2023 Elan Wingman 82 CTI - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

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[@AthelstanEngland]

Yours really are THE best ski reviews. One can learn lots about ski construction generally from all your vids... now I'm off to lookup alpine binding vs system binding for example! Thank you.

[@SkiEssentials]

thanks! If you haven't gotten to it already, a system binding is paired to a pre-mounted track, so all Wingman 82 CTi's get the same exact binding "system." A "flat" ski comes without any pre-mounted track and can accept most any alpine bindings, mainly as long as the brake width is compatible. System skis generally are easier to use and adjust while also having a higher stand height--for a ski like this, this gives you more leverage in a carved turn, and many skiers would see this as a benefit. Conversely, flat skis with a mounted binding are lower and closer to the snow, leading to better versatility with increased quickness and agility.

[@AthelstanEngland]

@@SkiEssentials thank you!

[@Bosko1000RR]

Everything what you say is totaly true. Me and my friend have it 2 years only for groomers and is realy perfect all day ski. Afternoon when groomer become softner, bumpy also whit some icy plates are the best choice👍 Highly recomeneded!👌👌👌

[@SkiEssentials]

Awesome! Have a blast!

[@AlvaroPegenaute]

Really good review! Thank you very much! I am an expert skier, 183cm, 80kgs, and have doubts if the 178 would be the ideal one. Thanks again!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think that's the right size for that ski based on your stats and application. have fun! SE

[@minimario15]

Hey, I am planning on buying this as my first set of skis. I am 190cm but weigh only about 67kg, I have been skiing for years now but only like 10 days a year on holidays, so I would say I am an advanced driver. Because of my height I guess I should take the 184, but I am not quite sure because of my weight and the difficultness of driving such a long ski. What would you recommend me?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi! What lengths have you been skiing in the past? I agree that, at least on paper, 184 feels like the right choice. BUT, if you've been skiing shorter skis in the past, and considering your weight, I do think you could ski the 178 without it feeling too twitchy or unstable. Hope that helps!

[@jorie70]

Seems like an awesome ski for the groomer oriented skieer! how do they handle worse piste conditions (bumps or slush). deciding between these and the Fischer RC One 82 ti's, mostly searching for ski's that have a bit versatility to them. I'm a tall skieer (1.92m, 92kg) and in search for skies that are fun, but can still handle some speed. Last year I tried Salamon smax 10's, which I didn't like at all, they were nice on steeper icy groomers but had no chill/cruising mode at all.

[@SkiEssentials]

I like the Wingman mainly because it's more maneuverable than the Fischer. If I'm up against some adverse conditions and terrain, I personally prefer the more agile ski. The Fischer is more grounded, so that works better for rolling from edge to edge and making clean and round turns, but I don't think it's as versatile as the Wingman.

[@JB-xo1bd]

Hi Geoff. Ti or CTi? How much stiffer is the CTi? I'm 168cm and 67kg, not quite advanced. I can lay tracks on easy slopes, but am held back by weak left knee (old ACL) when it gets steeper and conditions get harder. I like the idea of the lighter weight CTi, but not sure if my weaker side will bend it properly. Ive been using Elan SLX Race for years (11.5m radius, used to do slalom on plastic), and need something with a wider range of use. Thx for all your reviews.

[@SkiEssentials]

The CTi feels considerably stiffer and more demanding with way more energy and rebound out of the turn. Given your history and hesitancy, I'd think the Ti will be a better fit. That ski is no slouch--there's still a lot of performance here to satisfy the needs of very skilled skiers.

[@niclapaolomantovani4788]

hey there, thanks for the great videos! I'm very undecided between this one and the Dynastar Speed 4x4 963 (I just ruled out the Rossignol Experience 82 Ti). These both seem perfect for me - I'm an expert skier, go mostly on piste, I like to go fairly fast and do all kinds of turns including short radius, but I do like to go off piste every now and then when condistions allow. I read some raging reviews of the Dynastar but this ones seems as good and slightly cheaper. Any thoughts? Thanks. Paolo

[@SkiEssentials]

They're not quite as quiet or stable as the Dynastar, but for a bit less money, they're fantastic skis for sure. The Dynastar feels more like a race ski while the Elan has more all-mountain notes to it.

[@DrCmoments]

Another night spent on tons of SE reviews of skis :) How woudl you compare this 82cti or 86 cti with Deacon 84? or Black Crow Vertis 84 (i skied the Vertis for three days recently, so the comparison) Thanks for all the review vids. ps. another question wrt lengh, which could better suit someone of 168cm (5'6-7") height and 70-75kg (160lbs) , 160 or 166 ?

[@SkiEssentials]

The 86CTi is closer to the Deacon 84 in terms of power and edge grip. The 82 is quicker edge to edge but doesn't feel as stable in softer snow. The Vertis is great, but doesn't have nearly the strength or stability at speed as the other two skis that are a lot more front side oriented due to the build/shape combo. Regarding the WRT, I'd go shorter as it's meant to be used in more of a short turning format.

[@lokosdebe]

I'm torn between theese, the 86 version, Rossignol Experience 82/86 ti and Enforcer 88. I'm an advanced/expert skier (I used to race) but nowadays I'm skiing 80% on piste and 20% off piste/trees/moguls (I'm from EU). I like to go fast and do medium/long turns. What would you recommend?

