Elan’s Ripstick 116 uses the brand’s Amphibio profile, which mimics the way the human foot transmits energy from the inside to the outside. Each ski utilizes traditional camber on the inside edge for stability through the turn and rocker on the outside edge for better turn initiation. Elan complements its paulownia-poplar wood core with carbon tubes running from tip to tail (following the sidecut’s arc) to reduce chatter without added weight. “Welcome to rip city,” said one tester. “This ski slays groomers and floats like a dream.” Its ample width combined with a snappy turn radius ensures the Ripstick 116 is as deft as a fox in deep snow and beyond.