2024 Elan Playmaker 101 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

[@bearclaw5115]

I love that you have gone 4k! Jeff, you look so smooth in the park you make me want to try some of those moves. Definitely will need a few Playmaker Pilsers afterwards!

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! Moving to 4K is something we've been looking to do for a couple years now, excited to finally be getting there this season. Park is fun. I've been doing those tricks for almost 20 years now, so a lot of it is just raw muscle memory at this point.

[@algojeff]

Elan and pilsner is just great… taste. Great review of a promising twin-tips.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks JF! Fun skis for sure.

[@pmarquis]

The Jeff Neagle Pro Model has arrived! Congratulations 🥳

[@SkiEssentials]

Haha, I wish! Once upon a time an old sponsor made a ski with my signature on the tip, that's the closest I think I'll ever get to an actual pro model ;)

[@journeywithstu7199]

I haven’t been to many (read: any) New England ski bars, but that Playmaker swag will get you some action for sure!

[@aul0s]

These look very cool as I was super considering a pair of the most recent Ripsticks for my new skis. Ultimately went with something that fit my budget better (K2 Mindbender 99Ti '23) as Elan wasn't doing any end of season deals on them unlike most brands and models. Playmakers are definitely going on the list of skis I'd love to try out and maybe expand my lineup with in the future. Interesting review as always.

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks a lot!

[@thehungariankid]

Can't wait to strap on a pair! Been loving my 88s but wanting a 2nd pair with a higher tail rocker profile.

[@SkiEssentials]

They also have the Playmaker 91 as well--not as wide, obviously, but very energetic and quick!

[@KellyRay-cw1hb]

How does this ski compare to the Dynastar M-Free 99 for a Colorado skier looking for a surfy, smeary, more off-piste geared ski that would also be good in tight trees? Currently ski Armada Declivity 92's which absolutely rip but looking for a second ski that has a bit easier tail release for softer snow and tight trees. The M-Free 99 has been my choice so far but now I see this. I have skied the Ripstick 96 and 106 and really liked both of those skis, especially the 106.

[@chazbickel4518]

Give the Nordika Enforcer 104 Free a demo.

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the M-Free 99 is one of the best comparisons to this ski, or at least one of the closest comparisons. Between them, the M-Free feels a little smoother to me, I think thanks to that PU they place along the edges. This ski feels more agile, or at least a little quicker. More responsive.

[@alexislefebvre4151]

Thanks for the nice review. I would like to know you toughts on the armada whitewalker 116 for when i’m going on trip to the west coast. I can barely find any info on them but people that have them love them. Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

Wide, light, and a lot of rocker, I'd imagine that'll be an amazing ski for fresh and deep snow!

[@leander9263]

Hello kive your content best by far for multiple reasons. Q: how does this ski conpare to revolt 104 as a 2nd ski in the quiver to the daily driver for thise days with depper snow (talking moderately deep say from 10")? Not a park skiier.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Revolt is quite a bit heftier and slightly more demanding as a result. The 101 is easier to ski, and feels more playful and flexible. I do think the Revolt is a better floater, and has a narrower tail that makes it easier to steer in deeper snow, like a rudder on a boat, while the Playmaker is more symmetrical and wants to turn out of the tail more. I'd lean to the Revolt if you want some sturdiness and the Playmaker if you want mobility and light weight.

[@leander9263]

@@SkiEssentials thank you so much for your time!

[@Scudhs]

Any changes when comparing to the 2025 model? Thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

Zero changes--carryover model for 2025.

[@BLaZZiNinJapan]

The tail is delaminating pretty good on one of those.....

[@SkiEssentials]

This ski was used in a demo capacity, so there was a bit more tail clacking and moving around than on most skis. We're guessing that was the culprit.

[@cams3425]

Great review gents! I'm dating myself but I skied the Elan Comprex X in a 200 something back then in the moguls.... seriously, wtf.... great edging ski, stable and very quick edge to edge. I also demo'd the Elan Ripstick 106s and enjoyed them more so on groomers and open terrain than in bumps and trees. My point, kudos to Elan for making what I would consider a huge jump from their roots and making a more playful ski. PS Loved the toast at the end. Next time please share with your audience. :-)

[@SkiEssentials]

Great feedback, thanks for sharing!

[@jonne_]

Cn you make a video of the 91 version?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes

[@peterpabian]

Lol. New camera?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yeah! We started using it in the studio a while back, back in the fall for comparisons. We've been shooting with it a lot on snow this year, although this was one of the first reviews where we used a lot of the footage.

[@e_bak]

Hi Jeff, how tall is Bob? (or Bob, how tall are you?)

[@SkiEssentials]

Bob: 6/2 225 Jeff: 5/9 160

[@GraemeChapman-d6z]

The Play Maker 101 is a really good all mountain versatile ski. I don’t think much of the pink graphics though. I seriously think if Elan changed the pink graphics to say black then l’m sure more guys would purchase this great ski. I do hope Elan is listening.

[@edwardyetkie5975]

No right and left ski

[@SkiEssentials]

Correct!

