2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings	2026 Elan Wildcat 83 Black Edition 2027 Elan Wildcat 83 Black Edition	—

tester:

Caroline Marhefka

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 115
Days / Year: 20-30 days
Age: 60
Years Skiing: Since I was 3 years old

Easy going

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

160 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Perry Merrill - Firm groomed conditions.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I would choose this length for myself for short to medium turns, stable under foot and can get speed out of the tail.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Had to get used to it being a shorter ski, but once I figured out the optimal turn radius (shorter), it was a fun ride.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomed or powder and even bumps.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

For more advanced skiers.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Zippy when you can get your weight shifted to the back of the ski mid-turn.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Fiona Reed

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 140
Days / Year: 35-40
Age: 26
Years Skiing: 20+

Moderately aggressive female skier from an on-again-off-again racing background, enjoys trying to make pretty turns no matter what conditions or terrain the ice coast throws at her, isn't always successful.

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

168 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Perry Merrill x 2, dust on crust.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Length felt just right for me, skied true to size.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is not an all mountain ski lol. I found these to be very directional/frontside oriented, could definitely fly when you opened them up, very good edge hold and quite stable. Good at damping down the chatter from all the frozen granular roller balls. A little more forgiving in the frozen crud maybe than maybe a true frontside or race oriented ski as I never felt like I could get bucked off if I made a bad turn.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

A very trustworthy carver. Not sure I’d want it in slush, bumps, or trees though. Took it on a bit of the ungroomed icy terrain on Gondolier and it was difficult to get the ski to respond the way I wanted it too, felt less versatile than other all mountain skis I’ve tried.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It’s a good carving ski but not necessarily super demanding, though in the longer lengths it might be a lot of ski from someone more intermediate. I thought it was nice and stiff. Again, not really all mountain so even though it’s fun I’m not sure what the right target audience would be, as for someone more advanced/expert I’d recommend a narrower/more true dedicated carving ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Tried a side hit on these bad boys and they landed like a ton of bricks.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Leslie Gauff

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 120
Days / Year: 25 or more Alpine, Similar amount for back country
Age: 69
Years Skiing: 60

Moderately aggressive (used to be much more aggressive and loved bumps too). Like to go fast when conditions allow. Have community racing experience, and was a Friday program instructor.

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

160 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Perry Merrill, Gondelier. Firm groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The length felt fine.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski skied beautifully on the firm surface conditions. This is a really nice turning, carving ski with awesome stability. Easy to make either slalom or more GS type turns. It had a precision feel.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski is good on all types of terrain with its maneuverability and stability.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I would say this ski is best suited for a more advanced skier. It seemed like the more energy that was put into the ski, the better it performed.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Although this is somewhat considered an all-mountain type ski, I can’t see that it would be good in the powder. Would love to have a pair of these for firm surface days.

Read the Full Ski Test →

Jana submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Jana Ross

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’7
Weight: 138
Days / Year: Lots. Daily when I’m in Stowe, but just couple hours in the morning. Send me on a vacation to ski all day.
Age: inching to 50 inevitably
Years Skiing: 35+

I strive to be elegant over fast

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

160 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Hard pack on Perry.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The lenght felt just right for me.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is an amazing intermediate skiers friend. It will push you to be daring and advance further.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Perfect on groomers, can hold on some ice too.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This ski is perfect for intermediate skiers motivated to be better. It’s playful and fun enough with the 13 meter turning radius yet can hold the edge well enough to push you to become more advanced.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It’s so sleek looking in black. Really a fun styling intermediate ski.

Read the Full Ski Test →

Alli submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Alli Ruschp

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 150
Days / Year: 30+
Age: 38
Years Skiing: 36

Ex racer toning it down

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

164 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Pico - light dusting on top of groomed

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

true

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:5/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Quick turns, excellent edge grip and stability. Felt confident on icy conditions.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomers and ice, maybe a little bumps here and there. Its meant to carve and make quick turns which is does very well.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced skier looking for quick, short turns and control on icier conditions.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

Nothing.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Cat Falduto

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 25-30
Age: 36
Years Skiing: 20+

Will ski anything cautiously, working on confidently skiing expert terrain

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

160 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe- firm groomers

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Length felt true to size

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Stiff ski with dedicated left and right ski. Easy to link turns and hold an edge in firm conditions. Some chattering of the skis in firm, choppy conditions.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Firm, packed powder. Might be okay in some light crud.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate-advanced skiers.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

N/A

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Allison Kozar

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 110
Days / Year: 30-40
Age: 39
Years Skiing: Since utero

I got a fever, and the only prescription is more powder.

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

160 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Odd consistency frozen granular. Anywhere from completely firm, to marbles, to sugar.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Yes

Scores

Floatation:3/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Likes to turn a lot, and may have been too much of a stiff core for me. Conditions may not have been ideal for a true test.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Moderate to steep groomers.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced to expert.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

I would’ve chose a more consistent snow quality to test it on.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Lauren Simmers

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 195
Days / Year: 60+
Age: 45
Years Skiing: 41

Fun & relaxed & up to try most anything!

Ski:

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skis W/ ELX 11 Bindings

Size Tested:

168 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Groomers, sunny and warming quick.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Great length & this is what I would select for this ski

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Focused. Which is what you need for this ski. Fun to get on edge but could buck if not focused.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Fresh groomers and softer snow. Holds great and pushes through crud. Minimal chatter.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate/Advanced.

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

The R/L specifics on the ski is just one more thing to have to focus on.

Read the Full Ski Test →

2027 Elan Wildcat 83 BE Skiswith ELX 11 Bindings

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