With a new change of topsheet, the Atomic Vantage 95c has a sleeker look for the 2017-18 winter ski season - but they are not about style over substance, you get a lot of ski for the money at £500 and advanced to expert women skiers will enjoy their versatility if riding the whole mountain is their goal.
Despite the modest price tag, performance isn't compromised in anyway. They are responsive and powerful, even for stronger skiers who are used to a race ski, but now need a tool for the whole mountain.
They are designed to take you out of your comfort zone and give the rider a sense that 'everything will be ok' which just keeps pushing you to take them further and further in every turn. If you're the kind of skier that's happy travelling at high speeds and enjoy long radius turns on groomed slopes, then bingo, they're a winner. They are also super stable off-piste, which could easily place them in the Freeride category, as they're so solid under foot in powder snow, but their 95mm waist gives them that all mountain versatility that seems to work across all conditions.
The equal rocker in the nose and tail means wherever you are off-piste, they seem happy. On-piste it takes some work to create an initial carve, but once you're on the edge they hold on amazingly well. The downside is that they're not particularly happy at slower speeds and feel cumbersome and a little dull.
The top sheet on the 2018 model is more unisex with a pleasant green colour palette, which we thought was a lot more attractive than in previous years - well done Atomic designers!
