Ace sl11 review

Overview

The Elan Ace SL11 is the 68 mm short-turn slalom carver in Elan's 26/27 ACE line, sitting in the Mono Ti tier just one step below the dual-titanal SLX. With a 123/68/104 sidecut at every length and a short 10.0-13.2 m radius, it is built for skiers who live on groomed hard snow and want a ski that bends into tight, energetic arcs. This is a focused frontside tool, not an all-rounder.

On-snow performance

The narrow 68 mm waist and short radius mean it should roll edge-to-edge very quickly and hold a tight line — the shape suggests a ski that rewards active, precise input rather than one that lets you cruise. Full camber underfoot with a flat tail points to strong edge grip and a lot of stored energy out of each turn: expect a lively rebound that snaps you from one arc into the next. The tip rocker and TractionTip should ease edge engagement at turn initiation and help the shovel track cleanly, while the single Mono Ti layer and Active Suspension Drive dampers are there to calm chatter on firm snow. At speed on ice it should feel planted for a ski this narrow, though the low playful character means it asks for a committed, on-it pilot.

Construction & specs explained

At its core is Elan's Race Frame Woodcore, wrapped with a single Mono Ti titanal layer — one sheet of metal for stability and grip without the full stiffness of the dual-titanal SLX above it. RST (Racing) Sidewall Technology gives a direct, powerful edge connection typical of race-room builds, and Active Suspension Drive (Elan's Carving 2.0 system) adds integrated shock absorbers to damp vibration and keep the edge locked on hard snow. TractionTip works the shovel for cleaner entry. The 123/68/104 geometry and 10.0-13.2 m radius across six lengths (145-170 cm) are pure slalom-carve numbers. It ships as a system with the EMX 11.0 GW Shift binding.

Who it's for & comparisons

This is a ski for confident piste skiers who want slalom bite without stepping all the way up to a full race plate. Against the Elan Ace slx, the SL11 trades the second titanal sheet for a slightly more accessible, less punishing flex — same short-turn DNA, a touch more forgiving. The Head Supershape e speed is a natural cross-shop at the same 68 mm waist, leaning a little more versatile, while the Atomic Redster s9i is the more overtly race-bred rival if you want maximum slalom edge grip. Choose the SL11 if quick, grippy short turns on groomers are your priority.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Short radius and 68 mm waist should deliver fast, decisive edge-to-edge transitions.
• Full camber and flat tail point to strong grip and energetic rebound on firm snow.
• Mono Ti build is more manageable than the dual-titanal SLX while keeping race feel.
• Active Suspension Drive and TractionTip should damp chatter and clean up turn entry.
• Comes as a system with the EMX 11.0 GW Shift binding.

Cons

• Low playful character asks for an active, committed skier — not a relaxed cruiser.
• The 68 mm waist is strictly a hard-snow tool; it won't cope with soft snow or off-piste.
• Six lengths top out at 170 cm, which may feel short for heavier, aggressive skiers.
• System binding limits mounting and setup flexibility.

Verdict The Ace SL11 is a sharp, hard-snow slalom carver for advanced piste skiers who want race-room grip in a slightly more attainable Mono Ti package. If groomers and short turns are your world, it belongs on the shortlist.