Elan Element 78 Ti RS — Review

The Elan Element 78 Ti RS is the top of the Element line: same 78 mm-class outline as the Element 78 but built with a Dual Woodcore, a single layer of titanal (Elan's Mono Ti) and the Sintered High Speed Gliding base. It is still a system ski with the Shift X plate and the EL 10.0 GW SHIFT binding, and the rocker geometry stays accessible — but the titanal layer and stiffer core push it into solid mid-intermediate to early-advanced piste territory.

This is the Element that finally bites. The Mono Ti layer adds torsional resistance and damps high-frequency chatter, so the ski holds an edge on harder snow that the Element 78 lets go of. Early Rise Rocker plus WaveMotion keep the entry friendly, but the ski rewards a more committed weighting through the middle of the arc. It carves cleanly at medium GS-style radii, settles down at speed and stays composed on choppy late-day groomers. Off the groomer it manages variable snow at the edge of the run with more confidence than the rest of the Element line; it is still not a powder or steep variable terrain ski, but it is the broadest of the four.

The chassis is built around a Dual Woodcore — two complementary wood species — reinforced by a layer of Mono Ti (a single sheet of titanal), Elan's most-built construction style on metal-tier piste skis. Sidewall is EST (Extended Sidewall Technology), running base is Sintered High Speed Gliding, profile is Early Rise Rocker with camber underfoot, and WaveMotion Technology is integrated into the shape. Geometry steps from 125-75-102 mm at 144 cm to 127-78-104 mm at 168 and 176 cm, with a radius range of 10.6 m to 16.9 m. Binding: EL 10.0 GW SHIFT (DIN 3-10) on the Shift X plate.

Strong intermediates and progressing advanced skiers on piste who want stability and grip without the price tier of a dedicated race ski. Against the Elan Primetime 44 the Element 78 Ti RS is wider and more all-piste in feel, while the Primetime 44 is sharper and more frontside-precise; the wider Elan Primetime 44+ is the closer Primetime sibling in waist but again sharper and more demanding. Compared to the Elan Wingman 78 ti the geometry and metal recipe are similar, but the Wingman 78 ti sits in Elan's all-mountain-leaning line — different stance, different family. Within the Element line the natural step-down is the Elan Element 78.

Pros

• Mono Ti layer transforms edge hold versus the no-metal Element variants.
• Dual woodcore + EST sidewall give clean, stable engagement on harder snow.
• Sintered base glides faster than the extruded base used elsewhere in the line.
• System ski: Shift X plate and EL 10.0 GW SHIFT binding included.

Cons

• More demanding than the rest of the Element line — less rewarding for very light skiers.
• 78 mm waist still limits use in powder and rougher variable terrain.
• Premium Primetime-tier skis go further in raw piste precision for skiers chasing pure carving.
• System construction discourages aftermarket binding choices.

Verdict: The Element to pick if you want titanal-grade grip and stability in an accessible, system-equipped chassis. Mid-intermediate to early-advanced piste skiers will get the most out of it.