2026 Elan Wingman 86 TI

With all-new Wingman skis across the board, Elan’s 2026 Wingman 86 Ti is a well-rounded carver with all-mountain chops. Replacing the outgoing 86 CTi, the new ski features a different shape and build to make it a bit more precise in the tip and slightly more playful in the tail. While the older Wingman was crisp and sharp throughout, this one’s a bit steadier and surer through various conditions and terrain. While the lack of taper in the tip helps with initiation and getting the ski on a high edge angle, the tail is easier to release and adds versatility to the mix.

These skis are built differently than in the past. The 86 Ti uses a laminated wood core and adds one strip of mono Ti along the inside edge. Elan uses asymmetry in their build which allows them to be more creative in terms of construction. By placing the metal on the downhill edge of the right/left-specific skis, Elan takes advantage of the ski’s balance and capacity. They’re not too stiff but do feel responsive and eager to turn—there's a lot of energy here, but it’s all accessible. Tester Andrew Ruschp notes that it’s a “great, playful all-mountain ski. Holds a carve well but releases when you need it to.” It’s that type of versatility in turn style that sets it apart from other skis in this range that want to hold you into the turn.

The tail shape has a whole lot to do with it, with more taper but less rocker than some other mid-80's front side skis. The 174 has measurements of 132/86/112 and creates a 16-meter turn radius. You can find it all, as the ski is more than willing to make these mid-range carves. With the more Ripstick-aligned tail, it does make longer turns easier than in the previous version of this ski, making it suitable for higher speeds. There’s Elan’s Amphibio rocker profile here as well, making the uphill edge more rockered and the downhill edge more cambered, doubling down on the asymmetry and its ability to feel like one cohesive unit as opposed to two individual skis. Dan Akins states that it’s an “awesome all-mountain ski that is stable, predictable, and fun. It has a wide performance band.”

That wide performance band will also influence who is ultimately going to buy this ski. It’s amenable to intermediates because it’s not terribly demanding, and it’s also fun for experts who like to carve clean and medium radius turns. As such, the advanced skier who falls in the middle will likely have the most to gain from this fun-loving all-mountain carver.