Atomic Backland 95 review 2019
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Reviewed for the first time by PROSKILAB, the Atomic Backland 95 made a good impression.
It is a relatively stiff ski for this category. The result is excellent performance on groomed runs, with edge grip and stability that would make some frontside skis jealous. This stiffness is also a huge plus off-piste. The ski's strong performance in variable snow and its ability to go very fast were highly appreciated by the testers: "A super freeride ski!", "impeccable in chopped-up snow," "awesome stability."
On the other hand, some of the testers found the ski too much work, and less agile and intuitive than some of its rivals.
The weight published by the manufacturer is 1.370 kg for the 177 cm ski, which makes it a light ski with an impressive performance-to-weight ratio.
We recommend the Backland 95 for aggressive advanced to expert skiers looking for a light ski for climbing but that also performs well in all snow conditions and in all types of terrain.
Review: Pros
- Good performance on groomers and hardpack
- Stable
- Good edge grip
- Holds the line
- Happy at high speed off-piste
- Performs well in chopped-up snow
- Light
Review: Cons
- Demanding
- Turn initiation is not very intuitive
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 12.5 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.5 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
| Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.7 |
| Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
| Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Any ground comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.5 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
Now featuring the HRZN Tech technology in the tip for excellent flotation in powder and better performance in chopped-up snow, the Atomic Backland 95 is a wider freeride touring ski, which performs very well on the descent both in powder and on groomers.
The HRZN Tech technology increases the surface of the ski tip by 10% for incredible flotation in powder, less tip deviation, and better performance in chopped-up snow.
It features full Cap Sidewall construction under the bindings from the base of the ski to the topsheet, for greater power transmission and exceptional edge grip.
The Carbon Backbone is an ultra-light carbon insert that stabilizes the whole length of the ski. It provides agility and incredible grip without making the ski heavier.
Features of the Backland 95
| Brand : | Atomic |
| Model : | Backland 95 |
| Year : | 2019 |
| Family : | Freeride touring |
| Size tested : | 185 cm |
| Tip size : | 128 mm |
| Waist size : | 95 mm |
| Tail size : | 116 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | 19 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2018