2023 Elan Wingman 86 Ti - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

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[@petee1968]

Love your reviews Jeff (& Bob too!), you've really helped me narrow down my choices. I'm hoping you can help me with my dilemma: I've narrowed it down to the Wingman 82Ti and the 86Ti. I hired the 82Ti last season in the French alps and absolutely loved them, so much so that I'm ready to buy a pair, but I'm wondering whether the 86 might be even more fun (I did ski some Volkl Kendo 88 and they were a hoot as well). I'm 54 years old, 98kg, 178cm tall, intermediate/advance, at least 80% on-piste, and focussed on having fun with carves and short turns over speed (having had one too many accidents over the years!). I'd really like to have your advice on whether the 82Ti or 86Ti would be preferable. Thanks in advance!

[@SkiEssentials]

I personally prefer the 86 over the 82 as I find you don't give up much in edge to edge quickness, precision, or carving performance, but gain a touch of soft snow ability. It's still not going to float, it's more that it can handle choppy afternoon snow or some light fresh snow a little better than the 82. They perform and behave just about identically, it's just that small difference in width, so I do like the idea of going a little wider with the Wingman. Hope that helps and sorry for the delay getting back to you!

[@wedders8641]

Great reviews. I'm 6'2, 235, lower intermediate but trying to improve quickly and will mostly ski groomers....am I on the right track with the 178cm 86 Ti or is it too much ski for a lower intermediate? I tried the 172/82 version at Whistler and enjoyed it but it felt like it wasn't quite enough. I will be skiing 15-20 days per year after taking up the sport a bit later than most (age 48).

[@SkiEssentials]

No I'd say the 178 is a great option for your stats and application. Have fun!

[@derekfloyd5698]

I am considering getting the wingman 86ti based on the ski profile and your review. I currently have been skiing on a vantage 86c for the past 2 season. I have advanced my skills since then skiing blue and black runs and now I think my skis are too light in weight. I'm 6'1 , 215, and my current skis are 181cm. I don't plan on skiing double blacks. As an intermediate to advance skier, would the wingman 86ti or cti fit me better? I ski in NC and WV

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Derek! You're going to love the Wingman. More precise than the Vantage and will allow you to take your skiing to another level. I would probably stick with the Ti, not the CTI. I don't get the impression you'd necessarily benefit from the added carbon, at least not yet, so you might as well save a bit of money and go Ti. The Ti is still a fantastic ski, it's not a major step down from CTI.

[@juanjimenezhernandez6043]

Very good reviews! I have a couple of questions! I am an intermediate-advanced 25 years skier (1,83cm tall) and I want to buy a pair of skis that behave good on-piste but they also have good flotage off-piste. (70% onpiste-30% off). My first question is: - elan 86 cti? Or elan 86 ti? - As I said before i am 1.83m tall, what size do you recommend me? Thanksss for your good videos!

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go with the Ti over CTi, and I'd say the 172 is the way to go for length. Have fun! SE

[@katja118]

Hey Jeff, I (woman, 169cm, 80kg) am riding the Black Pearl 88 with 171cm. The ski is fantastic if the piste get softer, if it is bumpy, have artificial spring snow... You can carve it on high velocities and feel safe. But at the first hour with hard piste or off-piste I am really disappointed. I was renting last year the Elan Wingman 86 Ti in 172cm and it works much better off-piste than the Black Pearl 88. I was only not able to test it at really hard pistes. I am wondering, why your colleague is amazed about the Black Pearl 88 off piste and you describe the Elan Wingman 86 Ti more as an on-piste ski. I feel it completely different. Maybe I am too heavy for the Black Pearl off-piste and the Brahma would work better for me. But I think, I will buy the Wingman and sell the Black Pearl.

[@SkiEssentials]

Each skiers experience is different, and if you're feeling the Pearl isn't quite enough for off-piste but you like the general shape and style, then the Brahma 88 should certainly be in play. It's a very sturdy ski, perhaps not quite as agile when it comes to on-piste carving and crisp edge grip, but still a performance boost from the Pearl. If you had such a positive experience on the Wingman, then I'd simply advise to go with that!

[@aditya988]

Hello - considering these skis (172) on discount. I'm an intermediate skier mostly doing blue runs and progressing (still can't fully carve but want to get there). I'll continue to ski blue until I'm better for blacks and eventually other stuff like moguls (but that may be a few seasons). I'm considering between this one and the Atomic Maverick 86C. I'm 5'11, 145 lbs. What would be your recommendation?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Wingman is the higher performer of the two and will certainly help you on your way to a pure carve. The Atomic likes to make shorter, quicker, and more skidded styles of turns while the Wingman likes it round. For more versatility in terms of terrain and snow conditions, the Atomic makes more sense but for a groomer ski that loves to carve, the Elan is considerably more adept than the Maverick.

[@aditya988]

Thank you for your response! I mostly ski on-resort groomed trails for now, but see myself doing some ungroomed stuff later in the season if I get better. I also ski on Tahoe most. I just ordered these for a good price, hope they’ll work since I can’t test them out until next season 😅

[@joachimdegreeff1560]

How would these compare to the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti ?

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're spending most or all of your time on groomed terrain, the Wingman is a better choice. Maverick is awesome, but is on the lighter-duty side for pure carving prowess. That said, it's a far more versatile ski than the Wingman, allowing for better soft snow performance and more well-rounded capabilities in bumps, trees, etc.

[@raineyet]

at 6'2" 215 Lbs should I go with the 184?

[@raineyet]

Also Im an advanced skier, age 40, who's been skiing my whole life

[@SkiEssentials]

Given your stats and application, I'd say that's the appropriate length. Have fun!