Expert Comparison: Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis + Joy 9 GW Bindings · Women's · 2023 vs Elan Element White Skis + EL 9.0 GW Shift Bindings · Women's · 2024

Published on 02/14/2024 · 4 min readCompare Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis + Joy 9 GW Bindings · Women's · 2023 and Elan Element White Skis + EL 9.0 GW Shift Bindings · Women's · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Zachary Simon, Ski Expert
Carl Beach, Ski Expert
Henry Kvietok, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Zachary Simon, Carl Beach, Henry Kvietok, Mary B, Chris D. and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis + Joy 9 GW Bindings · Women's · 2023
Out of stock
Elan Element White Skis + EL 9.0 GW Shift Bindings · Women's · 2024
Price
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from:$299.99
40% off
The Curated Take

Best for women skiers looking to improve skills in various conditions.

Best for skiers of all levels seeking a versatile carving profile that can handle variable snow conditions.

Ski type
All Mountain
All Mountain
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate
Beginner, Intermediate
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker
Tail profile
Flat
Flat

In the world of women's skiing, the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis + Joy 9 GW Bindings (2023) and the Elan Element White Skis + EL 9.0 GW Shift Bindings (2024) are two standout products. Both are versatile, forgiving, and designed to help skiers progress their skills. The Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis are praised for their lively flex, agility, and lightweight construction, making them a joy to ski on. On the other hand, the Elan Element White Skis are known for their stability, easy turn initiation, and innovative Groove Technology. While both are excellent choices, the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis are more suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, while the Elan Element White Skis are perfect for beginners looking to improve.

The Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis + Joy 9 GW Bindings are a versatile ski and binding combo that are perfect for intermediate to advanced female skiers. These skis are praised for their lightweight construction and Graphene technology, which offers optimized weight balance and control. The 73-mm waist and rockered tip make it easy to steer and provide reliable edge grip. Its lively flex allows for smooth turns without bouncing around too much.

These skis are also known for their agility in tight terrain, thanks to a bit of tip rocker that adds forgiveness in variable snow. They are narrow enough for grip on hard/icy snow, but the rocker helps it be a bit more forgiving all over the mountain. The lively flex will pop you into the next turn easily without bouncing around too much.

Super stable carving ski that's nimble from edge to edge so you can get in and out of turns quickly in tight terrain. A bit stiffer than the Easy Joy, this ski is still super forgiving, but has a bit more stability when the conditions are chattery/inconsistent.

Zachary Simon
Ski Expert

The Elan Element White Skis + EL 9.0 GW Shift Bindings are a great fit for skiers looking for a versatile carving profile that can handle icy conditions and variable snow. These skis have a forgiving tip shape that smooths out inconsistent snow, while still providing stability and control. The Groove Technology ensures even flex for balance, and the Power Shell and Dual Woodcore construction adds stability. With easy turn initiation, these skis are suitable for skiers of all levels.

These skis are agile enough to snake through trees and bumps, but have enough backbone that you can get going quick without the tails washing out. The flex on these is a bit stiffer than the Head, but they're all fairly close in terms of stiffness.

Hands down one of the best skis to improve with. Elan made these especially for someone who wants to progress to the next level with some interesting technology: for one, it has a progressive flex using grooves in the core. This helps a skier get on edge better and flex the ski correctly, allowing for better control and handling.

Carl Beach
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis and the Elan Element White Skis are designed with the aim of helping skiers progress their skills. They both offer a versatile carving profile that can handle a variety of snow conditions, from icy mornings to variable/inconsistent snow. Both skis are praised for their agility in tight terrain and their forgiving nature, making them suitable for skiers of all levels. They also both feature innovative technology to optimize weight balance and control, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed to help skiers progress, they cater to slightly different skill levels. The Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis are more suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, with their lively flex and lightweight construction. They are perfect for those looking to improve their carving skills and tackle various terrain with ease.

On the other hand, the Elan Element White Skis are perfect for beginners looking to improve. They feature Groove Technology, which ensures even flex for balance, and easy turn initiation, making them a great choice for those just starting out on their skiing journey.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well, handling a variety of snow conditions with ease. However, the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis edge out slightly with their added agility in tight terrain.

In terms of technology, the Elan Element White Skis take the lead with their innovative Groove Technology, which ensures even flex for balance and easy turn initiation.

For durability, both skis are highly praised. However, the Elan Element White Skis are noted for their high quality and durability, giving them a slight edge.

Finally, for skill level, the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis are more suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, while the Elan Element White Skis are perfect for beginners. Therefore, the winner in this dimension depends on the skill level of the skier.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis + Joy 9 GW Bindings and the Elan Element White Skis + EL 9.0 GW Shift Bindings are excellent choices for female skiers looking to progress their skills. They both offer versatility, forgiveness, and innovative technology to ensure a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience. However, the Head Pure Joy SLR Pro Skis are more suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, while the Elan Element White Skis are perfect for beginners. Therefore, the final decision should be based on the skier's skill level and personal preference. Happy skiing!

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