So, @FairToMiddlin ... If I'm going to buy a 96, do I buy the Kästle FX 96 or the Elan Ripstick Black 96? Supplemental info: I fell totally in love with the Elan Wingman 82 cti last weekend. Specifically I liked the combination of compliant longitudinal flex with slice-y accuracy on edge. Does the Ripstick feel like that? Did you get on the 96?
Tony, you managed to find the two skis I would have the hardest time picking between (well, but for one factor). I like the shape of the Ripstick, possibly the best all mountain shape out there, as happy on and off piste as a mid 90s ski can be, a touch better on the frontside than the FX96. Off the groomed, the FX is a hair quicker, only slightly. Both have feel/flex that inspires confidence, so a draw there.
The determining factor for me is Elan forcing us to have a dedicated right/left ski. Maybe it’s a personal scar; I used to have all of my leg length discrepancy hardware between the ski and the binding, so every pair I had was left/right specific. Relocating all of that hardware in my boot frees me from that, and I’m a reluctant to buy a pair of skis that imposes that on me again.
As far as the Black’s flex, the sheet of carbon ups the longitudinal beef a bit, and increases the top speed a lot (compared to the standard RS). It doesn’t lose its playfulness, but it might not be as compliant as the Wingman you tried, which could be another tick in favor of the FX for you.
The attributes you assign to the Wingman are eerily similar to this year’s (and discontinued for next year) Sollie XDM 84; longitudinally supple, but remarkable torsional rigidity.
Oh, and I didn’t get the FX96, I don’t think it’s for sale yet, but I’ll find room for it in my quiver eventually (and the Mantra 102, shhhhh).
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