2016/2017 Elan Ripstick 96 ski review. OnTheSnow tested this ski as part of its men’s All-Mountain Back Category and awarded it an Editors’ Choice honor.

Glen Plake and other North American skiers had a hand in the development of this new ski by the Slovenian company. The freeride-oriented Ripstick 96 (with a 96-mm waist) contains Elan’s three-tiered TNT technology, including strong yet light full-length carbon tubes, vibration-absorbing VaporTip inserts in the tip and tail and an Amphibio Profile, producing rocker on the outside edge and camber on the inside edge for a left and right ski. “For how light this ski is, it’s surprisingly stable both on- and off-piste,” says Rice. “You could ski this for hours because it’s light and quick.” The Ripstick 96 produced high tester marks for playfulness, lower for stability. “It’s possible to overpower this ski, but it’s the most playful, fun and forgiving ski in the category,” says Loomans.

Website: elanskis.com