Atomic Backland 109 Ski
Following in the footsteps of the Backland 107, the Backland FR 109 from Atomic is designed for powder, yet, it has notable differences from its predecessor. While the Backland 107 had a distinctly "locked in" personality, the deep rocker lines and shape of the FR 109 give it a more playful and maneuverable personality. Ever conscious of the climate problems we are facing, Atomic utilized more wood and less fiberglass, resin, and metal, helping reduce the ski's carbon footprint while providing a damp and stable ride. To assist with flotation on the deepest and dreamiest days, Atomic paired the FR 109 with a beveled HRZN 3D tip and generous powder rocker, ensuring you can slash and play in fields of powder till your heart is content. Finally, the Ultra Light Woodcore keeps the weight manageable while the hardwood mounting plate ensures your bindings stay securely fastened to your ski. Equally at home playing in fields of powder, searching for side hits on an out track, or straight-lining down a far our apron, the Backland FR 109 is a versatile and fun companion to bring along for soft snow adventures.
- Full-length Dura Cap Sidewalls transfer power to the edges and resist use and abuse.
- HRZN 3D Backland tip lowers the swing weight for easier turn initiation while providing excellent float in powder.
- The Ultra Light Woodcore finds a compelling blend of performance, weight, and durability.
- More eco-friendly construction and production than previous Backland skis.
- Powder Rocker helps keep the ski maneuverable while providing floatation in powder.
- FreeTour profile finds an ideal balance between stability and weight.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 176, 184, 189 |
|
Weight |
1440g [176] 1505g [184] 1555g [189] |
| Weight (pair) | 2880g [176] 3010g [184] 3110g [189] |
|
|
133.5-109-122.5 [176] 135-109.5-124 [184] 136-110-125 [189] |
|
Turn |
17.5m [176] 19m [184] 20m [189] |
|
Skin |
Square tip and rounded tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Atomic Powder Rocker (25/55/20) |
|
|
Directional |
|
|
Poplar and Caruba core with fiberglass laminates |
|
|
Ultra Light Woodcore |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Powder skiing and "not-so-powder" skiing |
| Notes | Beveled tip increases flotation while reducing swing weight |
| Bottom Line | Maneuverable ski that excels everywhere |
| Compare to other Excess-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
New ski for me this season but I am loving the backland 109s for soft snow tours. They’re light enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to bring them on 5k+ vert days when there’s soft snow around. They’re playful and poppy for the descent and love to find side hits on the ride out the skinner
Comment on this review:
I've logged nearly 20 days on these skis this season, and I’m thoroughly impressed. They’ve tackled everything from powdery meadows to wind-buffed ridges and variable couloirs with ease. Turn initiation is effortless across a range of snow conditions, and the skis adapt seamlessly to whatever turn shape you command.
The softer flex in the tip not only enhances float in deep powder but also surprisingly excels in breakable crusts, making challenging conditions more manageable. The relatively high camber adds a lively, "poppy" feel, effortlessly propelling you from one turn to the next.
While these skis aren’t designed for firm, icy snow, they handle it admirably considering their weight, width, and shape. Compared to my BD Helio 104s—which are marketed as an all-around ski—I find myself reaching for these in nearly every mid-winter scenario. Atomic has opted for a time-tested full wood core instead of space-age carbon composites, maintaining an impressively low weight without sacrificing stability. Unlike many carbon skis, which can feel tinny and harsh, these have a noticeably damp and smooth ride.
As a bonus, the topsheets are rad and have proven to be quite durable. Overall, I highly recommend these skis to anyone looking for a versatile and confidence-inspiring ride.
The softer flex in the tip not only enhances float in deep powder but also surprisingly excels in breakable crusts, making challenging conditions more manageable. The relatively high camber adds a lively, "poppy" feel, effortlessly propelling you from one turn to the next.
While these skis aren’t designed for firm, icy snow, they handle it admirably considering their weight, width, and shape. Compared to my BD Helio 104s—which are marketed as an all-around ski—I find myself reaching for these in nearly every mid-winter scenario. Atomic has opted for a time-tested full wood core instead of space-age carbon composites, maintaining an impressively low weight without sacrificing stability. Unlike many carbon skis, which can feel tinny and harsh, these have a noticeably damp and smooth ride.
As a bonus, the topsheets are rad and have proven to be quite durable. Overall, I highly recommend these skis to anyone looking for a versatile and confidence-inspiring ride.
Comment on this review:
1/28/2025
I'm looking to finally retire my 2017-2018 Salomon QST 106 with Shifts. Thinking of splitting the one ski setup and getting the Backland 109 with pin bindings as a dedicated winter touring ski + occasional inbound days when it's storming really hard. How do the Backland 109 compare, and what do you think of this kind of use for the ski?
I'm a pretty aggressive skier and really like to drive skis when the terrain allows.
I'm a pretty aggressive skier and really like to drive skis when the terrain allows.
1/30/2025
Hi Andrew,
I think that could be a great use for this ski! The Backland 109 is a great powder ski with a fair amount of freeride influence - tip and tail rocker and a bit of camber underfoot, as well as a relatively progressive (but still directional) mount point. It won't be a ski that wants to drive super hard from the tip, but will respond well to a more neutral stance and will slash and pivot easily. The weight is very reasonable for touring, but it can handle some resort powder days as well. I think a lighter weight tech binding is a great pairing with this ski, as it is pretty light and very capable for touring.
If you want a wider touring ski that is more of a traditional driver, that will respond better to a forward stance, I would check out the Armada Locator 112!
