By Emma Lawson
Elan Lynx 82 w
Brief overview
The Lynx 82 W is built as a lightweight, do-it-all touring ski for riders who want efficient climbs without sacrificing confidence on the descent. Its low mass and early-rise rocker make turn initiation easy and give a playful feel in variable snow. Carbon reinforcement and a Titanal mounting plate add rebound and stability at speed. The combination suits intermediate to advanced touring skiers looking for a single ski that performs well on day tours and multi-hour outings across mixed snow conditions.
On-snow behavior
On snow the Lynx 82 W is predictable and composed. The 82 mm waist is narrow enough for quick edge-to-edge transitions and precise carving on firm snow, yet wide enough to provide modest flotation in softer snow. The sintered base keeps glide performance high between transitions, and carbon helps control unwanted flex. In very hard or icy conditions the ski holds an edge well, though it doesn’t feel as damp or heavyweight-solid as full-metal touring or piste-focused models, which can be a trade-off for lighter weight.
Climbing and touring
When climbing, the Lynx 82 W’s lightweight AirLite woodcore and touring sidewall make skinning considerably less tiring. Listed per-ski weights indicate this model is easy to manage during long ascents, and available lengths let you tune stability versus maneuverability. The Titanal plate provides secure binding mounting and added torsional stiffness for more confidence on demanding descents, without a big weight penalty. For fitness-oriented tourers who balance uphill efficiency with capable downhills, this ski is a compelling choice.
Specs explained
Understanding the specs helps explain on-snow behavior: tip 121 mm, waist 82 mm and tail 103 mm shape the sidecut and determine turn characteristics. Early Rise Rocker aids turn initiation and helps in variable snow. Sidecut radius varies by length (13.0 m at 150 cm up to 19.6 m at 178 cm), meaning shorter skis turn quicker while longer lengths track better at speed. The sintered base offers improved glide; carbon and Titanal elements balance light weight with downhill confidence and rebound.
Recommendation and comparison
Recommendation and comparison: the Lynx 82 W strikes a balanced middle ground between ultralight backcountry skis and heavier, full-metal designs. Compared with ultra-light variants, it adds a bit more downhill assurance thanks to carbon and Titanal reinforcement while remaining significantly lighter than traditional all-mountain touring skis. If you prioritize minimum grams for long, fast climbs you might prefer a UL model, but most fitness-focused tourers will appreciate the Lynx 82 W’s blend of efficiency, stability, and versatility.
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