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I was expecting very big things from the Elan Speedwave 14 because the rep was banging on and on that I would experience a ski like no other. Built with Waveflex technology, “a revolution in ski design and performance”. 
Model: Elan Speedwave 14 (2007)
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 152/10.6 160/11.9 168/13.3 176/14.6
Sidecut: 116-69-105 Manufacturer's Description: "Powered by Waveflex technology. The Speedwave 14 takes you to a higher level of carving, it is versatile and powerful. Dual Titanium reinforcement makes this ski dynamic, explosive and stable at any speed." Ski-Review’s verdict: Waveflex is billed by Elan as "The nest generation of skiing" and as Elan were the first to bring us monoblock construction as well as parabolic skis (carving skis to you and me), who are we to argue? The bottom line is a ski which gets torsionally stiffer as you twist it via a series of waves running the length of the ski. The Speedwave 14 did not jump out and grab me like the Magfire 12 did -- these skis needed some time -- a very difference experience to conventional skis, but as the session progressed the hype slowly turned into reality on the slopes. The ridges on the ski can be compared to corrugated cardboard. Very easy to bend when the ridges run parallel to the bend, but harder to twist. The more you flex the ski, the closer together the ridges get, and the stiffer the ski gets. See the dedicated Elan Speedwave micro site for more information on Waveflex and the Speedwave range. Explore the site some of the video clips at the beginning of each section will make you pick up any pair of skis and hit the slopes right now. Comments from other participants: "This ski took some getting used to bags of grip and stable – easy to carve with great rebound." "The Speedwave 14 Scored excellent for everything except for graphics and versatility."
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Remember the "12"
Written by caledonpro on 2006-10-15 01:38:26
I agree with the comments regarding "grip" "stability" and "versatility."
If you have a chance to ski the Speedwave 12 after skiing the 14, you'll probably find some of that versatility lacking in the 14. The 12 is easier to ski, and delivers some textbook carving ability, without the muscle (read "Brute Force") required to make the 14 comply.
I'm 200 lbs and the 14 still reminded me of using my Dad's skis when I was still a kid. (Not recommended)
The Speedwave 12 is worth comparing to the 14, before you whip out your cash. Unless you really like to work while you ski. In which case, the 14 may just do it for you. | 12 or 14?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-11-08 13:57:09
In the market for skis..looking strongly at the speedwaves. Am a pretty aggressive 200lb skier of the hard groomed slopes, can handle most reds/blacks...help me what should I do? | Dear 12 or 14
Written by caledonpro on 2006-12-01 13:11:48
Big turns at high speed, the 14 may be your weapon, but the 12 is much easier in bumps and short radius turns. The 12 is also more forgiving or "user friendly" Tough choice for you, and spending half an hour on each of them (on the same day, in the same conditions) might be your best solution. | speedwave 14
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-03-31 16:26:33
the best ski I tried all last year.very stable in a straight line and tons of grip. I will be buying a pair for next season. | If in doubt and cant test, go 12
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-09-04 02:20:52
We just finished our Chilean Season and just got a pair of 12's. Very stable and fast compared to my previous skis. Every once in while if you`re enjoying the scenery, you might have some suprising jolts Only problem is deciding length. I'm not a Expert/Pro/Superman kind a skier. I am 1.73 m and after seeking alot of advice, I 168 seemed too long and stayed with the 160's. Hopefully not too short. | length for speedwave12?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-09 04:35:11
im thinking about purchasing apair of speedwaves. im a fairly agressive skier and i injoy speed. im about 183 and 190 pounds. Should i go for 168 or 176 | length for speed wave 12
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-15 22:25:03
just demoed elan speedwave 12 today in the 176 length - I'm 195 and 6'2" advanced skier. I'd recommend the 176 - I have shorter skiis (Dynastar)@165 and longer (Volkl) @184. I found 176 a good length, particularly for you if you like speed. | elan speedwave 12 (2008)
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-07-31 10:06:51
I just did a demo comparo on 4 different skis. I am 43 (skied 39 yrs, 185cm, 90Kg) ski hard not stupid. tried Dynastar contact 10 at 160 soft. Elan speedwave 12 176cm, fantastic (used 14 last year and loved them too, had quite an issue in the moguls though. now I love bumps (but not all day, and i struggled on both elan. having said that at speed 90Klms+ on the groomed i could not have wanted more.
I also tried (this Year Volkl tigershark 12 (powerswitch), and teh Head iXRC1400 chip. both of which can take you anywhere (in Australia) with the exception of powder (we do not get that here, no matter what anyone says). | Wanted. Big, Strong, Aggressive and Fast
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2008-08-04 18:56:03
I'm a 6'1", 260 lb angry Grizzly on ski's. I absolutely love going FAST and am consatntly searching for stiffer, more responsive and more aggressive ski. I have found my match in the ElanSPW14. My sister had an Elan sponsor from back in her Extreme ski days and she let me demo her 168 Elan Mag 12's. I was blown away and at times felt like I was wearing oversized shoes but on a sub 15 Celcius groomer day on Main Run at Red mtn BC, Steep, fast and sweet for carving(hosted the Womens WC Downhil in '88), I felt like my edges were stuck into the mountain like the talons of an Eagle and the hardser I leaned and more aggressively pushed, the more they dug in. Now...out on my new 14's, just imagine what I said and times it by 2, they were incredible! Fast, responsive, made my legs scream and my eyes water. I'll agree that these ski's are pretty much only suited for those that ski very fast, are aggressive and when they strap on their 14's, know that it's GS and Downhill training all day...or at least until you cant stand up anymore. |
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