Elan Ripstick 96 vs Ripstick 96 Black: Which One Should You Buy?

This comparison has become one of the most common conversations we have in the shop.

Not because one ski is good and the other isn't.

Quite the opposite.

The problem is that both skis are excellent.

The Ripstick 96 has been one of the most successful all-mountain skis of the past decade. The Ripstick 96 Black has been one of our highest-rated skis for years and routinely lands on our staff's Top Tested lists.

So if they're built on the same platform, where's the difference?

And more importantly, which one should you buy?

Let's break it down.

Why The Ripstick 96 Became So Popular

Before we compare the two skis, it's important to understand why the Ripstick 96 became such a big deal in the first place.

When the original Ripstick arrived, most skis in the category fell into one of two camps:

Either they were light and playful but lacked stability.

Or they were powerful and stable but required a lot of work.

The Ripstick managed to split the difference.

It was lightweight.

It was energetic.

It was easy to ski.

Yet somehow it remained surprisingly capable when skied aggressively.

That combination made it one of the easiest skis in the industry to recommend and helped create a loyal following that still exists today.

The latest generation only builds on that reputation.

Both the standard Ripstick 96 and Ripstick 96 Black received major updates that improved grip, stability, damping, and overall composure without sacrificing the easy-going personality that made the ski famous.

The Construction Difference

Here's the easiest way to understand these skis.

The shape is identical.

The dimensions are identical.

The rocker profile is identical.

The wood core is identical.

The difference is carbon.

The standard Ripstick 96 uses two carbon rods running through the ski.

The Ripstick 96 Black uses four.

That's it.

On paper, that sounds like a small change.

On snow, it's a very noticeable one.

Those two additional carbon rods increase torsional stiffness, improve edge hold, add energy throughout the turn, and create a ski that feels more stable and composed when speeds increase.

Think of it like this:

The standard Ripstick 96 is already a great athlete.

The Ripstick 96 Black hits the gym five days a week.

Ripstick 96: The Confidence Builder

The standard Ripstick 96 remains one of the most confidence-inspiring skis on the market.

That's not marketing fluff.

It's the feedback we hear over and over again from customers.

This ski makes people feel like better skiers.

The latest version is stronger and more stable than previous generations, but it remains remarkably approachable. Turn initiation is effortless. The updated rocker profile makes it easier to pivot in tight terrain. The revised tip and tail shape help it grip better on firm snow while reducing deflection in variable conditions.

Everything about the ski feels intuitive.

It doesn't fight you.

It doesn't punish mistakes.

It simply helps you ski better.

That's why it's such a good fit for progressing intermediates, advanced skiers, and even experts who prioritize versatility and ease of use.

If your goal is to ski more terrain, gain confidence, and have fun doing it, the standard Ripstick 96 is tough to beat.

Shop: Elan Ripstick 96

Ripstick 96 Black: More Horsepower

Then there's the Ripstick 96 Black.

The easiest way to describe it?

Everything you love about the Ripstick 96, but turned up.

The additional carbon rods create noticeably more energy, more grip, and more stability. The ski feels stronger throughout the turn and rewards skiers who like to pressure the front of the ski and generate speed.

We've said it before and we'll say it again:

The Ripstick 96 Black is one of the best carving 96 mm skis we've ever tested.

Not one of the best Ripsticks.

One of the best period.

For a ski this versatile, the edge grip is genuinely impressive.

The amazing part is that it still maintains much of the maneuverability and forgiveness that make the standard Ripstick so popular.

That's why the Ripstick 96 Black continues to sit at the top of the all-mountain category despite increasingly fierce competition.

It grips harder.

Carves better.

Feels calmer at speed.

And somehow still remains accessible to a surprisingly large range of skiers.

Shop: Elan Ripstick 96 Black

Which One Is Better Off Trail?

This is where things get interesting.

Many skiers assume the standard Ripstick 96 must be better off trail because it's slightly softer and easier to maneuver.

That's only partially true.

The reality is both skis are excellent off trail.

Trees, bumps, mixed snow, steeps, chopped powder—both handle those situations extremely well.

The difference is how they handle them.

The standard Ripstick 96 feels lighter on its feet and slightly easier to pivot.

The Black Edition feels more planted and more supportive when conditions become challenging.

Neither one is wrong.

It's simply a matter of preference.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Ripstick 96 if:

• You're an intermediate or advanced skier looking to build confidence.

• You prioritize versatility and ease of use.

• You spend a lot of time skiing off trail.

• You want one ski that does everything well without requiring maximum effort.

• You value maneuverability over outright power.

Buy the Ripstick 96 Black if:

• You're an advanced or expert skier.

• You love carving.

• You ski aggressively and generate higher speeds.

• You have a race background.

• You want maximum performance without sacrificing versatility.

The Bottom Line

The Ripstick 96 and Ripstick 96 Black aren't competitors.

They're teammates.

The standard Ripstick 96 remains one of the most confidence-inspiring skis on the market and one of the easiest skis we recommend to a wide range of skiers.

The Ripstick 96 Black takes that same formula and adds another layer of performance for skiers who want more grip, more energy, and more stability.

If you're looking for the easiest ski to recommend to almost anyone, it's the Ripstick 96.

If you're looking for the ski that routinely ends up on our Top Tested list year after year, it's the Ripstick 96 Black.

The good news?

There isn't a wrong answer.

Explore the full lineup here → Elan Ripstick Ski Collection