The Elan Ripstick 96 leads all eight skis evaluated in September 2026 on the Feather Index. At 1,510g at 175cm, it is dramatically lighter than every other ski in Group 2 — 260g lighter than the Faction Dancer 2, 310g lighter than the Atomic Bent 100, and 540g lighter than the Fischer Ranger 102. That weight advantage is not the result of a simplified construction. Carbon Deck Technology combines Tubelite Woodcore with carbon rods, unidirectional carbon edge bands, and flax fiber — a five-material engineering stack that delivers powerful rebound, torsional rigidity, and natural vibration control simultaneously. The Amphibio asymmetric profile adds a sixth layer of engineering distinction that exists nowhere else in Group 2.

The Ripstick 96 ties for the highest Arrow Efficiency score in Group 2. The Amphibio Technology — an asymmetric profile that accounts for the different mechanics of the inside and outside ski during a turn — is the defining efficiency feature. Combined with Carbon Deck Technology's torsional rigidity and the SST Slanted Sidewall Technology for power, control, and stability, the Ripstick 96 delivers superior response and an intuitive feel across the full range of all-mountain terrain. Flax fiber provides natural vibration control that keeps the ski smooth and composed in variable conditions without adding weight.