[@lokosdebe]

One thing I would also want from a ski is a good grip on ice, I'm not sure which of these would be best for that. Or maybe you have other recommendations? Until now I've tested the K2 Disruption 82ti's which I felt were too heavy/stiff, Enforcer 88s which I liked and Deacon 84s which were ok'ish.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think you'll really like the 86's, either the Wingman CTi or the Experience Ti. If you are 80% on trail and like the speed, I'd look at those wider front-side skis to get you what you want. The Experience feels slightly more all-mountain and versatile while the Elan is a pretty firm ski that excels on groomers, and maybe needs some extra encouragement to go off-trail. I think the Experience sounds more up your alley.

[@wingszero4485]

great review, how do you compare this one to the brahma 82 base on they are both 82mm carving oriented skis.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Brahma is still what I consider to be a narrow all-mountain ski since it is a descendent of the wider skis in the line. The Wingman 82CTi falls on the other side of the spectrum as a wider front side ski since it has more of a squared-off tail and a relatively cambered profile. The Brahma is still a sturdier ski due to the two full sheets of metal, so if you're looking for top-end stability and power, I'd lean that route, but for lighter and snappier turns, the Wingman is a great choice.

[@best-sound]

Great review. How would you compare these to Stockli Monetero AX?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Wingman is a bit stiffer and a bit lighter. Montero has some heft to it since it relies on more metal for stability and power over the carbon used in the Wingman. Montero is smoother as a result, while the Wingman is very poppy and energetic. Both high-performance skis for sure, but a different way of achieving that energy and power.

[@davidkyle7306]

Hi, I am looking at the 82 or 86cti. Expert skier 5ft 10, 83kg. Mostly piste, like a a quick edge to edge ski short to medium turns. Currently on fischer f18 progressor 72 underfoot. 2015 model. How would this be as a replacement. Need something for crud, ice, etc all conditions ski in Europe.

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey David! Considering your application and what you're coming off of, I think the 82 is probably best. Just a little quicker edge to edge and with greater torsional stiffness. Still should handle variable snow conditions, noticeably better than your current skis, but you're going to retain really strong carving performance too. Hope that helps!

[@davidkyle7306]

@@SkiEssentials really appreciate that is their anything else worth considering?

[@hansv7377]

Thanks for creating the best ski reviews on the web! I have learned a lot from watching your videos. I'm an advanced skier (age: 50, 6' 2", 165lbs). I ski 100% on piste. I'm looking to replace my old Rossignol Radical 9S (67mm, 13m radius) slalom skis with something better suited to variable snow conditions, longer turns, more stability at speed, slightly more geared towards cruising on longer days when we cover a lot of distance, but without sacrificing too much precision and grip. I'm looking at Wingman 82 CTi (or 86?), Kastle MX83, Rossi Experience 82, maybe Volkl Deacon 80/84. What would you recommend?

[@rensknoop4986]

Andd, what did you get and how are they?:)

[@hansv7377]

@@rensknoop4986 I bought the Wingman 82 CTi and skied >300 km in 6 days. They're really great; they did exactly what I was looking for: much easier on loose snow and bumps, very good for longer fast carving turns but still quite easy to turn and still plenty grippy on steeper, icier slopes and really stable at higher speeds (> 80 kph). I did notice the lower stiffness on the steepest black slopes, but that was easy to manage (increase pressure on front, reduce speed).

[@rensknoop4986]

@@hansv7377 Thanks for your reply. I end up buying the Dynastar speed 763, wanted something smaller underfoot. Can't wait to test them! Have fun with you wingmans!

[@MrJuanbas]

nice review! which are the diferencies between cti and cti fusion x? I want them only for carving un groomers, normally without fresh snow, would you pick Up the cti or ti? the Range is a little bit confusing haha

[@SkiEssentials]

The Fusion X refers to the binding system. The skis are the same, it's offered as flat (regular drill binding needed) or as a Fusion X system with an integrated system binding. The CTi is a higher-performance and stiffer ski that I'd say is better for more advanced, expert, and aggressive skiers looking for better grip and stability at speed. Hope that helps! SE

[@chadridsdale9970]

Which one (86 cti or 82 cti) has more power and edge hold? I'm a 200lb er thay likes to lay trenches and I'm looking for a versatile all mtn front to add to my quiver.

[@SkiEssentials]

The 82 has more torsional stiffness and edge grip, but the 86 has more power due to more mass overall. If you're looking for a bit more versatility, I'd lean to the 86. Have fun! SE

[@007feather]

Hello guys! For a heavy skier (105 kg), intermediate/advanced, what is your advice: 82 TI or 82 CTI? Or maybe Deacon 80? Thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

The CTi is stiffer due to the carbon tubes, so that might be a better choice for you. The Deacon feels a bit more like the Ti than the CTi, so again, I'd think leaning to the CTi makes good sense for your stats and application.

[@johnj5159]

Should I pick up the 172cm or the 178cm (intermediate skier, 180cm/5'11" and 95 Kg/210lb)? Thanks.

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go 172 in that ski. Have fun! SE