Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
SWAROVSKI ON THE SLOPES
Inlaid into the topsheet of the Elan Delight Black Edition are actual Swarovski crystals. While they don’t add anything to the performance, they do set off the black topsheet with a bit of bling. For the Black Edition model, Elan took its already excellent Delight ski and ramped up the stability, edge hold and dampness by adding carbon. With a 78mm waist, this is an all-mountain ski that prefers the piste to the untracked. ($1,000; elanskis.com)
ELAN DELIGHT BLACK EDITION
$1,000 * BEST FOR: Progression ski for on-piste carving.
LENGTHS: 146, 152, 158, 164 * RADIUS: 12.8@158 * SIDECUT: 125/78/107
Elan calls the Delight Black Edition an expert’s tool. It took its existing 78mm-waisted Delight ski and added extra carbon to ramp up the performance. But on the snow our testers were split on the result. A couple agreed with Elan, noting excellent grip on firm snow and moderate speeds. But playing with them at Blue Mountain in a mix of new snow and packed powder, Yoshi Watanabe and Andi Ciotti thought it was best suited to lighter-weight skiers and intermediates looking for a predictable and stable ski on which to progress. “This ski is for those who enjoy groomed and smooth trails at lower speeds,” said Watanabe. While Ciotti added, “The ski seemed very soft. At lower speeds it was forgiving and easy to initiate.” One thing everyone agreed on was that it was impressively lightweight and beautiful, with Swarovski crystals inlaid in the topsheet.
