edition stiffer and damper for sure. It's also not that much heavier, since they're removing wood to add the carbon, making it kind of a wash. Skiers who flirt with higher speeds and are more aggressive will really enjoy the Black Edition while pretty much everyone else will still get along quite well with the regular Ripstick.
I watched another review of the reg. ripstick 94 as well as Emily's. This reviewer found the reg. ripstick to chatter quite a bit and felt the ski would be appropriate for a beginner/intermediate. Did Emily experience any chatter on those skis? @@SkiEssentials
@@terimcgann2408Only in the shovels and only at higher speeds and only on firmer snow. If any one of those three components are removed, then the ski rolls pretty smoothly.
Emily is riding those Ripstick with such control, easiness and style, just like a match made in Heaven. Fantastic carving and such grace ont the slopes. Amazing symbiosis. Elan rules!
Oh boy Bob and Emily are great !❄️⛷
Good job guys!!!
I've heard certain Canadian ski cross racers, I won't mention any names, sometimes reverse the ski's right ski on left foot left ski on right foot depending on the course they are competing on. Apparently it gives the ski's a shorter turning radius. What the hell could be worth a try!
We've heard the same from some high-level instructors. While perhaps not the best idea for most skiers, I'm all about experimentation and trying new things on skis!
I like watching Emily ski even though I'm a guy and not planning to get the Ripstick 😃
Hi Emily and Bob. Thanks for the great review! You mentioned length in the review, but just to confirm: is there any difference in terms of length between the women's 94 black edition in 162cms and the men's 96 black edition in 164 cms? Am I correct to assume that Elan uses the same mold for the two skis? Thanks again and cheers!
Yes, they use the same mold. Not sure why they call it different things.
The Black Editions sound very much like Head Kores…no metal, super light, stiff, almost no chatter & phenomenal edge grip. I would say one negative about the Black Edition is they are expensive though I don’t how the cost differential vs the Kore??
The Kore 97W retails for 799, so it's even more expensive than the Ripstick 94. The Kore uses more carbon in a horizontal format, so it's a different use of materials. Both are fantastic for what you're describing--performance often comes with a price!
Thanks for this. You guys have steered me right before so I'm gonna ask. Looking for a Front side or all mountain ski for a woman 164cm long and 85kg early intermediate skier, athletic.
If you're looking for the low-80's, I'd take a look at the Blizzard Black Pearl 82, Stockli Nela 80, or Rossignol Experience 82Ti. All of these are great on-trail carvers with some all-mountain versatility built in.
Would love a comparison of the Volkl Blaze 94 W and this Black Edition!!
Overall you're getting a lot of similarities, although we've found that the Blaze prefers slightly shorter and quicker turns while the Ripstick is more amenable to longer turns at higher speeds. The dampness and lack of vibrations in the Elan are remarkable.
@@SkiEssentialshow does it compare to volkl secret ?
@@sandraredmond4812The secret takes the power and stability to the next level. Former racers and expert skiers will feel more at home on the more aggressive Secret vs. the other two skis which are lighter and more flexible, especially when it comes to harder snow and more grippy turns.
@@SkiEssentials thanks for quick response. I tried the secrets and really liked them. I have always used my kids hand me up slalom race skis but as I often ski in Utah I needed a more all mountain ski that can handle crud and fresh snow. Before buying the secret is there any other ski worth trying ?
Did you ski on the 170 Emily? I'm trying to decide between the 162 and the 170, I demoed both sizes and can't decide. I'm 5'6" 125lb, expert, 48 years old.
Emily liked the longer ski mainly because she skis fast and makes longer turns--the 170 is able to do this better than the 162.
is it a big diffrence between male and female version apart from Waist Width? If I could find cheaper woman version would it make a big difference for me as a male? 94 widht in women version seems to me good choice something between male wingman 86 cti and 96 Black Edition
There's really no difference at all aside from the graphics, length options, etc. So, no, it wouldn't make a big difference at all! Definitely will still feel closer to 96 Black Edition than Wingman, but an interesting option!
did you end up buying a pair. I was thinking the same thing. I'm male 5' 8“ and want the 172 but the female 170 can be found at good a good price right now
Bob since you enjoy the head kore ( and are riding the 93) how would you compare the ripstick black. I enjoy the head kore 93 ,I have a 21 edition,so prior to the top sheet add chattery but love how light and responsive it is. Do u think the ripstick black is comparable to your 23 kore or is the ripstick more well rounded . I find I have to pay attention Ie ski well to get the most out of the kore . If I slack off it may be not as forgiving .
I think the Ripstick is more well-rounded than the Kore. The Kore is not an "everybody" ski like the Elan. I really like the light:stiff ratio of the Kore for what I do, and as a heavier skier I can bend the Kore, allowing it to fully engage. It's a bit tough in the bumps, but I feel like I can make it work. Ripstick Black is just so automatic when it comes to all-mountain versatility and performance. My only knock on it is that the shovels are on the more flexible side--I prefer the consistency of the Kore in that realm.
Do you guys have access to the edge bevel angle for the skis you test? Would be interesting to know.
They're all pretty much factory tuned, so whatever the ski engineers decide is typically fine with us.
How would this compare to Atomic Backland 95 in men's version?
The Atomic is considerably lighter, and not nearly the downhill performer of the Elan. If you're looking for a lighter ski that can handle some touring, I'd say The Ripstick is a great choice, while if you're looking for a touring ski that has strong downhill/resort acumen, the Atomic isn't the best option.
What are the main differences from the regular Ripstick? Stiffness and dampness?
The addition of the two extra carbon rods along with the longer and wider carbon laminate makes the Black edition stiffer and damper for sure. It's also not that much heavier, since they're removing wood to add the carbon, making it kind of a wash. Skiers who flirt with higher speeds and are more aggressive will really enjoy the Black Edition while pretty much everyone else will still get along quite well with the regular Ripstick.
I watched another review of the reg. ripstick 94 as well as Emily's. This reviewer found the reg. ripstick to chatter quite a bit and felt the ski would be appropriate for a beginner/intermediate. Did Emily experience any chatter on those skis?
@@SkiEssentials
@@terimcgann2408Only in the shovels and only at higher speeds and only on firmer snow. If any one of those three components are removed, then the ski rolls pretty smoothly.
TY!@@SkiEssentials