2022 Elan Wingman 86 Ti

The 2022 Elan Wingman 86 Ti returns unchanged this year, complete with its laminated wood core and metal laminate. Skiers from a lot of different backgrounds and ability levels will get right along with this ski, as it’s fun and accessible while being strong, smooth, and stable. The big thing is the asymmetry of the skis, and this allows Elan to come up with some interesting ways of building skis. Their Amphibio Line construction places more material over the inside and downhill edges of the skis while the outside portions of the skis are largely free from this additional material. This makes the downhill edge a lot grippier and more in-tune with firmer snow conditions and better hold. At 86 mm underfoot, we’re blurring the line between front side and all-mountain, taking it out of the hands of the marketers, and putting it squarely on the feet of the skier. As a result, this is the type of ski that you can take anywhere at any time and it’ll do just fine. Our testers loved the versatility of the ski, not only in a conditions format, but even within turn shapes and styles.

Brad Schauerman was on the 178 and noted it was just right. A lowly 2 out of 5 was given for flotation, which is not shocking for an 86 mm underfoot ski with minimal taper and rocker. His top scores of 4’s were found in quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, and overall impression. Other scores of 3 show the well-rounded nature of the ski, and the fact that it lies on the higher end of the spectrum is all good. Brad notes that “This is a very fun easy to use carving ski. Super-fast from edge to edge and very maneuverable. Great at making a variety of turn shapes. Very playful.” This definitely counts as a skier finding the ski’s ability to make short, medium, and long-radius turns all in one fell swoop. Also on the 178, Marcus Shakun notes that it is too short for him, but nonetheless felt true to its size. Lots of 5’s for Marcus on his card, including those for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, forgiveness, playfulness, and overall impression. Very consistent and very high for these skis, and if anyone ever wonders if the “simple Ti” version of these skis isn’t going to be enough, I think Marcus’ experience should settle it. “Lively, Playful, and Energetic start to the day. Mostly for advanced intermediates to experts. Especially for a skier that like to be lively and playful with the ski as they carve all over the mountain mixing it up. What a nice smooth carver--not too stiff, not too soft....just right!! Nice quick edge to edge and locked into every turn with confidence. Found it to be even just as much fun off the groomers giving it some points with versatility. If you’re an active, lively skier you will enjoy so much more and the ski will really shine.” Put more in, get more out—sounds like a square deal to me!

Benny Wax hopped on the 172 and noted that it was just right for him and skied true to size. For scores, we see lots of 4’s--in fact, all of his scores were 4’s out of 5, leading us to believe that he had quite the positive experience on the 86 Ti. “Fun, versatile, energetic! Feels like fun everywhere. Intermediate to advanced recreational skier! I would never get asymmetric skis!” That right/left thing can be a bit of a barrier for some skiers, but when you think of the applications and opportunities that it opens up in terms of ski construction, there’s a lot of us that certainly feel it’s worth it.

Smooth and stable from edge to edge, the Elan Wingman 86 Ti loves to be pushed to the limit. It’s got a solid and beefy feel to it that will make a whole lot of skiers happy. Thanks to the asymmetry of the ski, Elan is able to pull off some very rare traits in a ski, and it sounds like anyone who got on one had a similar experience. From top to bottom and left to right, these skis can make a whole lot of different turn shapes and styles, and operate competently in a variety of snow conditions and terrain.