2023 Elan Wildcat 86 CX

With a slight graphics change for 2023, the Elan Wildcat 86 CX remains one of the better-carving and versatile performers of this competitive mid-80's class. It does a great job at blurring the line between front side and all-mountain, and that’s a good thing for skiers who spend most of their time on groomed terrain, while having an adventurous spirit for off-trail fun and excitement. Built with Elan’s Tubelite wood core containing two carbon rods that run the outer portions of the ski, the Wildcat 86 CX also gets their TruLine technology to boost the inside-edge performance of today’s modern carving skier. Since the skis are built asymmetrically, the engineers at Elan are able to take more liberties with their builds, and that’s a good thing for skiers who value smoothness, edge grip, and ease of use. Since you don’t have to load up the inside edge so much, it makes for an easier transition from turn to turn. The 164 cm length generates a 14.7-meter turn radius, so these things do like to be on edge. The width, combined with the more carving-oriented personality make this an extremely useful ski for advanced skiers who mix up their time on and off the groomers.

Carly Monahan skied the 164, and noted it was true to size and that’s the length she would ski. She gave it top scores of 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. Playfulness and forgiveness each got 4’s while versatility and flotation received 3’s. The high scores are certainly telling of Carly’s positive experience on these skis, noting that she “Had a blast on this ski; can be steered into a variety of turn shapes, and feels smooth and stable at all speeds. Definitely charges on firm snow, and plows through crud. A powerful ski in a pretty package.” The width and crud ability makes a lot of sense, and we’re glad that Carly was able to point that out in her feedback.

Catherine Ferguson was also on the 164. She calls it true to size and the right length for her. Like Carly, we’re seeing a lot of 4’s and 5’s on the card, with the 5 going for stability, and 4’s for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge grip, forgiveness, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and flotation. The lowly 3 for versatility shows the more carving-oriented character of the 86 CX. Catherine states that having “The left and right edges were really great for a day like today. The edge control felt really smooth and stable. They felt awesome carving on groomers. This ski is great for skill levels from beginner all the way to someone who is expert and wants to rip down groomers.”

While Catherine mentions beginners as part of the potential audience, it’s really the advanced and expert skiers who are going to be able to get the most out of these skis. They’re easy to turn for sure, but they are still stiff and responsive.