#2 on this list
Ripstick 94 W
Elan
The Elan Ripstick 94 W targets intermediate through advanced skiers who prioritize maneuverability, lightweight agility, and effortless turn initiation over sheer high-speed dampness. It serves as an approachable all-mountain tool for skiers exploring off-piste bowls and glades without wanting to muscle a heavy metal laminate through every turn. Elan utilizes its proprietary Amphibio profile, featuring dedicated left and right skis with a cambered inside edge for grip and a rockered outside edge for smooth pivoting. Structural carbon rods inserted longitudinally along the lightweight wood core provide decent rebound and torsional stiffness without adding cumbersome swing weight. The resulting ride is lively and playful, slipping easily between quick edge transitions on groomers and responsive pivot turns through tight tree runs. Where the Ripstick 94 W shows limitations is in heavy, frozen debris and high-speed chop. The absence of a full-width Titanal layer means the tips can deflect and chatter when driven aggressively through rutted snow. Skiers who routinely reach top speeds on bulletproof morning hardpack will find that it lacks the damp, locked-in composure of heavier directional models. **Highlights** - Asymmetrical Amphibio profile for quick, clean turn initiation - Carbon rod reinforcements delivering lively pop without metal weight - Intuitive, low-effort handling in tight bumps and trees - Lightweight construction that reduces driver fatigue over long days - Adaptable 94mm waist suits mixed resort conditions **Watch-outs** - Prone to tip deflection in heavy, frozen chop - Lower top-end speed limit on hardpack than metal-laminated skis
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#3 on this list
Black Pearl 94
Blizzard
The Blizzard Black Pearl 94 is tailored for confident intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a balanced, playful, and versatile platform across the entire resort. Built wider than its frontside-focused siblings, this ski bridges the gap between groomer carving and off-trail freeride exploring in mixed snow, wind crust, and moderate powder. Blizzard builds the ski around its TrueBlend wood core, which arranges different densities of wood stringers throughout the ski length to create a softer tip and tail alongside a firmer, supportive midsection. This engineering allows the Black Pearl 94 to bend easily into turns while maintaining solid underfoot stability and rebound. Weighing approximately 1,840 grams in the 170cm length, it has sufficient mass to track reliably over tracked-out surfaces without demanding constant, aggressive muscle input. The ski balances playfulness and control well, though it sits firmly in the middle of performance extremes. It does not possess the pure ice grip of the narrower Black Pearl 88, nor does it deliver the absolute high-speed charging dampness of dual-metal constructions. Skiers who prefer a stiff, locked-in tail to launch out of carves may find the slightly rockered tail releases a bit too readily under heavy pressure. **Highlights** - TrueBlend wood core for balanced longitudinal flex - Versatile 94mm platform handles firm pack and soft snow equally - Substantial 1,840g weight (170cm) smooths out tracked terrain - Rockered tip and tail allow easy pivoting and release - Highly adaptable across diverse ability levels **Watch-outs** - Not as bite-oriented on icy pistes as narrower carvers - Tail release may feel too loose for dedicated frontside racers
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Ripstick 94 W | Black Pearl 94 |
|---|---|---|
| Waist Width | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Sidecut Dimensions | 129-94-109 mm (168 cm) | — |
| Rocker Profile | Amphibio (Asymmetrical Rocker/Camber) | — |
| Core Material | Tubelite Wood Core with Carbon Rods | TrueBlend All-Mountain Wood Core |
| Target Ability | Intermediate to Advanced | — |
| Approximate Price | $750 | $800 |
| Category | — | Women's All-Mountain |
| Weight | — | 1,840 g (170 cm length) |
| Profile | — | Rocker-Camber-Rocker |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Ripstick 94 W
- Effortless edge-to-edge transitions thanks to the Amphibio profile
- Lightweight construction significantly reduces leg fatigue over long days
- Exceptional agility and quick pivoting through tight trees and moguls
- Energetic rebound out of turns on groomed terrain
- Tips deflect and chatter when driven aggressively through frozen chop
- Lacks the damp, locked-in edge bite of metal-laminated skis on sheer ice
Black Pearl 94
- Intuitive turn initiation and release across varied terrain
- TrueBlend core yields damp stability without exhausting stiffness
- Versatile 94mm footprint floats well in moderate fresh snow
- Broad sweet spot suits progressing intermediates through experts
- Lacks the absolute bite of narrower carvers on hard ice
- Soft-releasing tail lacks aggressive race-style rebound
- Not buoyant enough for deep, untracked powder days
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