2021 Elan Wingman 86 CTI Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

This week, Jeff spends some time on the Wingman 86 CTI from Elan, chats about how it compares to other carving-oriented all-mountain skis, and takes a bit of a tumble.
Written Review: www.skiessenti...

[@bigslider45]

I have traded from the Atomic Nomad Blackeye Ti to the Wingman 86 CTI. I loved my old skies but these have now taken me to the next level. A lot lighter to carry and yes they do eat up the groomed runs, they cut through crud and I am having a blast carving down the runs

[@tonyg3091]

This dude makes virtually any ski he tests look good :):)

[@chrischandler2353]

Good for an easy coaster. Carving pole plants not recommended.

[@urban248]

@@chrischandler2353 Hey! So you say these skis are more of an intermediate ski, than expert - advanced?

[@donalddarko3676]

@@urban248 Ignore him they're not slalom skis.

[@samrosecan3280]

I really enjoyed skiing on these the last three days at Okemo, and they are very underrated! I didn't see a single other person on the mountain with these skis, which stand out. I have the 2020 model, but didn't get to use them last season due to covid-19.

[@SkiEssentials]

Yeah, you really don't see many of them on the hill! That's part of the reason why we wanted to do this review... You just don't hear much about the Wingman skis, and they're awesome.

[@johndavis16]

Thanks for a great review. You described the performance and characteristics really well. Very keen to demo these skis as an ageing carver

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks John! Definitely get on them if you can.

[@keith2076]

Can't wait to get these on the snow!!! Got 'em in an end-of-season sale and this review had a lot to do with my decision.....now to put the to the test.

[@SkiEssentials]

You'll love them! Such a fun ski. Glad the review helped with your decision!

[@alexadams4132]

Damn, you guys figured how to give a true ski review. Love the camera views. I will be buying this ski. Your reviews helped me make my decision.

[@chriscowan6630]

Great review Jeff! Thanks for the content

[@Zegredaxylor]

Another fantastic review ! I think Bob was having a real difficult time to keep up with Jeff. Bought Kanjo 84 after seeing few of your reviews guys , it was the best purchase I made and my skiing ability and confidence tripled . Huge thanks to both of you !!! Would you say Elan Wingnan would be a good upgrade over Kanjo 84 when I get more advanced like Jeff / Bob for east coast on piste ?

[@SkiEssentials]

I do think it's fair to say the Wingman 86 has more edge grip and more snap and energy out of turn than the Kanjo, but I still really like that Kanjo too... When it comes time to upgrade, reach out and I'd be happy to chat about what might work best.

[@Stan-rf2bn]

Jeff, good morning. How would you compare these Ski's to the Deacon 84 on hard East Coast groomers and ice? I would like to add another Ski to my collection that really focuses on that terrain. I currently own MX-89, Rustler 9 and a Rossignol experience 94. Plus I'm a bigger Guy, at 6'3 245 and been skiing since the late 80's.

[@SkiEssentials]

To me, the Wingman feels like it has more energy than the Deacon. Not sure if it's the construction or the radius or both, but I find I can load up energy in the Wingman a little more easily. Volkls have a very precise feel, and I do think it's fair to say the Deacon is a little stiffer overall and more powerful. Kind of an interesting decision as you might not feel the same differences as I do at your weight. I would imagine it's easier for you to flex the Deacon and load up that energy... but anyways, that's the biggest difference I feel.

[@riptape]

Hey guys! Great content as alway. Will you be getting the huge powder ski comparisson soon?:) PS: Got a couple of 2012 hellbents used. They are like a collectible item now. And they are so much fun. Even on groomers!

[@SkiEssentials]

Oh man, that's awesome! That's such an iconic ski. Unique performance too.. To answer your question, hopefully soon, although I'm not able to give a specific date.

[@charleslopez4167]

Thanks for all the great reviews. Really enjoy the content. I’m looking to replace my Brahma Bushwhacker, which I really like, and use on harder groomer days, in moguls, and which I think is way funner than two sheets of metal, but I want a longer version of it, and no longer made. Definitely intrigued by the wingman, and the Ripstick 88. Love the fun quality, and forgiving quality they seem to posses. I have a Rustler 9 want something skinnier, I tried an a Brahma 82, but less fun than my Bushwhacker. Wondering if you have any thoughts for Sunday River skiing, on hard manmade groomer snow days, and to get in bumps and trees? Thx

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Charles! I'd say since you already have a Rustler 9, the Wingman 86 CTI would be a really good choice. There's definitely more fun-factor than the Brahma 82. More accessible at slower speeds, feel like they come across the fall line a little easier, but it's still a very high performance ceiling. Ripstick 88 kind of feels too similar to your Rustler 9 to be the best complement, at least in my opinion. They're different, but they have some similarities as well. I grew up skiing Sunday River quite frequently, and I'd have a lot of fun ripping around there on the Wingman.

[@charleslopez4167]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you!

[@saarinen1999]

Bob's kids already ski better than me!

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty impressive, huh?

[@peterhodges6808]

Nice turns Jeff! How would you guys say these compare to iTitan or Laser AX? I'm on Atomic x9's right now and looking for something easier turning to have more fun with. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think they're more similar to the Laser AX than the iTitan. Both the Wingman and Laser have more willingness to flex, at least in my opinion or for my weight. The Titan feels stiffer to me, so I have a harder time manipulating turn shape on that ski, although that could be a benefit for someone just looking for a charger...

