SOG Seal Team has long been one of my favorite blades. I don't have the elite version, but I do have a couple of the Seal Teams (non elite editions) . the NON elite is the same exact knife minus the gimping along the spine, which in my opinion is useless. Smooth spines are the way to go IMO, and the non elite is a little less expensive.
The only thing I dislike about the new version of the Seal Teams is the aggressive checkered handle. Wearing gloves while using it is perfect, bare handed gets a little uncomfortable at times. But is it a rock solid knife that can take a ton of abuse, YES. Is it a knife that wont let you down if the SHTF, YES. Good knife, especially around or in water.
I have one of the Seki Japan Versions, (the older version, Seal Team 2000), and the only thing I like better on the old vs the new is the handle. The handle is much more comfortable on the old version. But I like the better steel in the newer version, and the hollow grind is sharper on the new version. If SOG would wake up and put the older handle on the new version, they would have a much better knife that would be more of a pleasure to use. But you wont have any regrets if you decide to get the Seal Team Elite. Tough as nails, and very multi functional. Lifetime warranty to boot.