By Liam Anderson
Elan Ace slx team
Model overview
The Ace SLX Team is a junior slalom race ski built for serious youth competition across U10–U21 categories depending on length. It’s engineered to give young racers the quick edge-to-edge response and short-radius agility needed on slalom courses. Available in lengths from 133 to 157 cm and a 65 mm waist, this ski combines compact geometry and race-derived tech to help developing athletes carry speed through tight gates. The design prioritizes rapid turn transitions, precise edging and dependable behavior on prepared, hard-packed race slopes.
Construction and specs explained
Construction blends a Response Frame woodcore with RST racing sidewalls and the Raceplate WCR Team. Smaller lengths (133/139 cm) commonly use fibreglass reinforcement while larger sizes (145/151/157 cm) add Dual Ti for more damped power and high-speed stability. Geometry is 115/65/98 mm (tip/waist/tail) and an Early Rise Rocker softens turn entry, helping juniors initiate slalom turns more willingly. A race-structured high-speed base completes the package. Each spec affects how the ski digs in, transfers energy and resists chatter at speed.
On‑snow behavior and performance
On snow the ski feels direct and purposeful in short slalom turns: the narrow waist and short radius allow rapid edge changes and aggressive carving. The Early Rise tip makes the initial bite more forgiving, which benefits developing racers learning consistent turn initiation. On firm, groomed surfaces the RST sidewalls and Dual Ti on larger sizes provide predictable edge hold and stability. In softer, variable snow the ski is less versatile than wider all-mountain juniors, but that tradeoff is expected for a purpose-built slalom race tool.
Who this ski is for
Who should buy it? This ski is aimed at junior racers who train and compete regularly and want a true SL race platform. It’s FIS-approved and shipped with a race plate, making it competition-ready and compatible with race binding setups. Coaches and parents seeking a durable, performance-oriented junior slalom ski will appreciate its responsiveness and race pedigree. Casual juniors or beginners who need forgiveness and broader snow coverage would be better served by a softer, wider junior or all-mountain model.
Comparisons and final verdict
Comparisons and verdict: compared with other junior SL race skis, the Ace SLX Team stands out for bringing modern rocker and adult-race-line tech into a junior package. The Dual Ti reinforcement in longer sizes increases mid-curve power and high-speed composure versus fibreglass-only juniors. Downsides include its narrow focus on groomed race conditions and the lack of published Team weight on the product page, which can complicate binding and setup choices. Overall it’s an excellent choice for committed junior slalom racers aiming to step up performance.
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