Elan Wingman 86 black edition — Review

The Elan Wingman 86 black edition is the top-shelf CTi build of the 86 mm Wingman platform — a premium all-mountain carver that pairs Elan's Tubelite woodcore with carbon rods, UD carbon and a mono-Ti laminate. Verified at 1973 g per ski at 174 cm, it is lighter than a typical 88 mm directional titanal ski while keeping the damp, planted character of the metal Wingman 86 ti. The Fusion X system binding is included, so this is a complete resort chassis, not a touring or hybrid setup.

On groomers the Black Edition skis a touch more energetic than the regular 86 ti. The Tubelite core saves weight, which lifts the ski underfoot at turn release while the mono-Ti and carbon rods deliver the on-edge stability of a Ti ski. Across 160, 168, 174 and 182 cm the radius runs 14 to 17 m, so it favours medium to long arcs but stays maneuverable in the shorter sizes. In chop and refrozen crud the lighter chassis is easier to redirect than the 86 ti, and the 86 mm waist keeps it competent in shallow off-piste detours. It is still primarily a directional carver — the tail finishes with a snap rather than a slash, and float in deep snow is limited — but the construction puts it among the most refined all-mountain options in the Wingman line.

The Black Edition uses a Tubelite woodcore — a paulownia-poplar laminate with two lightweight carbon tubes inserted along the length — combined with a mono-Ti laminate and UD carbon reinforcement aligned via PowerLine Technology over the cambered inside edge. SST (Slanted Sidewall Technology) sidewalls and a sintered high-speed gliding base round out the build. The Amphibio profile gives each ski a dedicated rockered outside edge and cambered inside edge, so the pair is not interchangeable. The Fusion X system binding plate ships with the package; touring is not part of the design brief.

Advanced skiers who want the premium Wingman experience — a one-ski quiver that prioritises grip on groomers while staying lively in mixed snow. Compared to the Elan Wingman 86 ti (also new in this batch) it is lighter, livelier and a touch more refined, with a similar carving character. Against the Stockli Stormrider 88 it is a touch quicker edge-to-edge and lighter underfoot but less polished at maximum hard-snow speed. Versus the Head Kore 88 Ti the Elan is heavier and damper on piste but less touring-tolerant thanks to the system plate.

Pros

• Lighter and livelier than the standard Wingman 86 ti at 1973 g / 174 cm.
• Tubelite core plus carbon rods give a premium, refined feel.
• Strong edge hold on hard snow from mono-Ti + cambered inside edge.
• 86 mm waist handles chop and shallow off-piste credibly.
• Top-tier build in the Wingman line.

Cons

• Premium price tier — most expensive Wingman in this batch.
• Fusion X system plate rules out touring.
• Limited float in deep powder.
• Tail finishes with carve snap rather than freestyle slash.

Verdict: A premium CTi all-mountain carver that combines the Wingman 86's planted hard-snow ride with a lighter, livelier chassis. Best for advanced skiers who want the top of the Wingman lineup and primarily ski groomers with off-piste detours.