We weren't exactly sure how it was going to go down before the snow started falling but.... We tested more skis and spent more time on each one of them, than we have in any previous season. How'd we do it, what changed?

Well, Covid made us and the ski brands look at things a bit differently.  In the spring of 2020 we decided that when we reopen it will be by appointment only -- first and foremost it makes for a better consumer experience and selfishly it's easier to get staff on the hill. Shortly after the decision was made to reopen by appointment only, Matt got on the horn with brands and started setting up on snow test days.  Since the first of the year we have tested skis 2 - 4 days per week every week. Some test days are spent with a specific brand where we cycle through their entire line up and the majority of test days are like the one's pictured below where we bring 5 - 6 skis and ski them all side by side for the day, to truly understand how they compare to one another.

This was the first time in the last 6 years we didn't personally participate in a magazine test, yet we managed to test more skis and spent more time on each one them then ever before --- AND at more test locations in varying conditions. SO Sick!

 

Our testers range from intermediate to former US Ski Team. One thing you’ll notice despite the wide range of ski testers is how similar the lists of top 5 skis are. Proving once again that a good ski is a good ski.

Tester - George Michaelsen

5. Black Crows Serpo

4. Blizzard Brahma 88

3. Elan Ripstick 96

2. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

1. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

Damn I love these skis. Me (George) on the Elan Ripstick 96 Black.

Tester - Matt Berkowitz

5. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

4. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

3. Blizzard Brahma 88

2. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

1. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

A rare photo of Matt skiing this season. Normally he lives behind the camera, dude can shred!

Tester - Devon Scovill

5. Volkl Secret 96

4. Atomic Maven 86 C

3. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

2. Elan Ripstick 94W

1. Armada Reliance 92 Ti

Devon on the Fischer Curv GT, not even one of her favorites. What?! Killer turn.

Tester - Kara Michaelsen

5. Atomic Maven 86c

4. Armada Reliance 92 Ti

3. Volkl Secret 96

2. Blizzard Black Pearl 88

1. Elan Ripstick 94W

Kara laying down her #5 pick, before she ripped it, she gripped it -- fer sure.

Tester - Chris Donze - Doesn't actually work at The Ski Monster.. but he's a rad dude that trains Eric, AP and myself.. Dylan sees him from time to time as well.

5. Atomic Bent Chetler 100

4. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

3. Nordica Enforcer 100

2. Elan Ripstick 96

1. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

Chris doing work on the Atomic Bent Chetler 100's

Tester - Brady Page

5. Volkl Mantra M6

4. Nordica Enforcer 94

3. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

2. Blizzard Bonafide 97

1. Elan Ripstick 96 

Brady charging on the Blizzard Zero G 95.

Tester - Joe Riccio

5. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

4. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

3. Volkl Mantra M6

2. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

1. Blizzard Bonafide 97

Joe enforcing the Nordica Enforcer 94.

Tester - Jeff Von Loesecke

5. Salomon Stance 96

4. Volkl Mantra M6

3. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

2. Nordica Enforcer 94

1. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

Jeff arcing the M6 on a frigid NH day.

 

Tester - Tate O'Brien

5. Atomic Maven 86 C

4. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

3. Blizzard Sheeva 10

2. Volkl Secret 96

1. Elan Ripstick 94W

Tate trenching the Head Kore 91 W

Tester - Eric Gerrmann

5. Black Crows Serpo

4. Stockli Laser AX

3. Elan Ripstick 96

2. Atomic Maverick 95 Ti

1. Volkl Mantra M6

Laser focused Eric. Pew Pew

 

Tester - Andrew Plourde

5. Volkl Mantra M6

4. Nordica Enforcer 104

3. Black Crows Serpo

2. Blizzard Bonafide 97

1. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

AP tipped up before he tips em back at apres.

Tester - Neil Soucy

5. Armada Declivity 92 Ti

4. Elan Ripstick 96

3. Volkl Mantra M6

2. Fischer Ranger 102 FR

1. Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition

Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition fully pitted.

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If you don't know, now you know.

This series of ski made everyone's list. The Elan Ripstick. Here's the Ripstick 96 Black Edition in action.