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2024 Elan Playmaker 91 Skis Review


By: Pete Johnson, Denver Service Shop Lead  |  Last Updated: March 30th, 2023

The Lowdown

The new Elan Playmaker 91 is my new go-to ski between storm cycles. When the sun is shining and the bumps and groomers are calling I turn to the Playmaker 91. Quick edge-to-edge playfulness and superb stability make riding the whole mountain feel like a terrain park. Take that side hit, find that gap, look for the longest bump run, the 2024 Elan Playmaker 91 skis won't let you down.

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Technical Details

The Elan Playmaker 91 is new to Elans' lineup for the 23/24 season and it enters the market poised to dominate the all-mountain twin tip category. At 91mm underfoot with a twin shape and carbon/wood hybrid construction, this is an ideal ski for incorporating a playful style to the whole mountain. If you love the Ripstick line from Elan you are sure to be right at home with the Playmaker as it incorporates the lightweight design and ride characteristics of the Ripstick to a true twin-tip shape.
Sizes (cm)  156, 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) 122 - 91 - 116
Turning Radius (180cm length) 18.1m
Weight (180cm length) 1630g
Camber Profile Surf Rocker

Ride Impressions

The Elan Playmaker 91 is poised to become a favorite of all-mountain freeride skiers everywhere. Do you like skiing fast, riding bumps, sidehits, and even laps through the park? If so, the Playmaker 91 is for you. The lightweight design, generous rocker profile, and twin shape make this an ideal ski for those times between storm cycles when you want to pop, jib, and carve your way around the mountain. At 5'9" I found the 180cm size to fit perfectly with my riding style and experience level. At 91mm underfoot this ski was quick edge to edge and held consistently on hard or firm snow.

I skied the Playmaker 91 on two different days at Loveland Ski Area in Colorado. One day was a mixed conditions day with a couple inches of fresh snow and some leftover pockets of deeper snow from a previous storm. The Playmaker 91 did a great job of bouncing and slashing through the trees and open bowls of Loveland. The skis did shy away from some variable wind crust and deeper pockets of snow, but that's to be expected with a slightly narrow waisted and more playful flexing ski. I also skied a classic Colorado bluebird day where the Playmaker loved to carve GS turns and hold high speeds on the groomers.

I mounted the Playmaker 91 at the factory-recommended location and enjoyed how that made the ski playful without losing its edge control or versatility.  Overall, if your looking for a go-to all-mountain ski to make the mountain fun while you're waiting for that next big storm, the Elan Playmaker 91 should be high on your list.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Playful
  • Stable

Cons

  • Performance in variable snow 
  • Makes me not want to ski my other skis 
  • Not as great in deeper snow

Who Is It For?

The ideal rider for the Elan Playmaker 91 skis is someone looking to ride the mountain with a playful and fun side. If you are looking to take the side hit, cruise the groomer, bash some bumps, you will have a smile the whole time you are riding this ski. Also, if you are a fan of the Ripstick line and are looking for something a bit narrower or more nimble the Playmaker would be a great addition to the quiver.

The Bottom Line

Elan really hit it out of the park with the introduction of the Playmaker 91. If you are looking for a lightweight, twin shape ski to ride the entire mountain, you should look no further. Smiles and high fives sold separately.

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Elan Playmaker Skis Author

About the Reviewer

Name: Peter Johnson
Age: 32
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 170 lbs
Size Reviewed: 180cm
Location(s) & Conditions: Loveland, CO
Mount Point: Factory Recommended
Bindings: Tyrolia Attack 14 GW Ski Bindings
Boots:  Dalbello Panterra
Riding Style & Ability Level: "A retired Midwest park skier with an eye for making the whole mountain a playground. Been sliding snow on skis for 29 years and counting."

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