The fattest freeride offering from Elan, the Elan Ripstick 116 2020 is powered by years of research and development hiding under the hood. These Mustangs get their power from a beech-poplar paulownia wood core that’s reinforced with two superlight five-millimeter carbon tubes running the length of the ski, providing torsional rigidity and energetic rebound. But what’s power without control? Here, the cambered inside edge and rockered outside edge of each ski helps maintain snow contact and assists with turn transitions while you’re out there plowing through the White Room in sixth gear.

FREESKIER tester thoughts: “Friendly shape for slicing the tops offpow moguls and pointing it down the steeps. A trustworthy ski for big days on big hills with big lines!”

Explore the 2020 FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide