Great review! Thanks! I am Advanced intermediate, 5'11" and 165 lbs, skiing with my kids, 80/20. I have had a few knee injuries and focused on control. My other pair are Rossingol sender 94 ti at 172 for heavier snow days, so deciding between the 168 and 175, leaning on going shorter for more control. Thanks in advance.
I’m 188cm 105kg, I’ve commented on a few of your stuff and only just took these into consideration. I’ve got the bent100 2019, but love the bent90 2025 graphic and want a smaller underfoot ski for carving piste but still want the playfulness! Not really a park skiier but want it for side hits and piste bumps for fun pops! What’s your go to ski that has some flex for playfulness but can also hold an edge for a heavy, big kind of aggressive skiier? This, captis, bent90 or any others? If it’s not a major benefit from my bent100 I might just ski them one more season and see! Thanks
Captis is a step up from the Bent 90 and Ripstick in terms of grip and power. There's also a new Line Optic 88 that I think is sweet--it gets a metal laminate and comes in a 184. th-cam.com/video/lIS-b4dcQmc/w-d-xo.html
The Ripstick is easy and fun to use. If you're looking to spend most of your time on trail but want some adventure, they're great for progression and exploration.
Hi, I’m 6’1, 190 pounds, 19 years old, I’ve been skiing for 7 years now and I’m unsure whether to go for the Ripstick 88 or the Ranger 84. I’d consider myself as an Intermediate skier. I’m skiing mainly on trail, trying to progress in terms of carving but still going quite a bit off piste and improve there. Would the Ripstick or the Ranger be the better fit for me? Or even the Maverick 88 ti? Greetings from Germany
The Ripstick is a much safer choice than the Ranger mainly due to the sophistication of construction. Maverick is a stiffer version of the Ripstick with a bit more heft and demand. If you're intermediate and looking to progress, I think the Ripstick is the wise choice here.
Hi - just looking for sizing advice on the Ripstick 88 I’m 6ft. 175lbs. Intermediate to advanced. 80pct on groomers / skiing with the kids. Torn between 175 and 182
I'd go 182 here. The skis are pretty light and if you're looking for a boost in on-trail performance without hampering versatility, I think the longer length is fine.
How would you compare the Ripstick 88 2025 with the Armada Declivity 88 c 2024? Playfulness, stability at high speeds? I am a 5'7" 190lbs advanced skier, about 80/20, I have had a knee injurie and I am looking for my only pair of skis. What size would you recommend? Thank you
The Declivity is considerably stiffer in the 2024 version. Even in 2025 when it gets more flexible, it's still stiffer and more stable than the Ripstick. I love the Elan, but it is certainly happier in mid-range speed and turn styles. the Declivity has a longer and higher camber profile so there's a lot of pep and energy here for sure. I'd say the mid 170's is a good place to be for your stats.
Hi, I’m an intermediate skier 5’9” 230lb and I’m looking for a somewhat forgiving ski that I can progress on. I’m planing to ski mainly on trail in the Midwest/east coast (a lot of afternoons/nights) and try off trail this season. Is the Ripstick 88 a good fit for me? How does it compare to the ranger 84? Any other skis I should consider, thanks
the Ripstick is quite a bit more sophisticated in build and shape than the blockier Ranger 84 which is more basic and brute and budget-friendly in nature. If you're looking for progression and off-trail exploration, I think the Ripstick is the place to be.
Hello I am 6'5 and 185lbs would the 188 length be good for me? Also can the 88 width go through the trees well? For example If I take them to Revelstoke would they work well?- Brendan
The 2025 Ripstick comes in a 189 which would be the right length for your stats. For deeper trees, there are better options for prime flotation, but the 88 does quite well for its width. Worst case scenario, you ski in deep powder with a slightly narrower ski than you'd ideally want!
I think you are looking at too little ski for Revelstoke but you didn't say where you primarily ski. I see little downside in going with a Ripstick 96 for some additional float and there is really no penalty to pay either the 96's are quite versatile.
From a snow feel standpoint, the Elan is more flexible especially in the shovels. The Blaze is more consistent from tip to tail. Some skiers will prefer the more progressive flex of the Elan while others like the feedback and the support of the stiffer and more reactive Blaze.
Hi, i'm 5'10 175 pounds, I've been skiing for a few years now, renting from a local shop but i'm now looking to finally invest in some skis of my own. Was wondering if you think this ski would be a good fit and in what length. Really looking for something I can take all mountain but still primarily on groomers. Thanks
The Ripstick 88 has a very wide range of benefits for a ton of skiers, including first time buyers. Lots of all-mountain fun and performance and a great groomer ski. I'd go 175 in that ski.
Great review! Thanks! I am Advanced intermediate, 5'11" and 165 lbs, skiing with my kids, 80/20. I have had a few knee injuries and focused on control. My other pair are Rossingol sender 94 ti at 172 for heavier snow days, so deciding between the 168 and 175, leaning on going shorter for more control. Thanks in advance.
No issues with the 168 if you're looking for more control and have a heftier/longer ski for snowier days.
