In the world of skiing, the Salomon Stance 84 Skis and the Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, with a focus on carving and speed. The Salomon Stance 84 is a titan in the industry, known for its aggressive carving ability and stability at high speeds. On the other hand, the Elan Wingman 86 Ti is a versatile all-rounder, offering a balance between on and off-piste performance. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Salomon Stance 84 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon Stance 84 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis are designed for the aggressive skier looking to up their carving game on ice and groomed runs. The Stance 84 boasts a Titanal construction that gives the ski strong edge hold in any condition, allowing for a very confident and fun ride on piste conditions. This ski is not only easy and forgiving but also has a better material construction than similar skis on the market.

The Stance 84 is extremely damp with edges that hold its carve and a core that's reinforced with titanal metal to keep stable, smooth, and damp at high speeds and on hard-packed snow. It's also great in bumps and trees as it is easy to turn at 84mm underfoot. This ski is a newer option from Salomon that is geared to that all-mountain skier that likes to ski hard and aggressive. It's stiff and damp, making it a strong ski that can rip on the groomers yet be very precise in a mogul field.

Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis · 2023 summary

The Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that blurs the lines between frontside and all-mountain skis. These skis feature Elan's asymmetric Amphibio Line construction, which places more material over the inside and downhill edges of the skis while the outside portions of the skis are largely free from this additional material. This makes the downhill edge a lot grippier and more in-tune with firmer snow conditions and better hold.

At 86 mm underfoot, this ski is definitely more of a carving ski with all-mountain character. It's a great front side carving ski that holds a great edge and makes easy tight and longer radius turns. The Wingman 86 Ti is an all-mountain do-everything ski targeted at intermediate to advanced skiers. It's a carving ski with some off-road 4x4 character, and Elan keeps their skis surprisingly light by using carbon throughout to stiffen it, but without adding too much weight.

Similarities

Both the Salomon Stance 84 Skis and the Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who enjoy carving and speed. They both have a strong edge hold, making them ideal for firmer snow conditions. Both skis are also designed with a focus on stability and control, allowing skiers to confidently navigate a variety of terrains. They both have a similar underfoot width, with the Salomon Stance 84 at 84mm and the Elan Wingman 86 Ti at 86mm, providing a similar level of versatility and maneuverability on the slopes.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for carving and speed, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon Stance 84 is perfect for aggressive skiers who love to carve on ice and groomed runs. It's also a great choice for larger beginner skiers looking for a more durable and stable ride. On the other hand, the Elan Wingman 86 Ti is a versatile all-mountain ski that's great for skiers who enjoy carving but also want the ability to navigate off-piste terrains. It's a bit more forgiving and playful, making it a good choice for skiers who like to mix up their skiing style.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to carving ability, both skis perform exceptionally well, but the Salomon Stance 84 might have a slight edge due to its aggressive design and Titanal construction. For versatility, the Elan Wingman 86 Ti takes the cake with its all-mountain character and ability to handle both on and off-piste terrains. In terms of stability, both skis offer a stable and controlled ride, but the Salomon Stance 84's reinforced core might give it a slight advantage. Lastly, for weight, the Elan Wingman 86 Ti wins with its lightweight carbon construction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon Stance 84 Skis and the Elan Wingman 86 Ti Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers. The Salomon Stance 84 excels in aggressive carving and stability, making it a great choice for skiers who love to carve on ice and groomed runs. The Elan Wingman 86 Ti, on the other hand, offers a balance of carving and all-mountain performance, making it a versatile choice for skiers who like to mix up their skiing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a speed demon or a versatile all-mountain skier, you can't go wrong with either of these skis.