Lengths:
164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions:
132-101-122 @ 180
Radius:
18m @ 180
Weight:
1,760g @ 180
Best for:
A western skier looking for one ski to do everything from touring to lapping the park.
Compare with:
Blizzard Rustler 10, Head Oblivion 102, Line Chronic 94
The Playmaker is Elan’s entry into the twin-tip freeride category. With matching rocker profiles front and back and a fairly symmetrical design, it’s easy and predictable to ski backwards or forwards. It floated through pow like a wider ski and was particularly fun in the steep trees and bumps, where its generous rocker made it feel like a much shorter ski. Also notable is its light build: a wooden core reinforced with carbon rods—tapered sidewalls further cut grams. Most testers found it lacked pop and power on hard-pack, but everywhere else it was fun. Mark Arsenault was the Playmaker’s biggest fan. “If I had to own only one ski this would be it,” he said. “It’s nice on steeps and in the deep bumps, and it turns like a smaller ski.”