Elan Ripstick 96 vs. Ripstick 96 Black Edition (2025–2026 Review)
If you’ve been around long enough to remember when the first Ripstick 96 dropped, you know Elan nailed something special — light, playful, and still confident at speed. Fast-forward to 2025, and the lineup’s split personality gets even better: the Ripstick 96 Green and Ripstick 96 Black.
At The Ski Monster, we’ve tested both extensively on-snow, from firm frontside mornings to soft chop and steep lines from coast to coast. Each one brings its own flavor — one more forgiving, the other more explosive. Below, we’ll break down how they feel, who each version suits best, and why both deserve a spot on your shortlist this season.
The Ripstick Lineup: Balanced Power Meets Predictability
The Elan Ripstick family runs from 88 to 108 mm underfoot — every ski tuned for confidence and predictability. What makes the Ripstick series so beloved is how obedient it feels under your feet. You tell it what to do, it listens. Whether you’re skiing off-trail or arcing big GS turns, these skis give you one less thing to worry about.
That’s why so many of our testers keep coming back: it’s a ski that rewards precision without punishing mistakes.
Explore the full lineup here → Elan Ripstick Ski Collection
Ripstick 96 Green vs Black: On-Snow Impressions
Elan Ripstick 96 Green
The 2026 Elan Ripstick 96 is one of the most confidence-inspiring skis on the market — and this latest version is the strongest and most stable yet. Compared to prior models, it feels more planted without getting any harder to ski. In fact, Elan somehow made the Ripstick even easier.
An updated rocker profile makes it more maneuverable and predictable when initiating turns, while the reshaped tip and tail improve edge grip and help the ski stay composed through variable snow. Off-piste, it crushes — smooth, balanced, and forgiving. On groomers, it still lays over clean arcs with plenty of energy.
The Ripstick’s light, nimble personality is what makes it so approachable for intermediate skiers, but this new version has enough backbone to keep experts engaged. If you thought past Ripsticks “weren’t enough ski,” this 2026 update fixes that. For those who still want more precision and power, the Ripstick 96 Black remains the go-to step up.
Staff Take:
“If you’re venturing off-trail or want a ski that boosts confidence without beating you up, the 96 Green is the one.”
Shop: Elan Ripstick 96
Elan Ripstick 96 Black
Then came the Ripstick 96 Black — and it took everything we loved about the Green up a notch. By doubling the carbon rods (from two to four), Elan gave it serious horsepower. The Black arcs harder, finishes turns with more pop, and feels noticeably stronger when pushed at speed.
The 24/25 update made an already elite ski even better. With a new rocker profile, stronger core, and reworked tip and tail, the ski grips harder on ice, feels more stable at speed, and still maintains that signature Ripstick maneuverability. The all-black look doesn’t hurt either — sleek, aggressive, and flat-out cool.
It’s tough to find a bad ski these days, but the Ripstick 96 Black still sits at the top of the all-mountain category. It’s powerful, accessible, and surprisingly forgiving — a rare combination that works for a huge range of skiers. Groomers feel gripped and limitless, while tight trees and variable snow are handled with ease thanks to its balanced damping and snap.
Staff Take:
“You’d think we’d be bored of it by now, but nope — the Ripstick 96 Black is still too damn good. Every year it ends up on our ‘Top Tested’ list.”
Shop: Elan Ripstick 96 Black
Ripstick 96 Green vs Black: Which One’s Right for You?
The Ripstick 96 Green (2025- present) and Ripstick 96 Black (2025 - present) share identical construction — same core, same shape, same materials — the only difference is carbon: four rods in the Black, two in the Green. That extra carbon makes a big difference in how the ski feels, but not in where you can take it.
The Green builds trust everywhere. It’s lighter on its feet, easier to balance, and excels for skiers expanding into off-trail terrain or variable snow. The new tip and tail shape plus updated rocker make it even smoother to pivot and initiate turns.
The Black, on the other hand, is all about drive and precision. Four carbon rods add energy and torsional strength, delivering unmatched edge hold and stability for a ski in its class. It’s the ski that lets you push harder, arc deeper, and charge confidently on firm snow. The Black can do everything the Green can — it’s just more exciting and more appreciated by skiers who can bend a ski and love to arc turns.
One thing skiers will notice if they’ve been on previous-generation Ripsticks is how much quieter the new models are — not just from a grip perspective, but audibly quieter on snow. They track smoother, chatter less, and feel more composed no matter what the surface is doing beneath you.
If you’re progressing, exploring, or want a ski that’s intuitive but never boring — go Green.
If you’ve got a race background, ski aggressively, or love ripping groomers — go Black.
Bottom Line: The Ripstick 96 Green is your go-anywhere, confidence-building all-mountain ski. The Ripstick 96 Black does all that but with more horsepower.
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FAQs
What’s the main difference between the Ripstick 96 Green and Black?
The Black has two extra carbon rods (four total) for added torsional stiffness and energy. The Green is easier to balance on, less demanding.
Is the Ripstick 96 Black harder to ski?
Not necessarily — it’s more demanding if you’re skiing slower or off-balance, but advanced skiers will find it incredibly rewarding.
Which one is better for off-trail skiing?
The 96 Green feels more forgiving and balanced in mixed terrain. The 96 Black will be a better option for skiers spending more time on firm snow.
Do they share the same shape?
Yes — same dimensions, rocker profile, and overall design; the difference lies in the carbon layup.
Both Ripstick 96 models deliver that signature Elan feel — smooth, intuitive, and confidence-inspiring. The Green helps you explore more of the mountain with ease, while the Black gives advanced skiers race-level precision in an all-mountain package.
We’ve tested them back-to-back, and whichever you choose, you’re getting one of the most fun, versatile skis on snow.