Elan Primetime 44+ — Review

The Elan Primetime 44+ is the advanced step of the Primetime carving system. Elan widens the platform to 74 mm and tips to 130 mm, upgrades the core to a Dual Density Woodcore and lifts the binding ceiling to DIN 12 via the Fusion X plate with EMX 12.0 GW or Protector SHIFT 11.0 GW. Radius increases slightly versus the 33 (14.0 m at 172 cm vs 13.5 m), bringing the ski closer to true GS turn shapes. The Amphibio asymmetric profile and Mono Ti reinforcement carry over, but the Dual Density core and stiffer plate move the ski clearly into advanced territory.

On firm groomers the 44+ is more decisive than the 33 — it commits to the apex sooner, holds more edge angle without chatter and rewards a skier who can stand on the inside ski through the back of the turn. The 14 m radius lets it draw genuine long-radius arcs at higher speed without the short-turn nervousness of the 22 and 33. The Dual Density Woodcore damps small irregularities in the snow that the Power Woodcore beneath the 33 lets through, and the higher DIN of the Fusion X interface signals that this ski is built for heavier skiers and bigger forces. Off-piste range is still tiny — the 74 mm waist and frontside design float poorly in any soft snow — and the system plate again rules out touring or freestyle use.

The Primetime 44+ steps up to a Dual Density Woodcore (vs the Power Woodcore in the 33 and 22) for extra dampening, with full RST sidewalls (Racing Sidewall Technology) and a single Mono Ti titanal layer. The Amphibio profile is asymmetric — rocker outside, camber inside — and ships as dedicated left and right skis. The Fusion X interface accepts EMX 12.0 GW, Protector 11 GW, ELX 11.0 GW SHIFT or Protector SHIFT 11.0 GW bindings; DIN range 3.5–12. Sintered High Speed Gliding base. Geometry: 130 mm tip / 74 mm waist / 111 mm tail across all five lengths (151, 158, 165, 172, 179 cm). Radii: 10.4, 11.5, 12.8, 14.0, 15.3 m. Reference weight 2890 g per ski at 172 cm including plate and binding.

This is the right Primetime for the advanced piste skier who carves long-radius turns at higher speed and wants the dampening of a Dual Density core under foot without going all the way to the Dual Ti chassis of the 55 Black Edition. Against the Head Supershape e speed it offers a similar advanced piste brief but with Elan's asymmetric Amphibio release and a wider 74 mm platform; against the Atomic Redster g7 it is friendlier and less race-rigid; versus the Rossignol Hero elite st ti it gives up some pure ST short-turn snap for a longer cruising radius. If you want true race-stiff carving, jump to the 55 Black Edition.

Pros

• Dual Density Woodcore damps high-speed chatter on firm groomers.
• Wider 130 mm tip + 14 m radius rewards genuine long-radius arcs.
• DIN 3.5–12 binding ceiling supports heavier and stronger skiers.
• Fusion X plate transmits inputs cleanly into the edge.
• Asymmetric Amphibio keeps release forgiving despite the stiffer chassis.

Cons

• Mono Ti reinforcement still tops out before true expert race pace.
• Demanding at low speed — wants to be driven, not coasted.
• No off-piste capability; not for variable snow or trees.
• Touring and freestyle ruled out by the integrated alpine plate.
• Heavier than the 33 — daily-driver duty in flat light is more tiring.

Verdict: A stable, decisive Mono-Ti carver for advanced piste skiers — the right Primetime when long-radius speed and dampening matter, but you don't need a full Dual Ti race chassis.