Gear Review: Atomic Backland 102 Skis
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Backcountry Tours and Resort days, OR, WA
Duration of Test: 3 weeks
Product Name: Backland 102 Skis
Product Brand: Atomic
Best Use: All mountain ski
The Full Review:
First thing I liked about the Atomic Backland 102’s is how light there were. I spent a couple of days doing longer tours instead of short steep laps, and they felt effortless to tour in. While this was great going uphill, it also brought some benefits when going downhill. I felt like made transferring from edge to edge quick and easy. This came in handy on Mt. Hood at the top of steep narrow descents where I didn’t have much room to carve. I’ve used some other resort ski’s that I wouldn’t have felt as confident in.
Secondly, the width on these is a no brainer, especially for the Pacific Northwest skier. At 102 underfoot you really are striking the perfect balance of float, speed, and edge to edge transitions. I’ve got some 108’s that feel a bit fat on groomer days, but the Backlands do great. Lastly, the rocker profile does a great job of keeping you on top of the snow on powder days. All in all, these are sweet ski’s that really strike an awesome balance with all the things you might look for in an all mountain ski.
The Good:
Rocker
Great Float
Light
Menurvarble
Quick edge to edge transfer
Atomics great reputation
Durable
The Bottom Line:
I know you hear this being said all the time, BUT the Atomic Backland 102’s really are the 1 ski quiver! They can take a beating and perform well in any condition the mountains can throw at you!
The Full Review:
First thing I liked about the Atomic Backland 102’s is how light there were. I spent a couple of days doing longer tours instead of short steep laps, and they felt effortless to tour in. While this was great going uphill, it also brought some benefits when going downhill. I felt like made transferring from edge to edge quick and easy. This came in handy on Mt. Hood at the top of steep narrow descents where I didn’t have much room to carve. I’ve used some other resort ski’s that I wouldn’t have felt as confident in.
Secondly, the width on these is a no brainer, especially for the Pacific Northwest skier. At 102 underfoot you really are striking the perfect balance of float, speed, and edge to edge transitions. I’ve got some 108’s that feel a bit fat on groomer days, but the Backlands do great. Lastly, the rocker profile does a great job of keeping you on top of the snow on powder days. All in all, these are sweet ski’s that really strike an awesome balance with all the things you might look for in an all mountain ski.
The Good:
Rocker
Great Float
Light
Menurvarble
Quick edge to edge transfer
Atomics great reputation
Durable
The Bottom Line:
I know you hear this being said all the time, BUT the Atomic Backland 102’s really are the 1 ski quiver! They can take a beating and perform well in any condition the mountains can throw at you!