[@peterhodges6808]

@@SkiEssentials Awesome, thanks!

[@quentenjones5513]

Dang. Now I really want to try these.

[@SkiEssentials]

They're super fun! Quick and responsive and pretty strong too. I expect you'd like them.

[@ssouer]

I experience chatter in sharp turns on steep slopes with the Wingman CTI 86 172 cm (183cm 82 KG). Due to lightweight and stifness of the ski? would a 178cm have less chatter? Maybe it’s my technique. more forward stance..

[@SkiEssentials]

Definitely. At your size, I would recommend the 178 for sure. 172 is getting pretty short for your height and weight. Technique might have something to do with it, sure, but I would start by getting a more appropriate length.

[@travelone06]

Looking for a 3rd ski to add to my quiver. I ski in the East, pretty much always on the trail. My daily driver is a Rossignol Hero Multi-Turn Ti, 175cm. On days after a good snowfall or during spring skiing, I go to my Elan Ripstick 96, 188cm. I’m thinking about adding a ski that I can use on days when some the trails are not perfectly groomed (moderate snowfall, loose snow or heavy traffic. I’m thinking about a ski with a waist between 84mm and 88mm. Would the Wingman CTI be a good option ? Any other skis I could look into ? 52 years old, 6 feet tall and 235lbs. Advanced/Expert skier.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hello! I think the Wingman 86 CTI would be a fantastic choice! I'd put the Experience 86 Ti into the mix too. Both of those skis achieve similar things. They feel a little different, but they're both among the best in the mid-80, all-mountain, carver category. Both would really complete your quiver nicely. If you like the energetic feel of the Ripstick and want it to feel more like that, go Wingman. If you like the precision and vibration damping of your Hero MT and want it to feel more like that, go Experience. Hope that helps!

[@ericrichard4336]

What about a Kore at that weight?

[@jonasbauer5906]

Hey, How does it compare to the Kendo 88? Thx

[@SkiEssentials]

It feels quicker and more responsive, especially at moderate to slow speeds. The Kendo is has a damper, quieter feel, and arguably more power and more stability at speed, but it asks for more speed and I'd say is more fatiguing overall as well.

[@stevek9943]

Great review. I’m really torn between the Ripstick 88, Rustler 9, and these. Mostly on trail but like the idea of upping my game in trees and deeper now. What do you recommend. I’m 5’9 and hoping to be sub 200 lbs by the start of the ski season. 172 cm ok?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd keep it between Ripstick and Rustler, with the Ripstick being the friendlier of the two. The Wingman is tougher and more one-dimensional. You're getting great on-trail performance out of the Ripstick and Rustler, but also a ton of versatility, where I don't think you get that much on the Wingman. You have two great choices, the Rustler is heavier and more performance-oriented while the Ripstick is quicker and more agile. I'd say that anything from high 160's to low 170's is a great place to be. Have fun! SE

[@stevek9943]

@@SkiEssentials awesome thanks. Went with the Ripstick in 172 and purchased through SE 🙌

[@ChengruiLi-c5j]

I’m 171cm, 71kg, should I choose 160 or 166cm length?😂thx

[@stevek9943]

So I have the 86cti and Deacon 84 on order at 178 and 177 respectively. Is there one that skis shorter than the other?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the Elan skis a bit shorter, mostly because the Deacon's 3D Radius sidecut allows it to perform well at longer turns than the Elan.

[@seanhersey9037]

Hey, I know this is a year old now... but to understand the difference between this model, the 86 CTi, and the 86 Ti... they both have metal in the same places but the CTi has the carbon tubes, therefore the CTi is stiffer and has better edge grip and generally higher performance than the Ti? Is this correct? Or please clarify the differences. Thanks buddy!

[@SkiEssentials]

You got it just right! The tubes do make quite a difference, especially at speed.

[@bedredet]

Wingman vs Fischer Ranger 82 ti? Witch one is best for days in the slopes with a variety of snow quality?

[@SkiEssentials]

Wingman is a pretty special ski for carving groomers with power and stability. Ranger just feels like more of an all-mountain ski that can also carve. If you're on-trail and carving, I'd lean to the Wingman.

[@ericrichard4336]

Would the Stormrider 88 be in the same cat?

[@SkiEssentials]

Stormrider is more versatile and all-mountain oriented while the Wingman has more of a front side feel to it. If you spend 80+% of your time on-trail and in a carving format, I'd lean to Wingman.

[@marpbb]

I'm 180 CM. Should I choose 172 or 178 cm lenght?

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say the 172 will provide more overall happiness and joy. 178 can feel a bit long based on your stats.

[@geekynewz]

Do you guys feel the Wingman is good for dodging moguls, bumps, trees, rocks? I'm an intermediate / advanced skier, I like to navigate tricky and difficult terrain.

[@SkiEssentials]

While on the lighter side for being so darn stable, the Wingman is pretty stiff. It wouldn't be my first choice for bumps and trees, but it is fantastic on the groomers. Ripstick 88 is a better choice for all-mountain conditions and terrain while still being pretty darn snappy in the turns.