2027 Elan Ace SC11+

The 2027 Elan ACE SC11+ is an all-new ski for this year, bringing fun, smoothness, and high-powered carves to the frontside of your favorite resort. This ski caught us off-guard as we thought that the Ripstick 88 Black Edition was going to be the most popular new Elan for this year. It may end up being that way, but the ACE SC11+ certainly feels like a far different ski than the Ripstick does, and the technology used here should probably also represent the path forward for a lot of other skis.

Elan uses their race frame wood core consisting of poplar and beech in this ski, so there’s a denser feeling than most other Elans right off the bat. Things get even more interesting with the introduction of Elan’s Active Suspension Drive in the ski. The ACE uses one full sheet of metal on the bottom of the core, and then the second sheet (more like and additional 1.25 sheets) is divided into three overlapping parts. The top layer sits under the binding mounting zone while the next two overlap slightly and extend towards the tip and the tail respectively. In the overlap zones, we also get an elastomer later that dampens vibrations even further, keeping this ski firmly planted on the snow. These laminates function as a leaf spring, but reversed, so the ski never gets bounced around. We find the naming of this construction tech is right on the money. It’s both active and suspension. Tester Christian Strong states: “This was a super fun Frontside carver. I was impressed by its ability to hold an edge in all radius turn, maintaining stability at all times. This is definitely a ski concentrated on carving and excels in groomed terrain. It tore up the hardpack with ease! I would say this is a great ski for advanced and expert skiers. Quick from side to side and stable at speeds as well. Especially good for conquering hardpack groomers! A little short for my typical length but had a ton of fun ripping around on them.”

At 74 mm underfoot, this is a narrower ski, but still a bit wider than a pure race ski. As such, you get a nice balanced platform to stand on Elan uses a fully cambered profile to maximize edge grip and smoothness. While a bit more a part of the build, Elan also adds their Traction Tip which allows for easier initiation into the turn, so the ski doesn’t feel too harsh. In the 172, the ski generates a 14-meter turn radius and due to the strong build, it can live there quite happily. If you want to go shorter, you do need to push a bit more as this is a demanding ski, but if you want to go longer, the ACE SC11+ handles speed and longer GS Style turns with ease. Tester Kristi Brown Lovell states: “What a bonus to ski a great dynamic rewarding ski as last test of week! Almost enough to say - saved the best for last! I have not skied an Elan like this ski and appreciate its carving merits that sets it apart from my previous experiences. It reminds me of the original Volant Carver but much lighter feel with deep dampness and edge connection. I would highly recommend the Elan Ace SC11 as a frontside carving dream machine!” This lines up quite well with skiers who are former racers and what they like about the ACE.

This ski does have a more expert lean to it, but an advanced skier who is looking to improve and knows that they want a sturdy and stable ski could also have a lot of fun here. While there are a bunch of other skis in the mid-70's that do great at carving clean turns, there’s just something more fun and energetic about this ACE SC11+ that stands out. The Active Suspension Drive has a lot to do with it, and it certainly performs as claimed.