As a version of the esteemed Backland 100 designed specifically for lighter skiers, the Backland 98 jumps into the fray of powder-hunting, crud-busting skis in the competitive 95-105mm-waisted ski category. What makes this striped salmon of a powder board distinct from all the rest? Foremost in our testers' minds was the rocker/camber balance of the Backland 98, which makes the ski notably predictable and obedient even as conditions change from untracked blower to cut-up chalk to windboard. Atomic has long excelled at making both flat-tailed touring skis such as the Backland UL 85, as well as blue whale-sized powder skis in their Bent Chetler series, and the Backland 98 is the best of both worlds, freeride and touring alike. Atomic, true to its Austrian heritage and alpine-race-ski engineering roots, made sure that the Backland 98 would feel stable on edge and quick to engage when turning on hard snow. Not just a flash of brilliance for a few days of skiing, the full sidewall construction underlies the ski's durability for many deep days in the backcountry to come. If the goal is to bust crud and surf pow with the same boards on your feet, the Atomic Backland 98 Women's ski should get the nod.

• HRZN Tech tip shaping increases flotation in soft snow, and decreases turn deflection in variable conditions.
• Detuned for lighter skiers, the carbon backbone provides the right amount of stiffness for a responsive, but supple ride.
• Atomic's Powder Rocker profile yields easy turning in powder and crud alike.
• Full sidewall construction makes for a durable ski with solid edge hold.

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