Surface Giver vs Elan Playmaker 101

S

skippaag

New member
Looking for a durable park ski that can handle Midwest rope laps but can also be taken out west and ski powder/big mountain applications. I like the 100mm area waist option and am between these two skis. If anyone has any input on the durability of the givers vs playmakers, that would be much appreciated.
 
The short dude from ski essentials says that his playmakers have been used frequently in the park over this season and he has had no signs of edge cracks. Wondering if this is true for anyone else.
 
I don’t know how durable surfaces skis are now but around ten to twelve years ago they were pretty notorious for snapping in half. But I haven’t kept up with current ski tech the last few years.
 
14579740:BallClapper said:
Those are two very different skis. What are you looking for? What are your priorities?
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I ski in the Midwest so not much to do other than rope laps in the park. I also go out west or to the east coast once a year ish and want a ski that can do all mountain on both coasts.
 
14579795:skippaag said:
I ski in the Midwest so not much to do other than rope laps in the park. I also go out west or to the east coast once a year ish and want a ski that can do all mountain on both coasts.
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Playmaker. More substance.
 
14579929:SchizoSkier said:
Go with the giver, surface has stepped their durability up in recent years and I loved mine
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I couldn’t agree more. Surface has engineered a great park/all mountain combo ski in the Give’r. Durable and reliable.
 
14580226:OldParkRat said:
I couldn’t agree more. Surface has engineered a great park/all mountain combo ski in the Give’r. Durable and reliable.
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which ones did you have and how stable were they on different size jumps.
 
14580256:slauccual said:
which ones did you have and how stable were they on different size jumps.
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They changed the flex on the newer give'rs. Previously 2020/2021 were softer in the tails for some reason. Now its the opposite from what I've been told from others. What's Op's height, weight skier ability. The playmakers show up insanely light in a 180, Same weight as the 174's from surface which might be concerning in terms of durability. Haven't had any issues with my royales, lost some edge underfoot after 3 seasons.
 
I bought the giver this year with the 2023 model top sheet, and had them center mounted. I really like the ski but wish it had more flex, it is advertised as a softer flex but I would have to disagree. So far I have skied on them for about 25-30 days and just developed one small edge crack on one ski from hitting rails (which is expected) and I hit rails 98% of the days I ski. Otherwise the top sheet is very durable and I have enjoyed these in the park and outside the park. I live in Montana and the givers will suffice in powder, and all mountain. Ive heard the playmaker is a bit heavy but don't know too much about that ski.
 
14590716:Browland3 said:
I bought the giver this year with the 2023 model top sheet, and had them center mounted. I really like the ski but wish it had more flex, it is advertised as a softer flex but I would have to disagree. So far I have skied on them for about 25-30 days and just developed one small edge crack on one ski from hitting rails (which is expected) and I hit rails 98% of the days I ski. Otherwise the top sheet is very durable and I have enjoyed these in the park and outside the park. I live in Montana and the givers will suffice in powder, and all mountain. Ive heard the playmaker is a bit heavy but don't know too much about that ski.
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the play maker is very light
 
14590716:Browland3 said:
I bought the giver this year with the 2023 model top sheet, and had them center mounted. I really like the ski but wish it had more flex, it is advertised as a softer flex but I would have to disagree. So far I have skied on them for about 25-30 days and just developed one small edge crack on one ski from hitting rails (which is expected) and I hit rails 98% of the days I ski. Otherwise the top sheet is very durable and I have enjoyed these in the park and outside the park. I live in Montana and the givers will suffice in powder, and all mountain. Ive heard the playmaker is a bit heavy but don't know too much about that ski.
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Yea they aren't really comparable to the noodleness of wets/wides..totally different. I've been ripping the uppers and found them to be stable and almost like on3p's? Poppy, aggressive early rise in the tip and tail that you can get up on and pivot/butter on. V's are so flexible even my royales are probably more similar to keys
 
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