Atomic Backland UL 78 Ski

Atomic changed the name, but not the singular purpose. The Backland UL 78 is a ski mountaineering weapon. The ski is capable of slicing and dicing on hard snow, while remaining playful in soft snow due to the lightly rockered tip. The double-carbon construction is reliable on the steeps and the ultra-light wood core helps you get it done. The Backland UL series features the same Step-Down sidewall that proved durable in the Ultimate line of mountaineering skis. The tip has been redesigned to help it cut through rough patches, but otherwise the ski remains a workhorse. The Backland UL 78 is a safe bet when you’re skiing not-so-safe lines.

• 15% rocker in the AT 2.0 tip makes skiing powder and mank more of a joy than a pain.
• Two fiber inserts make the ski Carbon Powered which improves torsional stiffness.
• Multi-wood core offers the lightness of Paulownia with the strength of Poplar.
• Step-down sidewall is thicker underfoot where you might expect most impacts.

2/17/2018

by Stano Skintrack (used product regularly)

 

I have skied these about 20 days in backcountry in various conditions in 175cm (114-78-104), with Dynafit TLT6 boots. Overall, I was very happy with the skis although I found the radius to be a little short for my liking. The skis ski well through crust and on firm or wind affected snow. I didn't ski anything super steep or icy so can't comment on that but they performed well on 40-45 degrees. They seem well built and quite durable.
I would have rated these 4.5 stars but I have recently switched to Movement Big Fish X so I am comparing to those -
it is a very similar on paper (174cm and 116-78-97) but the slight differences add up for me (a bit lighter, flowing better in deeper snow). See my review on that page.

Comment on this review:

Post Comment

1/22/2018

Question from Aaron O

 

Is there a weight limit on this ski? This seems like a good "race" ski for a 200lb + tall guy if run in the 169 length? Could it handle that?

1/22/2018

Answer from Nate

 

Hi Aaron, I'm pretty close to your weight and have been skiing this ski on that length for the last year. It's been fantastic! It's quite a burly, durable construction for such a light ski. Definitely can work as a race ski for a big guy, but it's completely serviceable as a mountaineering ski and mission oriented touring ski, even at your size.

1/23/2018

Answer from Aaron O

 

Thanks Nate! In full disclosure, I am actually 150# and 5'9" but a guy I know is your size and looking for a race/light and fast ski and I thought this might be the ticket - good to know your experience has been a good one!

Answer this question:

Post Answer

12/26/2017

Question from Joseph O

 

Just checking here, but this 'step-down' sidewall - it's exactly the same as the new Salomon S/Lab X-alp right?

12/26/2017

Answer from jbo

 

Hi Joseph, the Salomon X-Alp ski doesn't have a sidewall, but yes, the Atomic Backland UL does have a mini sidewall underfoot.

Answer this question:

Post Answer

Write a Review Ask a Question Post a Comment

  Submit Review

Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.