Wingman is a new series from Elan that’s a hybrid of the Slovenian brand’s Frontside Amphibio collection and its off-trail Ripstick series. This formula makes the Wingman 86 CTi behave like a carving ski with a penchant for off-piste forays. It owes its hallmark tenacious edge grip – stunningly evident in all conditions – to a variety of interrelated factors.
First, its relatively deep sidecut (16.5m @ 178cm) combines with its asymmetric shape to create early edge contact that never lets go. Second, the rearbody and tail are also biased to the inside edge, so instead of whimping out at turn finish as so many rockered tails do, this Wingman drives through the arc on a solid platform. Third, Elan loads up the inside edge with more material so force concentrates there, improving stability. Finally, a brace of end-to-end carbon rods work in harmony with a sheet of Titanal to suck up shock and convert it into rebound energy that keeps the Wingman motoring even when the snow gets clumpy.
I was fortunate to essay the Wingman 86 Cti in an array of conditions from crispy groomers to spring slop, and it did more than acquit itself, it excelled. Skiing it back-to-back in crystalline waves of spring corn versus a highly regarded Big Mountain model, the Wingman was more relaxing, more effortless and every bit as secure as the wider ski. This Wingman was so proficient in the heavy, mobile, snow potage, it felt made for the stuff. I recall thinking, as I strung together lilting turn after turn, someone forgot to tell this ski it’s not supposed to be good at this off-trail business.
As delightful as it is in uneven snow, it’s home base is on the frontside of the the mountain, where it’s asymmetric Amphibio design was born. “Highly rewarding for two-footed skiers,” notes a tester familiar with Elan’s signature technology. Unlike some carving skis, the Wingman 86 Cti isn’t obsessed with repeating a single turn shape, but readily adapts to any skiing style. “Easy to manage,” coos another Bill Allen from Peter Glenn, hitting on one of its strengths. While it’s never a liability to have superior skills, the Wingman 86 Cti won’t penalize a skier for lacking them. It’s a ski with nothing but upside for the less-than-perfect skier.
If you’re a fan of mixed conditions yet often find yourself confined to groomers, the Wingman 86 Cti belongs on your short list of skis you have to try.
