Atomic Backland 86 UL Ski
If you’re on a quest for the Holy Grail of fast-and-light skis, you’ve found it in the Atomic Backland 86 UL. Light construction, tight radius, and high torsional strength make this ski a machine for the tightest ski mountaineering lines, and a sharp 3-degree side edge bevel provides unparalleled hold on the hardest of snow and ice. However, this ski is not confined to this role like Price Herbert in his father’s fourth castle. Avoiding being typecasted to a single role, the Backland 86 UL is more than a ski mountaineering one-trick pony. The All-Mountain Rocker and All-Terrain Profile ensure well-rounded performance for the variety of conditions one may encounter in the backcountry. The HRZN 3D tip is a form of beveling witchcraft that increases the float at the tip of the ski while helping with easier turn initiation. For the Backland skis in particular, the HRZN 3D tip utilizes a thin, perforated layer to help the ski float like a duck while lowering the weight. Witchcraft, I say! Whether your journey takes you to Camelot or to Cold Fusion, you’ll be glad to have the Atomic Backland 86 UL by your side.
- Surprisingly versatile for its weight thanks to the All-Terrain Profile and All-Mountain Rocker.
- Carbon fiberglass construction with a Carbon Backbone provides dampness and energy so you can ski faster than the airspeed of an unladen swallow.
- HRZN 3D tip enhances float and control in powder or choppy snow.
- More sustainable manufacturing keeps the carbon out of the atmosphere and in your skis.
- Ultra Light Wood Core finds a good balance of weight savings, durability, and performance.
- Around a third the weight of your average duck.
Specifications | |
Lengths (cm) | 157, 165, 172, 179 |
Weight |
955g [157] 1005g [165] 1075g [172] 1100g [179] |
Weight (pair) | 1910g [157] 2010g [165] 2150g [172] 2200g [179] |
|
117-84.5-105 [157] 118.5-85-106.5 [165] 120-85.5-108 [172] 121.5-86-109.5 [179] |
Turn |
14.2m [157] 15.2m [165] 16.2m [172] 17.2m [179] |
Skin |
Tip notch, flat tails |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
All-Mountain Rocker with flat tail |
|
Directional |
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Carbon fiberglass with Carbon Backbone |
|
Ultra Light Woodcore |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Speed touring, fitness touring, steep skiing |
Notes | Kick turns are a breeze thanks to the lightweight HRZN 3D Backland tip |
Bottom Line | A redesigned Backland with better versatility and speed handling |
Compare to other Low-fat Skis |
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Questions & Reviews
Your research has led you in the right direction! The Backland 86UL would be a great option for you. Although a narrower, fast and light ski, its versatility across a range of conditions is excellent. For the variety of snow that can be experienced on a volcano, this ski can provide the peace of mind that you'll be well equipped. Sure, they won't float as well as the Sick Day, but they do quite well for their class. Additionally, they possess a rounder flex pattern and rockered shape, allowing for easy turns and an overall agreeable nature. Now, the Backland 95 shares similar attributes, making for a great everyday touring ski, but for what you are looking to do, the 86 may be more suitable. I support the thought of going with the 172cm. With this type of ski, it is common to downsize slightly, taking advantage of the uphill efficiencies gained. In any case, these skis will walk like a dream compared to the Sick Day 104s. Thanks!
A few things were changed! The most notable changes were to the construction and, secondarily, to the shape of the tip. The construction has been revamped to use more recycled and sustainable materials, while a new carbon backbone provides a little more pop and energy to the ski than it had in the previous version. The tip shape has also been redesigned with a more squared-off shape, adding some surface area and, correspondingly, more float. We have also noticed that the updated Backland skis are a little more intuitive and easy to initiate turns on.
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