“This ski pretty much skied itself,” said one tester alluding to the Ripstick 96’s ease of use. Another said, “This baby carves so hard. Lightweight, powerful, responsive, smeary, everything you could want.” Elan utilizes a “TubeLite” wood core to keep weight down; two carbon tubes run the length of the ski providing torsional strength and allowing for material reduction in the core (i.e. less wood equals less weight). Inserts made of a special, rigid composite in the tip and tail also cut down on weight and eliminate dreaded chatter. Additionally, the ski employs a cambered inside for edge grip and a rockered outside for maneuverability. That means you have a designated left and right ski.