For skiers on the hunt for an all-mountain ski that can dominate groomers while also venturing off-piste, the choices are better than ever. Today, we’re putting three of the season’s most buzzworthy skis head-to-head: the Volkl Peregrine 82, Elan Wingman 82 CTi, and Black Crows Octo. Each of these skis brings a unique personality to the table, excelling in different areas to meet the diverse needs of today’s all-mountain enthusiast. Here’s how they stack up in terms of construction, profile, on-snow feel, and best use.
Volkl Peregrine 82: Precision and Stability in Every Turn
The Volkl Peregrine 82 is all about precision. Constructed with Volkl’s 3D Ridge technology, this ski is equipped with a central spine that directs power to the edges, allowing the Peregrine to bite into the snow with laser-like accuracy. Its construction also includes a multilayer wood core, enhanced with carbon to provide strength without extra weight.
Profile: Volkl has designed the Peregrine with slight tip and tail rocker and traditional camber underfoot. This combination provides the best of both worlds—a balanced edge hold on hardpack and easy pivoting in variable terrain.
Feel: The Peregrine 82 feels smooth and controlled, with a powerful grip in turns that makes it ideal for high-speed groomer skiing. Advanced skiers will appreciate its damp, steady feel and the precision it offers on steep, firm snow.
Best Use: If you’re a frontside skier who prioritizes stability, control, and edge hold but still wants a ski that can venture off-piste occasionally, the Peregrine 82 is a top choice. This is a ski designed for hard chargers who want confidence at speed without sacrificing versatility.
Elan Wingman 82 CTi: The Playful Performer
Elan’s Wingman 82 CTi is engineered for skiers who like a playful yet confident ride. Built with Elan’s signature Amphibio technology, each ski is designed with an asymmetric rocker-camber profile, offering different profiles on the inner and outer edges. This unique design makes for intuitive, quick turn initiation while maintaining edge grip. The carbon titanium reinforcement adds torsional stiffness, giving it the stability to handle high speeds.
Profile: The Wingman combines camber on the inner edge for secure edge hold and rocker on the outside edge to enhance maneuverability. This dual-profile setup makes it incredibly easy to engage turns while maintaining a forgiving feel.
Feel: On snow, the Wingman 82 CTi shines with its nimble, light feel. It’s a ski that performs well on groomers, excelling at short-radius turns and delivering a responsive ride. Its easygoing personality makes it a fantastic option for skiers looking to explore all sides of the mountain without getting fatigued.
Best Use: This is the ski for intermediates to advanced skiers who want something forgiving but fun to carve around the mountain. It’s great for groomed terrain but versatile enough to handle variable conditions, making it an ideal choice for all-day resort skiing.
Black Crows Octo: The Free-Spirited Carver
The Black Crows Octo has generated quite a buzz for its lightweight and playful construction, aimed at skiers who prioritize versatility and energy on snow. Constructed with a lightweight wood core reinforced with a carbon and fiberglass mix, the Octo maintains a light feel while retaining strength. This ski is built to deliver a poppy, responsive feel, perfect for skiers who crave an energetic ride.
Profile: The Octo features a moderate rocker in both the tip and tail, with a modest camber underfoot. This subtle rocker profile offers a touch more float than the other two skis, making it ideal for those who want to dip off-piste while retaining edge hold on harder snow.
Feel: Agile and playful, the Octo is snappy in turns, quick edge-to-edge, and equally at home making long or short-radius turns. Its responsive construction gives skiers a ride that feels lively and smooth, and it handles softer snow with ease.
Best Use: The Octo is perfect for skiers who want a versatile, high-energy ski that can move effortlessly between groomers and softer snow. It’s a great match for adventurous skiers who value playfulness, responsiveness, and an ability to tackle mixed conditions with ease.
Summary: Three Distinctive Options for Every Skiing Style
Ski Model | Construction | Profile | Feel | Best Use |
Volkl Peregrine 82 | 3D Ridge, carbon-enhanced | Tip/tail rocker, camber | Stable, powerful, responsive | Frontside control with light off-piste capability |
Elan Wingman 82 CTi | Amphibio, carbon titanium | Asymmetric rocker/camber mix | Playful, stable at high speed | Versatile resort skiing, ideal for groomers and intermediates |
Black Crows Octo | Lightweight wood, carbon/fiberglass | Subtle tip/tail rocker, camber | Snappy, smooth, agile | Playful, versatile, all-mountain performance for both on-piste and off-piste |
Final Verdict: Each of these skis brings something unique to the table. The Volkl Peregrine 82 is an excellent choice for stability-seekers and frontside enthusiasts. The Elan Wingman 82 CTi is forgiving yet versatile, suited for all-day cruising on groomers. Finally, the Black Crows Octo is ideal for skiers who want a lively, playful ski that can adapt to varying conditions.
Ultimately, choosing between these three skis will come down to personal style and mountain preferences—but whichever you pick, you're in for an incredible season on the slopes.
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