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I can't find much info on these. Anyone have a chance to try out the tour version of the ripsticks? I was looking at the 94 in particular for a light ski for objectives with long approaches and for firm/mixed snow conditions. Also wonder if they run short like I have read the non-tour versions do.
I am pretty confident that a very similar shape with a lighter core is gonna run longer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sklimber
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if you look at Soothski's info the tour version seems to be fair bit softer. So it'll be less ski, will def not ski longer, but probably ski fine for what it is.
That being said, there are so many incredibly good skis for this use. If you are unsure about the Elan, why not just go for one of the classics? BMT90/94s are freaking great for this, and Heritage Labs new BC90 sounds pretty perfect for your needs as well
Thanks, I've never seen that site before. Have the BMTs been replaced by the "blaze?"
The blaze is a different ski.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sklimber
Pretty sure he's talking about the physical dimension, not how it skis. The other ripstick skis are somewhat shorter than the stated lengths.Quote:
Originally Posted by kid-kapow
no. The Blaze' construction is very different as is the shape.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sklimber
I kinda assumed that the shapes would be closer than seems the case. My bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by waveshello
Attachment 465021
The tour is not that similar.
Edit to add: SkiEssentials made some video reviews of the Ripstick Tours when they were launched that could be worth a watch. I kinda forgot that I had watched them when replying above. My bad if I came across as a douche / smart ass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmZ43BVF-nY
Just keep in mind that they are not very knowledgable about touring (to put it mildly), but their takes on how they are constructed and how they ski could be of a value. Watch at 2x speed :)
As for the Blaze, it is more a light freeride ski or 50/50 ski than a touring specific ski like the BMT. Their construction is a lot cheaper than BMTs carbon heavy and heavily milled core, but supposedly ski really, really well. I've never tried the Blaze 94, but would love to give it a try. The budget touring ski from Völkl is called the Rise - I have not skied any of them. I love BMTs though - they are fraking magical, if a bit on the expensive side. I am kinda curious how long they will continue to make them as they have gotten to be so damned expensive.
Picked up cheap 94s in the spring in 185. Def 183 max tip to tail if not a bit shorter, and about 1550g. I expect them to do fine for what they are.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sklimber
Thanks. Do they seem to have a soft flex?
Not sure if it applies to where you are, but I would not want a ripstick as a touring ski because if you mess up an inside edge on a rock you can’t just have it always be an outside edge because of the asymmetrical construction. Lots of rocks here in Maine.
That's a good call. Didn't think of that being an issue but it makes a lot of sence. And yes, my local hill is a rock garden.
I skied with my regular Ripsticks on the wrong feet on purpose once to see if I could tell the difference...I couldn't. But I suck so take that for what it's worth.Quote:
Originally Posted by cat in january
You don’t suck that’s for sure. Never skied the ripstick so just speculation on my part. I find their concept intriguing and elan has stuck with it for a long time. Intuitively I would think it would make a difference
It seems like they haven't made the BMTs for a bit. I only see them on Ebay.Quote:
Originally Posted by kid-kapow
an acquaintance who has had a lot of experience with the Ripstick Tours liked the 104 but not the 94......me no direct experience
The 104 is very much its own thing and should probably have its own name. Straighter sidecut, more rocker, and more progressive mount than anything else Elan makes, designed with Glen Plake
My thought is that the ripstick tour 94 is an heir to the mtn explore 95. Same weight, similar profile. It's a traditional ski touring ski, not progressive.
I took the the 94T on a Camp Muir approach in June. They go up very well, and going down, was mostly suncups up high and mank down lower. I find it hard to imagine any other ski performing better on that terrain at the same weight. I'm hoping to get it out on some more early season terrain when the PNW snow kicks off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sklimber
^ Thats pretty solid ski if it can deal with those conditions
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dMoyVCjues4
I just got the 104 tour....incredible ski. I thought my older Black Crows Camox Freebird was pretty good, but the Elan is amazing (both up and down).
What is top end speed limit in variable snow conditions?
I like the look of the Tour 104s, but the soft shovels scare me a little bit. For reference, I am 5’10” 180 lbs and prefer a centered stance.
I haven't really pushed them yet in wind affected variable yet, but they seem much better than the prior ski. Skied a chalky couloir and they were great. They just felt nice and intuitive to me, but still substantial.Quote:
Originally Posted by Karl_H