2024 Elan Wingman 86 CTI Black Edition - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

www.skiessentials.com/2024-sk...

[@user-gf6wr6pi7v]

Does the added stiffness help improve bump skiing for an advanced skier that is still working on their bump technique, or should someone in that situation veer more towards the "regular addition" assuming it is more forgiving?

[@SkiEssentials]

The stiffness difference isn't quite as longitudinal as torsional and edge grip-based. I don't think there's a huge gain or drop in the bumps between normal CTi and the Black Edition. The bigger difference, I'd say is that the Black Edition only comes in a system with a binding, while the CTi has the flat option to drill a binding of your choice into, and in that realm, I'd rather ski bumps on the regular CTI with a regular binding (Marker Griffon, Tyrolia Attack, etc.).

[@stevesvideochannel]

Thoughts on the Black Edition vs CTI for a 250+lb intermediate skier (comfortable on all blue some blacks) who plans to progress to advanced this season? I'll probably ski 80+ days this year on mostly Utah groomed runs and start working on my off-piste game. It's been suggested to me that the Wingman 86 would be a good next ski for my technique progression. Based on my weight, would the Black Edition ski like the regular CTI for someone who was lighter (say 200lbs) or will the CTI or TI be better fits for progressing my skills?

[@SkiEssentials]

There's only slightly more carbon in the Black Edition than the CTi, making it a bit stiffer. Other than that, I feel that most skiers will simply be better off on the regular CTi. I'd say the weight puts you out of the Ti category, even though it lines up well with the intermediate levels. There are more similarities between CTi and Black Edition than the Ti.

[@stevesvideochannel]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you! I really appreciate that you replied to my questions on a month+ old post. Really appreciate it! Now, do you have the CTi in my size? Heading to your site to check it now . . .

[@SkiEssentials]

@@stevesvideochannel www.skiessentials.com/products/2024-elan-wingman-86-cti-ski-w-emx-12-0-gw-binding-abukhf23?ski%2520size=160

[@stevesvideochannel]

@@SkiEssentials cool-thanks!

[@Ativ01ski]

How would these compare to a Salomon QST 92? I am looking at options whereas I am 60% off-Piste in New Mexico/ Colorado. I need to demo these. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're 60% off piste I'd go with the QST 92--it's a much more versatile ski than the Wingman Black. If the numbers were more like 80% on-trail, then I'd say the Wingman is a better fit.

[@Ativ01ski]

Thank you. What other 1-2 skis should I look at? I am 5'7, 155 lbs, ski fairly hard, on a 178 X Wing Tornado. What size would you recommend. Thanks! You guys rock!!!! @@SkiEssentials

[@egregor123]

between the Elan and the Stockli Montero AR?

[@SkiEssentials]

The AR will not be as big of a change for you as the Wingman. I've spent a good amount of time on both, and just think the AR is an incredibly complete ski. It can handle very different turn shapes and styles while the Wingman is a bit more focused on the mid-range arc. If you liked the WRT Pro and its overall character, I'd stick to Stockli.

[@bikyzambrano7379]

And between the Montero AX vs AR ?@@SkiEssentials

[@SkiEssentials]

@@bikyzambrano7379 Turn shape is the big difference here. Same build, basically same feel. AR likes to open it up to more GS style turns and is more comfortable at speed. AX likes it a bit tighter.