Elan Bloodline Race (2009)

After finding a pair of 181s, (I’m 6’2” and pretty much a skier of expert status) I eagerly ventured out last night to try them out- in minus 13 degree weather! But the cold was never on my mind, since I was constantly distracted by the spectacular performance of these soon-to-be-legendary skis. At first, on the groomed flats, I was skeptical, since my “normal” skis are Blizzard IQON 7400s (125/74/106- 177s), and I vividly remember the straight-ski days. To my shock I ended up snapping off turns like I was riding a 14m radius! Not to mention, their edge grip was mind-blowingly razor-like. Then the acid test. On the mogul field, I was either able to easily thread through the zipper line courtesy of the narrow tips or hit bumps hard and be treated to that classic Elan dampness and control. There’s just the right amount of flex in all the right places. Hats off, Glen and Elan! All in all, with a little finess and technique adjustment, you will be treated to a whole new world of old-school fun. Go get ‘em!! -Donn PS- Get a separate heel/toe binding to stay low, like one of the new light-weight Salomons. 

Skier Height:6’1” Skier Weight:203 lbs Skier Ability:Mogulist - with a 19 din setting Ski length Tested: 181

I can honestly say that these skis are amazing for a few reasons already mentioned, and some more. The Bloodlines are great because not only does your confidence get a boost from the stability of this ski, but so does your ability to adjust your body position within the zipper line. They perform in a controlled manor, they snap turns and absorb transitions really easily because of the dynamic flex pattern, you push, they push back. SOUNDS simple, but in comparison to the old Saloman 1080 mogul, the Bloodlines are stiffer, straiter, and more forgiving. Ive skied the Assaults, and the F17s and the Rossi’s but OH MY GOD I love the Elan Bloodlines.

The Bloodline is more of a classic mogul ski, made by mogulists, FOR mogulists. If you are planning on training 6 hours a day or more in the bumps, natural or machined, powder bumps or volkswagons, whales or graves, this is the best mogul-specific ski you could be using.