Elan Element 74 w — Review

The Elan Element 74 w is the women's entry point of Elan's Element line — a forgiving frontside ski aimed at progressing beginners and lighter intermediate women who want a confidence-building first own pair. With a 74 mm waist, a wide length range from 140 to 176 cm and Elan's signature easy turn initiation, it slots in below the Primetime women's line in both price and edge bite. The integrated Shift X plate paired with an EL 9.0 GW SHIFT binding (DIN 2.5-9) ships in the same box, making it a system ski.

On groomed snow the Element 74 w trades top-end grip for ease and forgiveness. The Early Rise Rocker shortens the effective edge so turn initiation feels almost automatic, which is exactly what a developing skier wants. The mono woodcore with fiberglass reinforcement stays composed at gentle to moderate speeds but flexes out when pushed into longer, faster arcs — this is not a ski meant to be driven hard. Off the groomer it manages light chop and soft snow at the edge of the run but does not pretend to be an all-mountain tool. The Shift X system binding sits the boot a touch higher and adds a stable, planted feel that helps newer skiers trust the edge.

Underfoot the Element 74 w uses a single-layer Mono Woodcore with fiberglass reinforcement — no metal layers and no carbon stringers. Sidewall construction is Full Power Cap, a cap design that protects the edges and keeps the build cost down. The base is extruded rather than sintered, which is durable and low-maintenance but glides a touch slower than the sintered base on the RS sibling. Geometry stays constant across the length range at 122-74-103 mm, so only the radius changes — from a very short 10.3 m at 140 cm out to a more directional 17.1 m at 176 cm. Profile is Early Rise Rocker with camber underfoot. The ski is sold in Blue and Black colorways with no other chassis differences.

This is a true progression ski for advancing beginner and lighter intermediate women on piste. Compared to the Elan Primetime n2 w — the lowest rung of Elan's premium women's frontside line — the Element 74 w is friendlier and slower to load but gives up sharpness, top speed and edge precision. Against the male Elan Element 74 the women's version uses the same chassis tuning but its calibration favours a slightly more playful, lower skill-level rider profile. Skiers who want the same easy feel with a longer life ahead of them should look at the Elan Element 74 RS w, which keeps the geometry but stiffens the chassis with a dual woodcore.

Pros

• Very forgiving Early Rise Rocker makes turn entry almost effortless.
• Wide length range covers small to tall progressing skiers.
• System ski: Shift X plate and EL 9.0 GW SHIFT binding included.
• Friendly price tier for a first own pair of women's skis.

Cons

• No metal layer means edge grip falls off on icy or steep groomers.
• Extruded base is slower than sintered when the snow is dry.
• Limited reach on variable terrain, chop and powder.
• Outgrown quickly by skiers who progress to advanced piste levels.

Verdict: A confidence-building, system-equipped first pair for women leaving rentals behind. Pick the wider Element 78 w or step up to the RS once groomers feel comfortable.