2027 Elan Wildcat 86 TI

For 2027, the Elan Wildcat 86 Ti is a carryover model featuring the same construction, shape, and graphics as last year. These skis blur some lines out here, due to their fantastic carving ability combined with a wider waist width and overall shape. We get energy from the zippy wood core and damping from the metal band. Overall, this ski can go between front side and all-mountain with ease, especially with the new tail shape and style. Skiers will love the mix of power and energy that they'll get from the Wildcat 86 Ti.

We love to see how Elan puts their skis together in a sophisticated and purposeful way. Built with a laminated wood core made from poplar and paulownia, the Wildcat 86 Ti has a lot of zest to it. Since Elan builds and shapes their skis in an asymmetric manner, they’re able to take creative liberties that no other ski really can. By placing the metal laminate on the inside edge of the downhill ski, as they are right/left-specific, Elan puts more emphasis on carving performance while leaving the other half of the ski unencumbered by metal. The flex is supportive and not overwhelming, making this ski a good choice for strong skiers but it’s not overly demanding. We get full sidewalls all around for consistent edge grip and carving performance. Tester Alli Ruschp notes that "The Wildcat 86 TI was superb for front side groomers, easy and lightweight to turn yet stable and smooth. The carbon and TI in the construction keep the ski smooth when skiing crud or ice. You can feel the energy of the ski under your feet, and it makes you want to turn more!"

It's interesting to see a more front side looking ski hit some wider measurements. At 86 mm underfoot, the skis are right in the sweet spot for mixing on and off-trail performance. We find that having a ski of this width makes a lot of sense for a lot of skiers who spend most of their time in an on-trail format. The skis use a 130/85/110 mm sidecut to generate a 14-meter turn radius in the 160 cm length. This is on the short side, and that’s going to be appealing for a variety of skiers who are either learning how to carve or perfecting the art of it. We don’t see a whole lot of taper in the shovel here, and that’s a nod to the Primetime series of skis which are very front-side oriented. In the tail, there’s more taper as that portion of the ski belongs more in the Ripstick and all-mountain side of the spectrum. Since the skis are asymmetrical, we also see their Amphibio rocker profile place more rocker on the outer portions of the shovel and more camber on the inner sides. This combines with the softer flex to make the skis feel smooth and composed in transitions, giving the Wildcat 86 Ti a very cohesive feel. It’s super-easy to keep these skis parallel and on their intended course. Tester Kristin Grogan notes that "They felt playful, but you had to work to carve. If the snow was better in the woods, they seem like they would have been fun to rip through trees with."

The Wildcat 86 Ti is a fun and poppy ski with great grip and an approachable feel. Whether you’re looking to expand your levels of adventure or are planning on groomers getting cut up throughout the day, this 86 mm waist will stay on top of more than you may expect. The shovels are flexible and wide enough to rise over chunky snow and turn with ease. Advanced skiers who spend most of their time on-piste will get along best with the Wildcat 86 Ti. As a wide front side ski, that width contributes to an all-mountain feel but keeps that carving power fully intact.