Hi there!
I ski in the Lake Tahoe area where the snow is heavy. These seem like they would be a good ski for me. I ski a lot in a variety of terrain and conditions. I like to be able to make controlled turns. I'm wondering what length would be good for me. I'm 5'6 130 lbs. This to be my only touring ski. Thanks!
Atomic Backland 98 Ski - Women
As a version of the esteemed Backland 100 designed specifically for shorter or 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.
Update 2021/22: The topsheet has been revamped.
Update 2022/23: Atomic kindly updated the topsheet again.
Update 2023/24: New year means a new topsheet atop the same awesome ski.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 156, 164, 172 |
|
Weight |
1095g [156] 1185g [164] 1265g [172] |
| Weight (pair) | 2190g [156] 2370g [164] 2530g [172] |
|
|
126.5-97-117 [156] 127.5-98-118 [164] 128.5-99-119 [172] |
|
Turn |
12.5m [156] 14.6m [164] 17.0m [172] |
|
Skin |
Round tip, curved tail with rubber protector |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Rockered tip and tail (20%/10%), light camber underfoot (70%) |
|
|
HRZN Tech tip, shorter radius, mostly round tail |
|
|
HRZN Tech, Carbon Backbone with Ultra Power woodcore |
|
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Carbon fiber and Karuba wood |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Ski touring in soft snow and mixed conditions |
| Notes | HRZN Tech spoon a rockered tip offers simple, fun turning |
| Bottom Line | Well balanced ski for powder-heavy touring |
| Compare to other Women's Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
10/18/2021
10/19/2021
Hey Nicole,
I think you could go with either the 164cm length or the 172cm length and both would be appropriate based on your height. Your decision on which one to go with should come down to what length of ski you are used to skiing--if you are used to longer skis, go long, if you are used to shorter skis, go short. It should also come down to what you prioritize in your skiing experiences. The shorter length will be easier to turn and maneuver, especially in tight or variable conditions. The longer length will be slightly less quick to turn, but will float a little better in deeper conditions and will be a little more stable at higher speeds. Either way, it's a great, versatile ski, and no matter which length you choose I think you'll have a blast!
I think you could go with either the 164cm length or the 172cm length and both would be appropriate based on your height. Your decision on which one to go with should come down to what length of ski you are used to skiing--if you are used to longer skis, go long, if you are used to shorter skis, go short. It should also come down to what you prioritize in your skiing experiences. The shorter length will be easier to turn and maneuver, especially in tight or variable conditions. The longer length will be slightly less quick to turn, but will float a little better in deeper conditions and will be a little more stable at higher speeds. Either way, it's a great, versatile ski, and no matter which length you choose I think you'll have a blast!
Answer this question:
My husband bought me these last summer and I couldn’t wait for it snow so I could get them on my feet. They are 10 ounces lighter per foot than my Atomic Centuries, which will make my multi-lap ski tour goals a reality. I skinned up the ski area and bombed around on groomers to break them in and was honestly surprised at how well they handled firmer groomers. They gave me an immense amount of confidence for literally any type of terrain or snow condition and that held true when I transitioned into the backcountry and slew some powder :) My favorite skis yet!
Comment on this review:
11/1/2020
Hey!
Any idea why the stop sheets online are different than those currently in stores? The ones here at near black tips and horizontal marking and the ones in stores are purple with diagonal watermark pattern!
Haha just curious which ones I'd get if I order online.
Thanks!
Any idea why the stop sheets online are different than those currently in stores? The ones here at near black tips and horizontal marking and the ones in stores are purple with diagonal watermark pattern!
Haha just curious which ones I'd get if I order online.
Thanks!
11/2/2020
Hi Christine,
The Atomic Backland 98 that we have listed on our website matches the appearance of the ski that we have in the shop as well. I would recommend you reach out to the shop where you took that photo and inquire with them!
The Atomic Backland 98 that we have listed on our website matches the appearance of the ski that we have in the shop as well. I would recommend you reach out to the shop where you took that photo and inquire with them!
Answer this question:
10/25/2020
How are these different than the men's version other than the 35g per ski?
10/26/2020
Hi Jim,
Thanks for reaching out! Besides the minute discrepancy in weight that we found, there is no difference between the Men's and Women's skis in terms of construction.
Thanks for reaching out! Besides the minute discrepancy in weight that we found, there is no difference between the Men's and Women's skis in terms of construction.
Answer this question:
10/9/2020
In talking with a few ski people and asking them about the Fisher Hannibal 96 I was lead to these more than once. What are your thoughts between the two?
10/10/2020
Hey Laura, both skis have similar characteristics but the main differences between the two is the Hannibal has a more traditional shape with a longer turning radius and will hold an edge a little stronger. The Backlands will feel a little more playful, make tighter turns, and will feel that you can slide the tails out easier. Hope this helps, if you like to have an in-depth discussion email us at help@skimo.co.
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