Wildcat 80 Ti review

Overview

The Elan Wildcat 80 Ti is the titanal-laminated rung in Elan's women's-specific Wildcat frontside line, sitting between the carbon-only Wildcat 78 C and the wider Wildcat 83 Ti and 86 Ti. A single Mono Ti layer over a Power Woodcore sharpens the edge feel and dampens the chatter that a pure-carbon build cannot, while the Amphibio asymmetric profile keeps turn initiation forgiving. It is built for the advancing intermediate woman who has outgrown a carbon-only frontside ski.

On-snow performance

On groomers the Wildcat 80 Ti has the quiet, planted edge feel that titanal provides without going stiff. The Amphibio profile — cambered inside edge, rockered outside edge — keeps initiation gentle while the metal layer holds the underfoot section locked at higher angles. Short and medium turns (11–13m radius across the size run) come naturally; longer arcs at speed need a deliberate weight forward to load the shovel. Off-piste it tolerates packed snow at the edges of the run and shallow soft pockets, but the 78–79mm waist limits anything resembling powder skiing.

Construction & specs explained

The Wildcat 80 Ti pairs a Power Woodcore with a single Mono Ti titanal layer, RST sidewalls, and the asymmetric Amphibio Rocker / Camber / Rocker profile. Lengths run 152 / 160 / 168cm; the sidecut sits at 126-78-110 (152), 126-79-110 (160), and 127-79-110 (168). Radius progresses 11.0 / 12.1 / 13.0m — short enough to feel responsive, long enough to settle at speed. It ships as a system ski with the Shift X plate and an EL 9.0 GW or ELX binding depending on retailer pack, so the platform is locked in.

Who it's for & comparisons

Best for the intermediate-to-advanced female frontside skier who wants a step up in edge precision and dampening without leaving the 78–80mm class. Compared to the carbon-only Elan Wildcat 78 C sibling, the 80 Ti feels noticeably quieter at speed and grips harder on icy groomers. Against the Nordica Belle dc 78 it is a touch more demanding but more rewarding under speed; next to the Head Crux 81 it has a similar metal-laminated frontside intent with a marginally shorter turn shape; and the Armada Reliance 82 ti is its closest 82mm-class competitor for the same skier profile.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Mono Ti titanal lifts edge precision and dampening over the 78 C.
• Amphibio profile keeps turn entry forgiving despite the metal.
• Short turn shape (11–13m) suits resort-piste skiing.
• Works equally well from medium to firm groomers.
• Right size step for skiers leaving a beginner ski.

Cons

• 78–79mm waist limits soft-snow versatility.
• System binding locks the platform — no aftermarket binding swap.
• Length range stops at 168cm, skipping taller skiers.
• Wants a forward stance to load the shovel at speed.
• Not aimed at freeride or touring use.

Verdict: A clean titanal step-up in the Wildcat line — the right pick for the intermediate woman who has outgrown the carbon-only 78 C and wants edge precision without the wider 86 Ti's chassis. Step up to the 83 Ti or 86 Ti if you want a versatile all-mountain platform.