Elan Element 78 — Review

The Elan Element 78 widens the entry-level Element story to a more all-piste-friendly platform. With waists growing from 75 mm at 144 cm to 78 mm at 168 and 176 cm, it is a hair more forgiving on chopped-up groomers and rolled-up edges than the Element 74, while keeping the same easy turn character. EST (Extended Sidewall Technology) and WaveMotion Technology give it a slightly more torsionally aware feel than the cap-built Element 74. The Shift X plate ships with the EL 10.0 GW SHIFT binding, so it is again a true system ski.

The Element 78 trades a bit of sharp carving immediacy for breadth. It will not load and rebound like a dedicated narrow carver, but its slightly wider patin lets a developing skier explore the edges of the groomer and dip into softer snow at the side without the ski going on strike. Early Rise Rocker and WaveMotion smooth out turn entry — the wave-shaped lay-up flexes evenly into the snow, which keeps the ski calm under a less-than-perfect stance. Off the groomer it does light variable and shallow soft snow with composure but is not a powder ski; the system binding and modest float ceiling will tell you when you have gone too far.

Underfoot is a Mono Woodcore with fiberglass reinforcement and no metal layer. Sidewall is EST (Extended Sidewall Technology), which Elan uses on its more piste-oriented Element variants. The base is extruded — same as the Element 74. WaveMotion Technology shapes the ski with a wave-form profile that aims to smooth out flex and reduce torsional spikes. Geometry steps from 125-75-102 mm at 144 cm out to 127-78-104 mm at 168 and 176 cm, with radii from 10.6 m to 16.9 m. Profile is Early Rise Rocker with camber underfoot. Binding is the EL 10.0 GW SHIFT on the Shift X plate.

This is the entry Element for skiers who want the easy character of the line but a touch more versatility than the 74 mm waist gives. Compared to the Elan Primetime 33 it gives up considerable piste precision and sharpness — the Primetime tier is in a different class for hard carving — but the Element 78 is more accessible and friendlier in mixed snow. Against the Elan Wingman 78 c the geometry is similar but the Wingman is a sportier frontside-all-mountain ski with a more aggressive stance. The closest in-line sibling is the Elan Element 74 — narrower, more carve-focused.

Pros

• Slightly wider waist forgives mixed groomer surfaces better than the Element 74.
• EST sidewall plus WaveMotion smooths turn entry and flex.
• System ski: Shift X plate and EL 10.0 GW SHIFT binding included.
• Approachable price and rocker profile for progressing skiers.

Cons

• No metal layer keeps top-end edge grip modest.
• Extruded base is durable but not fast.
• Not built for true powder or steep variable terrain.
• Advanced piste skiers will outgrow it quickly versus a Primetime-tier ski.

Verdict: A friendlier-than-it-looks entry-level all-piste ski for progressing intermediates who want a touch more width than the Element 74. Move up to the 78 Ti RS if you need precision and bite.