2022 Elan Wildcat 86 CX

The 2022 Elan Wildcat 86 CX returns unchanged for this year, satisfying a new generation of all-mountain carver lovers. These skis are a blur of the line between front side and all-mountain, and they do that job just about as good as anything out there. At 86 mm underfoot, these skis have a wider body for pure carving, and a bit narrower of a shape for freeride or off-trail skiing. As a result, they blend the two pretty much perfectly. Elan builds their skis in a very unique fashion, with a right/left specific ski that allows them to put different material on different sides of the ski. This asymmetrical way of ski construction is referred to as Amphibio in the Elan circles, and it works amazingly well. Like other skis that get the carbon treatment, these 86 CX’s are no different. Built with a tubelite wood core and two carbon rods that run the sides of the ski, the Wildcat has a ton of energy already stored inside, just waiting for skier input to release the pop and snap of these skis. By utilizing carbon in a 360-degree manner, you get the best of all worlds in terms of feedback. No matter which way or how hard you bend these skis, the carbon rods react the same way, and you as the skier are the big winner.

Alli Ruschp skied the 164 and noted that it felt a little on the short side. Accordingly, her top score of 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability is not a surprise. Forgiveness, too, also got that top score, and she also had some 4’s to dole out for playfulness, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. This gives the Wildcat 86 CX a strong upper-hand in Alli’s mind. She notes about the graphics and the character that they’re “Pink and sweet, skiable front side groomer ski. Easy going feel, not too aggressive. A ski that would be great to improve on, connecting turns is easy and smooth. Moderate speed skier that likes to stick on groomers.” While the carbon does do a fair amount of heavy lifting when it comes to the stability, it is true that these aren’t the true high-speed carving skis like some of the more race-oriented skis in the world are, and that’s okay.

Both Kristi Brown and Danielle Nichols skied the 158, and both noted that the ski was true to size, but was too short for them. Regardless, both gave pretty darn high scores for the ski overall, much like Alli. Danielle scored the ski all 4’s out of 5 and noted that “I really liked this ski. I think it’s a perfect ski for the more beginner intermediate all-around mellow skier. Definitely can stand up to skiing hard but also easy to maneuver and super friendly so seems like a better fit for the more conservative skier.” Again, we’re seeing the lack of metal stand out to some of the stronger and more aggressive skiers, but that doesn’t mean it’s not well-suited for the vast majority of skiers on the planet—quite the opposite, actually. Kristi gave 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and overall impression, so she had a pretty darn good time on this ski as well. Kristi, colorfully as always, notes “MeWOW - the Wildcat 86cx is full of hoots and hollers! It says Elan but skis like a K2. Skiing that favorite song in your head, that keeps you going all day long! Crazy cat balance of carefree and aggressive undertones allowing the skier to pick the tempo and terrain without overpowering the ski. Jovial Smile Creator - like that friend who can make you smile when all you want to do is cry! Nice job Elan!” Yup. All of this.

The Elan Wildcat 86 CX will neither get mistaken for a powder ski nor a race ski. That’s what they’re looking for. Skiers will gravitate to this ski because it does a whole lot of everything all at the same time, and with a high-end of agility, quickness, and grip. Tons of fun for the majority of skier types out there, these skis love to make turns and have fun the whole run down.