I’m 188cm 105kg, I’ve commented on a few of your stuff and only just took these into consideration. I’ve got the bent100 2019, but love the bent90 2025 graphic and want a smaller underfoot ski for carving piste but still want the playfulness! Not really a park skiier but want it for side hits and piste bumps for fun pops! What’s your go to ski that has some flex for playfulness but can also hold an edge for a heavy, big kind of aggressive skiier? This, captis, bent90 or any others? If it’s not a major benefit from my bent100 I might just ski them one more season and see! Thanks
Captis is a step up from the Bent 90 and Ripstick in terms of grip and power. There's also a new Line Optic 88 that I think is sweet--it gets a metal laminate and comes in a 184. th-cam.com/video/lIS-b4dcQmc/w-d-xo.html
Would you recommend these skis for a lower intermediate who isn’t the best carver yet? I’m also heavy for my height. I’m 5’5 210
The Ripstick is easy and fun to use. If you're looking to spend most of your time on trail but want some adventure, they're great for progression and exploration.
Hi, I’m 6’1, 190 pounds, 19 years old, I’ve been skiing for 7 years now and I’m unsure whether to go for the Ripstick 88 or the Ranger 84. I’d consider myself as an Intermediate skier. I’m skiing mainly on trail, trying to progress in terms of carving but still going quite a bit off piste and improve there. Would the Ripstick or the Ranger be the better fit for me? Or even the Maverick 88 ti?
Greetings from Germany
The Ripstick is a much safer choice than the Ranger mainly due to the sophistication of construction. Maverick is a stiffer version of the Ripstick with a bit more heft and demand. If you're intermediate and looking to progress, I think the Ripstick is the wise choice here.
thinking of these for my 19yo advanced son. 5"10 and about 145lbs. likes the grooomers, trees and bumps. Size? thoughts on this ski for him?
I'd say the 175 here. Works great for the big three of groomers, trees, and bumps!
Hi - just looking for sizing advice on the Ripstick 88
I’m 6ft. 175lbs. Intermediate to advanced. 80pct on groomers / skiing with the kids.
Torn between 175 and 182
I'd go 182 here. The skis are pretty light and if you're looking for a boost in on-trail performance without hampering versatility, I think the longer length is fine.
How would you compare the Ripstick 88 2025 with the Armada Declivity 88 c 2024? Playfulness, stability at high speeds? I am a 5'7" 190lbs advanced skier, about 80/20, I have had a knee injurie and I am looking for my only pair of skis. What size would you recommend? Thank you
The Declivity is considerably stiffer in the 2024 version. Even in 2025 when it gets more flexible, it's still stiffer and more stable than the Ripstick. I love the Elan, but it is certainly happier in mid-range speed and turn styles. the Declivity has a longer and higher camber profile so there's a lot of pep and energy here for sure. I'd say the mid 170's is a good place to be for your stats.
@@SkiEssentials Apparently there are no more 176cm available in my area, 168 cm would be ok or too short? Thanks
@@CLI-rt9dj6tp6k www.skiessentials.com/products/2025-elan-ripstick-88-skis-addkyp24?ski%2520size=175
Hi, I’m an intermediate skier 5’9” 230lb and I’m looking for a somewhat forgiving ski that I can progress on. I’m planing to ski mainly on trail in the Midwest/east coast (a lot of afternoons/nights) and try off trail this season. Is the Ripstick 88 a good fit for me? How does it compare to the ranger 84? Any other skis I should consider, thanks
the Ripstick is quite a bit more sophisticated in build and shape than the blockier Ranger 84 which is more basic and brute and budget-friendly in nature. If you're looking for progression and off-trail exploration, I think the Ripstick is the place to be.
Hello I am 6'5 and 185lbs would the 188 length be good for me? Also can the 88 width go through the trees well? For example If I take them to Revelstoke would they work well?- Brendan
The 2025 Ripstick comes in a 189 which would be the right length for your stats. For deeper trees, there are better options for prime flotation, but the 88 does quite well for its width. Worst case scenario, you ski in deep powder with a slightly narrower ski than you'd ideally want!
I think you are looking at too little ski for Revelstoke but you didn't say where you primarily ski.
I see little downside in going with a Ripstick 96 for some additional float and there is really no penalty to pay either the 96's are quite versatile.
Hi, I’m looking to buy this skis but could you help me with sizing. I’m beginner to intermediate 186 and 205 pounds, mainly on piste skier. Thanks!
I'd go 182 in that ski. have fun!
How would you compare/contrast this ski with the Volkl Blaze in the same width? Which would be a better mogul ski? Thanks
From a snow feel standpoint, the Elan is more flexible especially in the shovels. The Blaze is more consistent from tip to tail. Some skiers will prefer the more progressive flex of the Elan while others like the feedback and the support of the stiffer and more reactive Blaze.
Hi, i'm 5'10 175 pounds, I've been skiing for a few years now, renting from a local shop but i'm now looking to finally invest in some skis of my own. Was wondering if you think this ski would be a good fit and in what length. Really looking for something I can take all mountain but still primarily on groomers. Thanks
The Ripstick 88 has a very wide range of benefits for a ton of skiers, including first time buyers. Lots of all-mountain fun and performance and a great groomer ski. I'd go 175 in that ski.