By Mason Turner
Elan Ibex tactix
Overview and target audience
The Ibex Tactix is a compact, travel-friendly folding ski aimed at tourers and travelers who want portability without sacrificing decent downhill performance. Its integrated Tactix Carbon Plate allows the ski to fold down to roughly 90 cm for transport, making it a solid choice for air travel and backpacking trips. Mountain Rocker geometry combined with a relatively narrow 84 mm waist yields a versatile tool that performs well on hardpack and variable snow. The TubeLite woodcore keeps overall mass low, making transitions and uphill moves less tiring on long days.
Construction and technology
In construction, this ski pairs a TubeLite Woodcore with carbon rods and fiberglass reinforcements to deliver a respectable balance of torsional stiffness and lightweight agility. Bridge Technology helps distribute loads across the edge for predictable carving feel. The integrated Tactix Carbon Plate houses the folding mechanism; when locked it functions as a conventional plate for reliable binding mounting. The High Speed Gliding Base offers good speed potential underfoot, and the folding system is purpose-built and robust enough for regular travel use, provided routine checks and maintenance.
Specs explained
The specs reveal character: tip 118/120 mm, waist 84 mm, tail 103/105 mm and radius 18–19 m depending on length. A wider tip aids flotation and smooth turn initiation; an 84 mm waist is a touring-oriented compromise offering uphill efficiency and acceptable flotation in variable snow. The tail width helps exit turns cleanly. Radius indicates the ski’s preferred turn size—18–19 m suggests medium-radius turns. Stated ski weights are 670 g (163 cm) and 690 g (170 cm) per ski; note that several sources report differing weights when plates or bindings are included, so verify the marketed configuration when buying.
On-snow feel and performance
On snow the Ibex Tactix skis with surprising liveliness given its compact form. Mountain Rocker smooths the entry into turns and adds forgiveness on uneven snow. The carbon and fiberglass layup provides enough edge hold for confident turns at moderate to high speed, though riders seeking deep-pow performance or very aggressive high-speed charging will prefer a wider, stiffer freeride ski. Compared with other lightweight touring skis, the Tactix scores highly for portability and all-round usability, while trading some pure flotation and dampness for convenience and weight savings.
Practical considerations and verdict
Practically, this ski is suited to travelers, hut-to-hut trippers and randonnee skiers who prioritize compactness and quick pack-to-ski conversion. The folding plate is the defining feature for transport convenience but needs proper attention during binding mounting and periodic inspection. Pair it with lightweight touring bindings and compatible boots to keep the overall system efficient. If your primary focus is deep powder or aggressive freeride, consider wider alternatives; if mobility, airplane-friendly transport and solid mixed-snow descent matter, the Ibex Tactix is a compelling option.
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