Elan Ripstick 102 Black Edition Skis 2027

If the Ripstick 96 Black Edition is the king of the all-mountain category, the Ripstick 102 Black Edition is its more adventurous sibling.

The family resemblance is obvious from the first turn.

The same confidence. The same energy. The same ability to carve far better than a ski this wide probably should. The difference is where the ski feels most at home.

While the Ripstick 96 Black Edition is one of the best one-ski quiver options ever made, the Ripstick 102 Black Edition shifts the balance slightly toward softer snow, more technical terrain, and skiers who spend more time off trail.

For many Western skiers, this is actually the sweet spot.

At 102 mm underfoot, the ski offers noticeably better flotation and stability in mixed snow than the 96 while retaining much of the quickness and precision that made the narrower model famous. That's a difficult balance to strike, but Elan absolutely nailed it.

One of the most impressive things about the Ripstick 102 Black Edition is how little it feels like a 102.

At roughly 1720 grams per ski in the 182 cm length, it's remarkably light for the amount of performance it delivers. The combination of a poplar and paulownia wood core, Elan's asymmetrical construction, Carbon Deck Technology, and Quad Rod design creates a ski that feels energetic, responsive, and incredibly maneuverable.

The Quad Rod construction continues to be one of the secret weapons in the Black Edition lineup. By utilizing four carbon rods throughout the ski instead of two, Elan increases stability, edge grip, and energy while simultaneously reducing vibration. The result is a ski that feels far quieter and more composed than most lightweight freeride skis.

And yes, it still carves.

A lot of skis in the 100-plus category claim they can carve. The Ripstick 102 Black Edition actually can. Roll it over on edge and it hooks up surprisingly well for a freeride ski. No, it won't match the precision of the Ripstick 96 Black Edition on boilerplate groomers, but it's far closer than most skiers would expect.

Where the ski separates itself is when conditions become less predictable.

Fresh snow. Chopped-up powder. Trees. Bowls. Steeps. Technical terrain.

This is where the Ripstick 102 Black Edition comes alive.

The generous rocker profile makes turn initiation incredibly smooth and allows the ski to pivot easily in tight spaces. It feels intuitive and forgiving when terrain gets complicated, but unlike many playful freeride skis, it still has enough backbone to be pushed hard when speeds increase.

Compared to the standard Ripstick 102, the Black Edition feels noticeably stronger, more precise, and more stable. The regular 102 is an excellent ski for skiers prioritizing maneuverability, forgiveness, and ease of use. The Black Edition raises the performance ceiling significantly. Better edge hold. Better composure at speed. More energy out of the turn. More confidence when conditions get firm or demanding.

The amazing part is that it never becomes intimidating.

Just like the Ripstick 96 Black Edition, the 102 Black somehow manages to appeal to a huge range of skiers. Less experienced skiers appreciate how easy it is to pivot and maneuver. Advanced and expert skiers appreciate how hard it can be pushed.

That's a rare combination.

The old Ripstick 106 had a loyal following, but this 102 feels like a major step forward. It's quicker, more agile, more versatile, and noticeably more composed in variable snow. For many skiers, it's simply the better daily driver.

Whether you're looking for a Western one-ski quiver, a soft-snow complement to your frontside ski, or an all-mountain freeride ski that can genuinely do a little bit of everything, the Ripstick 102 Black Edition deserves a serious look.