[@christophermagnuson1270]

Oh boy is this great !⛷❄️ Would love a Playmaker Pilsner

[@christophermagnuson1270]

If adding this to your quiver how would you pick this over your Unleashed on any given day

[@SkiEssentials]

@@christophermagnuson1270 they're actually VERY different, despite being close in shape. Playmaker is so much lighter and looser. Much easier to flick it around. Unleashed has a longer effective edge, by a pretty significant margin. It's also stiffer, heavier, etc. I think a lot of people are surprised when they get on the Unleashed. It sits in the freeride/twin tip/park world, but in that world, it's a very strong and torsionally stiff ski.

[@Atreeesmalldickbigdreams]

i have honey badgers right now, and i'm looking for something a little wider and a little stiffer for meduim jumps and some off piste, will this be good, im really liking how it looks

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd say that's a great choice! Still nice and light so it's not terribly demanding.

[@zouloum9607]

Super interesting product, do they ski similarly to the old Rossignol S3? And how do they compare to the others in the category like Blaze 94, Ripstick 88 & 96, QST 92 & 98 for tight, east coast trees?

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes! Old S3 is actually a great way to think about this ski, although I do find the Elan more precise and just a better ski, mostly thanks to general advancements in ski construction since then. It feels different than the Blaze to me, although accomplishes similar things. Just the amount of splay in the tail rocker in the Playmaker sets it apart from Blaze. More surfy to me. It's a lot like if you took a QST 98 and made it a little lighter and a little softer too.

[@rickden8362]

Another excellent review. When you talk about mounting point, is that boot sole center, or front of boot toe. Cheers.

[@SkiEssentials]

Boot sole center.

[@paulstiller6239]

I like the systems binding on a ski like that, is that included for $699?

[@SkiEssentials]

Hey Paul! No, this was just a demo binding for our testing. The skis will come flat for $699.

[@src248]

Are the bases delaminating at the tail? That's a bit concerning

[@SkiEssentials]

I hadn't even noticed that until I was editing and thought to myself "that looks weird...?" I just examined it really closely and it's just a little damage from them getting moved around in different racks, transported, etc etc. I wouldn't call it a delam, it's just been through a lot already. Not the ski's fault, IMO.

[@darinsmith2458]

they do look fun

[@EthanPulkkinen]

I'am 175cm and 70kg. These would mainly be park skies and sometimes offpiste. Should I go for 172 or 180cm? Also in between 91 & 101. Now I got Bent 100 and pivots 14 on true center

[@EthanPulkkinen]

Bent 100 are 172cm

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd keep the sizing the same--no need to reach for a longer length with these. I think the 101 is a better choice for mixing park and off-piste skiing.

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

Seems like the playmaker is a slightly softer origin

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty good way to think about it, yup!

[@natevans4575]

I'm 173cm and 75kg. I would be skiing in the Alps and roughly 85% all mountain vs 15% park. Would you recommend 91s or 101s and in 172cm or 180cm? I have heard these measure a couple cm short and obviously with the double rocker, I'm not sure which to choose.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Playmaker doesn't measure short, but it is light, hence the shorter feeling. If you find yourself in softer snow, the 101 makes more sense but if it's mostly smooth and groomed, I'd go 91. You can size up to the 180 on either width in these skis.

[@natevans4575]

@SkiEssentials a more detailed split of my skiing would probably be 45% on piste, 40% off piste, 15% park. What width and length would you recommend based on that info? Appreciate the fast response! Love your reviews.

[@natevans4575]

@SkiEssentials by measured short, I meant that Elan are measured before pressing so the true length ends up being a couple cm shorter. Say the 180cm stands more around 178cm tall. Is this correct?

[@snipodi]

Hey! I’ve had armada arv 106 in 188cm (too long, quite stiff and lazy to turn), line sir francis bacon in 184 (maybe little long, love the flex and the quick turning radius). I’ve tested ripstick 96 and 106 (normal versions) and I find those little stiff and too much for the groomers for me so COULD this playmaker 101 in 180cm be the perfect ski for me? I like playful turning skis with freestyle feel. Armada stranger and line sakana also in the radar. Thanks for the good reviews and hello from Finland!

[@SkiEssentials]

Totally! We loved the 101 this past year. Stranger is a good comparison, maybe with a little less freestyle chops. Sakana doesn't fit into any box, so there's no real use comparing it to anything else.

[@ElliotMcDonell]

I just rode these at Crystal Mountain demo days and they were my favorite skis of the day; of course I'd like the one that is unreleased! The 101/188 was so great for me, I want these! I tried the 91/180(?) as well and it was not floaty enough for what I want. Anything I could find that would be similar from last season, maybe the Ripsticks 116? Thanks for the review and responding to everyone's questions -- that keeps me coming back to your videos!

[@SkiEssentials]

If you're looking in the twin tip mid-100's range, I'd check out the Blizzard Rustler 10 or the Salomon QST 106--both of these made it tour our bargain basement video, so you can get these on a good deal!

[@maksymiliantobiasz1612]

Hello! i am wondering which one are better for Ollies and butters: Playmaker 101, oblivion 94 or 84? It s hard to make a decision what should I buy. Thanks for your help!

[@SkiEssentials]

Oblivion 94 has the most natural flex to it. If you're looking for that as your final decision-maker, I'd go 94.

[@PandaOnSkis]

Would you pick this ski over a bent 100?

[@SkiEssentials]

Not necessarily, no, they're different. Longer camber and higher camber height in the Bent, so it skis a little differently. More bouncy and snappy. These are much more surfy and smeary IMO.