Atomic manage to produce incredible freeride skis with the Backland 109 being one of our favourite skis amongst the Snow Magazine women ski testers. But, the 102 version is a bit of a disappointment - lacking in any resistance and underperforming, especially on groomed slopes.
They make up for it a little in powder snow where they feel more at home and that's not surprising considering the wide 102mm width, although Atomic claim that they 'deliver top performance on hard pack', we beg to differ.
They are especially happy at higher speeds and in longer turns in powder snow and feel really stable and solid underfoot. But they lack zip and energy on groomed slopes and need more strength and power for more advanced to expert riders.
A decent enough freeride ski that is great value for money and that's good in powder but we don't agree they are so good on piste. Would suit female seasonaire skier who rides mainly in the powder.