I think that could be a great use for this ski! The Backland 109 is a great powder ski with a fair amount of freeride influence - tip and tail rocker and a bit of camber underfoot, as well as a relatively progressive (but still directional) mount point. It won't be a ski that wants to drive super hard from the tip, but will respond well to a more neutral stance and will slash and pivot easily. The weight is very reasonable for touring, but it can handle some resort powder days as well. I think a lighter weight tech binding is a great pairing with this ski, as it is pretty light and very capable for touring.
If you want a wider touring ski that is more of a traditional driver, that will respond better to a forward stance, I would check out the Armada Locator 112!
Answer this question:
1/24/2025
Is the hardwood mounting plate sufficient for mounting a tele binding?
1/25/2025
Hi Dave, you can mount tele bindings on these no problem.
Answer this question:
12/24/2024
Hi Skimo!
I have the Moment Wildcat Tour 108s, and while I like them a lot, I find them a bit too progressive for my taste. I like the more traditional directionality of my resort Fischer Ranger 102s. Would you say these Backland 109s would be closer to the progressive Wildcats or the traditional Rangers?
Cheers,
Greg
I have the Moment Wildcat Tour 108s, and while I like them a lot, I find them a bit too progressive for my taste. I like the more traditional directionality of my resort Fischer Ranger 102s. Would you say these Backland 109s would be closer to the progressive Wildcats or the traditional Rangers?
Cheers,
Greg
12/24/2024
Hi Greg,
I would say the Backland 109 is fairly progressive, probably closer the the Wildcat Tours. I'd take a look at the Fischer Transalp 105 or Dynastar M-Tour 108.
I would say the Backland 109 is fairly progressive, probably closer the the Wildcat Tours. I'd take a look at the Fischer Transalp 105 or Dynastar M-Tour 108.
Answer this question:
12/2/2024
Compared to the backland 107, what is the stiffness like?
12/3/2024
Hi Jed,
The overall stiffness is very similar, but I would say just a touch softer in the tips and tails of the 109. The ski also feels like it has a little more energy to it. I think overall, the 109 has been revamped to be a little more playful and slarvy, compared to the 107, which is more directional.
The overall stiffness is very similar, but I would say just a touch softer in the tips and tails of the 109. The ski also feels like it has a little more energy to it. I think overall, the 109 has been revamped to be a little more playful and slarvy, compared to the 107, which is more directional.
Answer this question:
11/10/2024
Hi! Would you be able to hint on the size of the ski for a 5.11' and 160lbs skier? I ski in the Canadian Rockies, would like to make sure the ski doesn't dip driving the ski in deep snow but also have to deal with tight turns in the couloirs and trees. Thanks!
11/11/2024
Hi,
You could go either way, depends on your skiing style. I would tend to think 176cm for most folks your height/weight but if you want to prioritize float and stability at speed you could definitely go 184cm. They'd be a bit less manageable in trees and such.
You could go either way, depends on your skiing style. I would tend to think 176cm for most folks your height/weight but if you want to prioritize float and stability at speed you could definitely go 184cm. They'd be a bit less manageable in trees and such.
Answer this question:
11/1/2024
How do you compare them to the Backland 117 from last year ?
Any recs for powder freetouring skis for japan between 110-120mm waist ?
Any recs for powder freetouring skis for japan between 110-120mm waist ?
11/4/2024
Hi Hadrien,
The 117 is more of a stiff big-mountain freeride ski, the 109 is playful, poppy, and surfy. And of course narrower :) Both would be great options depending on your skiing style. I'd also take a look at the Armada Locator 112. Poppy, slashy, and very energetic. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can get you some more personalized recommendations.
The 117 is more of a stiff big-mountain freeride ski, the 109 is playful, poppy, and surfy. And of course narrower :) Both would be great options depending on your skiing style. I'd also take a look at the Armada Locator 112. Poppy, slashy, and very energetic. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can get you some more personalized recommendations.
11/21/2024
Thanks Emmett
And how would you compare the Mfree112 with Armada Locator 112 and Backland 109 ?
I am skier with competitive GS background, not really looking to do butter and ride in switch.
Thanks
Hadrien
And how would you compare the Mfree112 with Armada Locator 112 and Backland 109 ?
I am skier with competitive GS background, not really looking to do butter and ride in switch.
Thanks
Hadrien
11/21/2024
The M-Free will be much damper, and generally way beefier. They'll handle poor snow much better than a lightweight touring ski. More along the lines of the Backland 117 than the Locator or Backland 109.
Answer this question:
9/25/2024
Would this skis construction be strong/stiff enough for 210-220lbs skiers?
I've found many touring skis no matter how wide they are, the nose is too soft and dives into the snow under a heavy rider.
I've found many touring skis no matter how wide they are, the nose is too soft and dives into the snow under a heavy rider.
9/25/2024
Hi Horse,
These would definitely be strong enough for you to ski, but as for float I'm not sure. The tip is definitely fairly soft. If float is a priority, the Voile Hyper Drifter and DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 112 would be good options. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co as well if you'd like to go into more detail!
These would definitely be strong enough for you to ski, but as for float I'm not sure. The tip is definitely fairly soft. If float is a priority, the Voile Hyper Drifter and DPS Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 112 would be good options. Feel free to shoot us an email at help@skimo.co as well if you'd like to go into more detail!
Answer this question:
8/3/2024
Is this a lighter weight Bent 110?
8/3/2024
Travis, Safe to say Yes.
We haven't weighed them ourselves yet. They should be comparable to the 107. The new 109 is in different lengths, but should be in the 1500's.
I found the weight of the Bent 110 , 188cm, at 1870g.
We haven't weighed them ourselves yet. They should be comparable to the 107. The new 109 is in different lengths, but should be in the 1500's.
I found the weight of the Bent 110 , 188cm, at 1870g.
Answer this question:
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