2026 Elan Wingman Collection Introduction and First Impressions

For 2026, the beloved Wingman series gets a complete overhaul. While we were always big fans of the outgoing Wingmen, it’s nice to see some updates and upgrades from top to bottom. Additionally, Elan focuses on addition by subtraction, streamlining the lineup into more manageable options. While previously, we had 82 and 86 Ti and CTi as well as a Black Edition, we now get an 83 and an 86 Ti and a Black Edition. The shapes, construction, and overall character have been changed, with an emphasis on increased playfulness in the tail with more of a squared-off shovel. Elan basically took a Primetime tip and paired it with a Ripstick tail to provide excellent engagement and a fun release, all while being fully locked-in underfoot. There are a few more models as well, with an 83 C, an 80 Ti, and a 78 C, but we mainly focused on the three central and pivotal models to the new Wingman lineup. While the 83 and 86 Ti provided a lot to talk about in terms of all-mountain carving fun, the new 86 Black Edition really took it home in terms of overall performance and overwhelming fun.

In terms of construction, particularly in the 83 and 86 Ti, we get a laminated wood core consisting of poplar and paulownia, and asymmetrically positioned reinforcements. In these two skis, that included a single sheet of metal and a strip of uni-directional carbon. By placing these laminates on the inside portion of the ski, Elan generates more grip and energy on the downhill ski where needed while the uphill ski is driftier and less demanding. They’ve been doing this for years, and this is the latest iteration that puts Elan on a different plane than most/all other companies who don’t build their skis asymmetrically. It lends to a smoother overall feeling and character with seamless transitions between turns. From a structural perspective, the new skis are flat on the topsheet, which is another departure from previous skis. It’s more of a visual thing, but it is different! In the Black Edition, the skis rely on a tubelite wood core to power the ski. This includes two carbon rods that run the length of the ski and provide incredible energy, smoothness, and power. All other aspects of Wingman Ti construction apply, so the only difference is the addition of Carbon Rods. All three of these skis come either flat or with a FusionX system binding. In the 83 Ti, the system offered is a Shift X 11, so a bit of a downgrade there versus the 86’s. The offering of the 86 Black Edition with a flat option is one of the highlights here, as it provides more of an all-mountain feel and pairs very well with the build and shape.

2026 Elan Wingman 83 Ti Skis

The general shaping and profiling principles continue into 2026 with the Wingmen, although astute skiers will certainly feel the differences in tip shape and tail rocker. The Black Edition and the 86 Ti share a footprint consisting of a 132/86/112 sidecut and a 17-meter turn radius in the longest 182. The 83 Ti runs 131/83/112 and drops a meter in the radius, with the 174 at 15-meters per turn. As with all Elan skis, the rocker profile is asymmetrical as well, putting more rocker on the outside portion of the ski while the inside is more cambered. Similar to construction, this shaping allows for incredibly smooth and predictable transitions with no hooking and total control. Incorporating the Primetime shovel with more of an angular shape makes sense to boost the initiation response while the more playful tail keeps the ski from being too locked in when you’re heading off-trail or if the snow gets softer and choppier. The new Wingmen feel more versatile than before while retaining much of the strong carving capacity, especially when you’re going with the flat option, putting you closer to the ski with increased snow feel.

2026 Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis

The Ti versions, both 83 and 86, felt very much at home in clean carved turns. We had a fun morning, with a few inches of new snow on top of a firm sub surface. This made for excellent testing because you can still feel the hard snow underneath, but the top layer was soft and engaging. With these two models, it really comes down to whether you want a quicker and nimbler ski in the 83 or a more massive and powerful 86. There’s not a huge difference in versatility, as both share similar profiles and constructions, but there is a noticeable difference in the quickness and the shortened turn radius. If you spend most of your time on groomers and like to make shorter arcs, the 83 is amazing. If you’re a bit more adventurous, speedy, and aggressive, then the 86 is the place to be. Turn initiation does come through as very crisp and predictable, and the skis love to make high edge angle turns. You can really get these skis up on edge and rip them through the carve. They also enjoy short, skidded turns with flatter bases, but faster, straighter turns aren’t as engaging unless you’re running very flat and straight. In that sense, the skis are pretty stable due to the metal, but likely won’t win any GS races any time soon.

2026 Elan Wingman 86 CTi Black Edition Skis

This gets bumped up at least one notch with the 86 Black Edition. The carbon rods and full metal laminate allow for extra gears in terms of speed, power, and aggression. At the same time, the skis are all pretty light, the Black Edition included, so if you’re looking to mix it up and have some fun, they are quite mobile and agile for bumps, trees, and off-trail situations. The Black Edition feels like an electrified version of the Ti, bringing all aspects of that ski to the next level in terms of energy, zest, and power. We’ve talked for years about the hope and desire for a Ripstick 88 Black Edition, and this 86 Black Edition Wingman is going to be as close as we’ve got so far, and we’ll take it. This ski, flat, paired with a binding of your choice, is going to be a sick all-mountain option.

Through streamlining, performance updates, and shaping alterations, the 2026 Wingman lineup is engaging, fun, and totally capable of blending front side and all-mountain experiences. It’s incredibly satisfying to lay these skis over on edge and feel the stability and smoothness rip you into the next turn. At the same time, the skis are easy to use and seamless for whatever type of turn you’re looking to make. This goes for bumps, trees, and the soft snow that we found. Pure and true all-mountain skiers who love to carve will be enthralled at the prospect of the new Wingman line from Elan.

In addition to the three Wingmen we previewed above, there are three additional Wingman skis available in the 2026 lineup. While we haven't had a chance to click into any of them yet, we figure now's as good a time as any to share their spec sheets with you! Check them out below:

2026 Elan Wingman 78 C Skis

2026 Elan Wingman 80 Ti Skis

2026 Elan Wingman 83 C Skis