Elan make a big deal of the fact that the Delight Prime is the lightest ski in the world and so they should. Whilst we're big fans of superlatives and super lightweight kit, we're a little less keen on some of the brand's jargon surrounding the ski as it suggests that having lightweight skis is great for 'weak women' who may struggle carrying their skis from the car to the slopes.
Lame marketing aside - the Delight Prime is impressive, and dare we say a 'delight' to ski, and its feathery properties are the key to this. Genuinely fun and really easy to turn, the Delight Prime is equal parts playful and responsive. It automatically gives you 'fast feet' allowing you to put in quick turns in steeper sections or through the bumps which all adds up to an effortless ride all over the mountain.
Elan's SlimShape technology, the early rise rocker, Light Shift design, wood core and PST construction combine to give the Delight Prime this lightweight, forgiving and versatile feel. Flow and ease are there in abundance but equally important is the feeling of stability and reassurance when you need it.
When we wanted to push the Delight Prime through some long carving turns, we were able to get them on the rail and hold them there, powering through the complete arc without any sensation of shaking or potential loss of control.
At £400 with bindings, the Delight Prime offers exceptional value for money. This year's black graphics may be a bit sombre for a ski with such a playful feel but are a definite improvement on last year's white/grey, 'lightweight' styling.
In terms of all-mountain performance, the Delight Prime does a boss job around the resort, but at 76 underfoot it definitely comes unstuck in the powder. Keep it on the piste and allow it to shine in its intended environment and you'll be delighted (sorry).
