Elan Ripstick 88 Black Edition Skis 2027

It's crazy this ski didn't exist until now.

For years, we've loved the Ripstick 88. Customers have loved the Ripstick 88. Yet every season we'd have the same conversation: "What if Elan built a Black Edition version?" The people wanted it. We wanted it. Now it's finally here.

The Ripstick 88 has earned its reputation as one of the best-selling skis in its category because it blends approachability, versatility, and performance better than just about anything else. It's light on your feet, easy to ski, and confidence-inspiring in a huge range of conditions. The challenge was that stronger, faster, and heavier skiers could occasionally find its ceiling. The Ripstick 88 Black Edition raises that ceiling substantially.

The construction follows the same formula as the wider Black Edition skis, but the results are arguably even more impressive in the narrower platform. It starts with Elan's Tubelite wood core, a blend of poplar and paulownia that keeps weight low while maintaining a lively feel. 

The first two are the carbon rods that run along the sidewalls, delivering the energetic rebound Ripsticks are known for. Two additional rods, part of Elan's Quad Rod Technology, run through the center of the ski—one in front of the binding and one behind. These rods are a huge reason the Black Editions have been so successful. They add stability and increase pop.  Like every Ripstick, the 88 Black Edition utilizes asymmetry in both shape and build, creating a smoother, more cohesive, and easier skiing experience. You have reinforcement where you need it, not where you don't. Which is why their strength to weight ratio is so insane.

Applying this construction to a narrower chassis creates something special.

If you've spent time on the Ripstick 96 Black Edition, you already know how impressive its carving performance is. Frankly, we've always been blown away by how well that ski can bend a turn for something with a 96 mm waist. The Ripstick 88 Black Edition takes that feeling and turns it up another notch. It's quicker edge-to-edge, more precise on firm snow, and more locked-in when conditions favor carving. This is one of the most enjoyable frontside-oriented skis we've been on in years that still maintains legitimate all-mountain versatility.

Compared to the Ripstick 96 Black Edition, the 88 Black Edition is the better choice for skiers who spend the majority of their time on groomers and hardpack. It still has enough width, rocker, and versatility to handle soft snow, mixed conditions, and the occasional powder day, but its sweet spot is clear. Give it a clean groomer and let it run.

The comparison most skiers will care about, however, is the standard Ripstick 88 versus the Ripstick 88 Black Edition.

The standard Ripstick 88 remains the right choice for the majority of skiers. It's the top seller for a reason. The blend of accessibility, versatility, and performance is outstanding, making it appropriate for a huge range of abilities and skiing styles.

Bigger skiers, stronger skiers, and those who like to ski faster will immediately appreciate the added stability and composure. The ski feels quieter. Smoother. More planted when conditions get firm or speeds increase. While the standard Ripstick 88 excels because it makes skiing easy, the Ripstick 88 Black Edition rewards skiers who consistently ask more from their equipment.

The end result is exactly what we hoped it would be: everything we love about the Ripstick 88, with a noticeable increase in stability, dampness, and high-speed confidence.