Atomic Backland 98 Women's Skis 2023

Atomic’s Backland 98 W is a supremely versatile backcountry ski, light enough for the ascent and with the necessary performance for any conditions on the way back down. The shape has the width for softer snow and the HRZN Tech tip ensures smooth control in even the most cut-up and tracked out slopes. The construction provides the grip and power for when things get firmer and a Carbon Backbone stabilises the ride and boosts edge grip.Terrain Type & Ability LevelTerrain Type Off-piste is its home, though it doesn’t struggle on pistes at all. The width and construction make it very versatile and it’ll ski powder all day if you get lucky enough or can handle lap after lap of old snow and tracked out terrain. It is designed to deal with everything and it does the job perfectly.Skier TypeFreeride skiers who want to acces the best conditions and terrain. Ideally it would be mounted with a backcountry binding but it’s such a good ski, it compares to any alpine model with similar dimensions so it coud be used just as frontside ski with a standard alpine binding. It suits advanced and expert skiers and because it’s lightweight and easy to handle you don’t need to have experience of BC skis or models of this width.OverviewShapeA directional shape with tip rocker and a smaller tail rocker means predictable handling and more of the ski’s edge in contact with the snow, resulting in better grip and stability. 98mm in the waist is wide but not fat so it doesn’t feel slow, the ideal size for exploring everywhere, with good float for soft snow. The 14.6 m radius (164cm) is long enough to boost the stability, helping the ski track cleanly whatever the snow condition. The HRZN Tech tip further improves the overall handling with a horizontal rocker that increases surface area.RockerPowder Rocker use a 20/70/10 split of rocker/camber/rocker across the tip, main body and tail of the ski. This mix ensures great handling whatever the terrain, with float and controlled steering in soft and choppy snow, grip on firmer conditions and smooth, consistent tail release for clean turn exits. Slash, slarve, carve, do it all.CoreThe Ultra Power Woodcore is made from strong beech and lightweight poplar for supreme stability and agility.ConstructionDura Cap Sidewall uses sidewall from the base to the top sheet for controlled power transmission and great edge hold. The rounded shape adds durability as it picks up less dings and knocks.Key FeaturesHRZN Tech TipHRZN Tech blends an ABS sidewall construction with an across-the-ski (horizontal) rocker. This adds 10% more surface area in the tip and tail without increasing swing weight. The result is better tracking through chop and crud and less tip deflection – meaning greater stability, floatation and agility.Carbon BackboneAn ultra-light insert that runs the length of the ski like a stabilising backbone. This provides exceptional agility and edge hold without extra weight.eB tester’s comments: Sarah (Aviemore) Nice mix of power, stability and ease of use. Felt great in tricky conditions, boosting my confidence, and were fun in the bits of untracked snow I found, Surprisingly good on piste.Size (cm)Tip Width (mm)Waist Width (mm)Tail Width (mm)Radius (m)Weight (g)156126.59711712.5164127.59811814.61200172128.59911917General InformationSkier Ability: Intermediate|Advanced|expertRocker: Tip/Tail RockerRadius: MediumBase: SinteredBindings: Ski sold flatDIN: n/aConstruction: Mini Cap Full SidewallCore: Wood, CarbonDemo: No