Hi guys, what size would you recommend for a skier at 5'9" / 160lbs for spring traverses and alpine objectives, paired with a race style boot (Stratos Hybrid)
I have a Zag Adret 85 in 172 that I love with my Zero G Peaks in winter, but I found they overpower the Stratos when I switched to light boots for longer bigger vert spring missions.
I guess the 163cm would be a better match for the boots, but maybe I'd be on the heavy side for that ski and be better on the 170?
Or would there be another ski that you feel would be a better option for that setup?
Atomic Backland 80 UL Ski
Their name: Atomic. Their quest: to make an even better, high-performance, ultralight ski. Their favorite color: Skimo blue. The Atomic Backland 80 UL Ski is the successor to the Backland UL 78 and has been re-engineered to be the King Arthur of mountaineering skis. The base DNA of the Backland UL skis remains as the Ultra Light Woodcore, carbon fiberglass layers, and Carbon Backbone are a proven foundation for a stable, compliant, and fun ski. The formula of the carbon fiberglass has been modified to give more energy to kick turns and provide dampness and power at higher speeds. A flat tail with 85% camber and Dura Cap Sidewalls deliver solid edge hold on icy steeps, giving you the courage of Sir Lancelot the Brave when skiing the gnarliest of objectives. While 15% rocker may not sound like much, the new HRZN 3D tip increases the surface area of the tip for better float than other skis of similar size and shape, while also reducing the weight at the tip of the ski for easier kick and hop turns. When you’re looking down a line that Tim the Enchanter would describe as the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rabbit chute you ever set eyes on, the Atomic Backland 80 UL is your holy hand grenade that can conquer any foe.
- HRZN 3D tip includes a new, perforated layer to reduce the swing weight of the ski while helping the tip stay above the snow.
- Ultra Light Woodcore blends different wood species to find the right balance of weight and durability.
- Carbon Backbone and Carbon Fiberglass layers work together to give the ski energy, pop, and stability at speed.
- Resilient Dura Cap sidewalls help save the ski from damage and “flesh wounds” while amplifying edge power.
- All-Mountain Rocker and All-Terrain Profile ensure versatility and performance across varying snow and terrain.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 149, 156, 163, 170, 177 |
|
Weight |
850g [156] 930g [163] 975g [170] 1030g [177] |
| Weight (pair) | 1700g [156] 1860g [163] 1950g [170] 2060g [177] |
|
|
109-79-98 [149] 110-79-99 [156] 111-79-100 [163] 112-79-101 [170] 113-79-102 [177] |
|
Turn |
11.9m [149] 13.6m [156] 15.5m [163] 17.5m [170] 19.5m [177] |
|
Skin |
Tip notch, flat tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
All-Mountain Rocker |
|
|
Directional |
|
|
Carbon Backbone + carbon fiberglass layers |
|
|
Ultra Light Woodcore |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Mountaineering and moving fast both up and down |
| Notes | HRZN 3D Backland tip reduces swing weight and improves float |
| Bottom Line | Great ski at a great value |
| Compare to other Low-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
4/5/2025
4/5/2025
Hi Pete,
I think you could go either way! The 170cm Backland is narrower, easier to turn, and generally more forgiving than the Adret 85 in 172cm, so it will not be quite as much challenge for the boot. However, sizing down will make it even easier to throw around, with the caveat that you will lose some stability and support, particularly in the tails. At 5'10 and 150lbs, I experimented with both 170cm and 164cm skis in this category (with an Alien) and decided I preferred the 170cm; your mileage may vary!
I would also note that if you primarily plan to ski these in corn and supportable firm snow, with a more conservative ski style, the 163cm has fewer disadvantages and may be the better choice! The 170cm will make more sense if you want to ski faster in variable and softer conditions.
I think you could go either way! The 170cm Backland is narrower, easier to turn, and generally more forgiving than the Adret 85 in 172cm, so it will not be quite as much challenge for the boot. However, sizing down will make it even easier to throw around, with the caveat that you will lose some stability and support, particularly in the tails. At 5'10 and 150lbs, I experimented with both 170cm and 164cm skis in this category (with an Alien) and decided I preferred the 170cm; your mileage may vary!
I would also note that if you primarily plan to ski these in corn and supportable firm snow, with a more conservative ski style, the 163cm has fewer disadvantages and may be the better choice! The 170cm will make more sense if you want to ski faster in variable and softer conditions.
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2/20/2025
what length would you recommend for this ski? i'm 5'9" ~140 lbs. not an aggressive skier but not a slouch either. skiing them with PG race pros and main application is big vertical / distance days as my powder ski alternative to race skis.
2/20/2025
Hi Julian, I would think the 163cm would be a good option. You could go with the 170cm if you wanted better stability at speed and better float, but the 163 will be easier to drive with race boots.
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12/5/2024
So I love my Objective BC's but have come to terms with the fact that the fishscales are just too draggy. Looking for a pair of skis for super long spring traverses that also involve technical skiing like the Roper Sierra High Route. Your description of these is... effusive? over the top? If I'm looking for something that is light but not too chattery, and choosing between the Trab Maestro 2, ZAG Adret 78, or the Backland UL 80, what would you choose?
12/5/2024
Jonathan, Thats a tough trio to pick from! I would base it off your skiing personality because any of those 3 would be more than up for the job. The Adret 78 has the most power to it, the Maestro2 is solid performer with a bit more sidecut than the Adret and the Backland is probably the friendliest to ski. Based off you love for your Objectives the Backland will be the closest in terms of personality.
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