2026 Elan Ripstick 88 Skis with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings
New for 2025 and remaining unchanged for 2026, the Elan Ripstick 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings emerges as the go-to frontside ski within the Ripstick series. Designed for firm and fast snow conditions, these skis are a perfect match for high edge angles and quick turns. Light and agile, the Ripstick 88 excels from the first run to the last chair. We paired the 88 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.
Why we like it:
The Ripstick 88 offers exceptional quickness and agility, with a high carving performance ceiling. Its low weight relative to its carving capability is particularly noteworthy.
Who it's for:
Intermediate to expert skiers who are lighter in weight and favor frontside carving will find the Ripstick 88 to be an ideal choice.
Highlights:
The Ripstick 88 boasts Elan’s Tubelite wood core, which integrates lightweight carbon tubes running the full length of the ski. These provide a dynamic flex and response in all directions, enhancing both torsional and longitudinal performance while keeping the ski light. The Amphibio Rocker facilitates smooth edge-to-edge transitions, and the UD Fiber laminates contribute to the ski’s low weight, enabling you to ski run after run without tiring. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission
Things to consider:
Heavier and more aggressive skiers may experience a slight reduction in torsional stiffness and edge grip, particularly on firm snow. Lighter skiers generally do not face this issue.
Fit & sizing considerations:
The Ripstick 88 skis true to size. Heavier and more aggressive skiers might want to size up or consider the Ripstick 96 Black Edition for added support.
New for 2025 and remaining unchanged for 2026, the Elan Ripstick 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings emerges as the go-to frontside ski within the Ripstick series. Designed for firm and fast snow conditions, these skis are a perfect match for high edge angles and quick turns. Light and agile, the Ripstick 88 excels from the first run to the last chair. We paired the 88 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.
Why we like it:
The Ripstick 88 offers exceptional quickness and agility, with a high carving performance ceiling. Its low weight relative to its carving capability is particularly noteworthy.
Who it's for:
Intermediate to expert skiers who are lighter in weight and favor frontside carving will find the Ripstick 88 to be an ideal choice.
Highlights:
The Ripstick 88 boasts Elan’s Tubelite wood core, which integrates lightweight carbon tubes running the full length of the ski. These provide a dynamic flex and response in all directions, enhancing both torsional and longitudinal performance while keeping the ski light. The Amphibio Rocker facilitates smooth edge-to-edge transitions, and the UD Fiber laminates contribute to the ski’s low weight, enabling you to ski run after run without tiring. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission
Things to consider:
Heavier and more aggressive skiers may experience a slight reduction in torsional stiffness and edge grip, particularly on firm snow. Lighter skiers generally do not face this issue.
Fit & sizing considerations:
The Ripstick 88 skis true to size. Heavier and more aggressive skiers might want to size up or consider the Ripstick 96 Black Edition for added support.
Description
New for 2025 and remaining unchanged for 2026, the Elan Ripstick 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings emerges as the go-to frontside ski within the Ripstick series. Designed for firm and fast snow conditions, these skis are a perfect match for high edge angles and quick turns. Light and agile, the Ripstick 88 excels from the first run to the last chair. We paired the 88 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.
Why we like it:
The Ripstick 88 offers exceptional quickness and agility, with a high carving performance ceiling. Its low weight relative to its carving capability is particularly noteworthy.
Who it's for:
Intermediate to expert skiers who are lighter in weight and favor frontside carving will find the Ripstick 88 to be an ideal choice.
Highlights:
The Ripstick 88 boasts Elan’s Tubelite wood core, which integrates lightweight carbon tubes running the full length of the ski. These provide a dynamic flex and response in all directions, enhancing both torsional and longitudinal performance while keeping the ski light. The Amphibio Rocker facilitates smooth edge-to-edge transitions, and the UD Fiber laminates contribute to the ski’s low weight, enabling you to ski run after run without tiring. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission
Things to consider:
Heavier and more aggressive skiers may experience a slight reduction in torsional stiffness and edge grip, particularly on firm snow. Lighter skiers generally do not face this issue.
Fit & sizing considerations:
The Ripstick 88 skis true to size. Heavier and more aggressive skiers might want to size up or consider the Ripstick 96 Black Edition for added support.
