As one of the most versatile and high-performing skis of this, or any, test, the 2023 Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition is an awesome choice for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for one ski to do it all. This ski returns unchanged from last year, and honestly, if they kept the same for all time, we’d still be pretty stoked. Built with Elan’s tubelite wood core, the skis get two additional carbon rods versus the regular 96. Complementing the two rods that lie on the inside of the edges, 96 Black gets two more that are in the central chord of the ski in front of, and behind, the binding zone. This gives the ski an extra boost of power and stability that keeps the ski smooth, damp, and strong in a carved turn.