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First Look: ATOMIC BACKLAND 109

By

Gavin Hess

Atomic's Backland 109 replaces the venerable Backland 107 in the touring lineup with a slightly more playful shape.

Atomic's Backland 109 replaces the venerable Backland 107 in the touring lineup with a slightly more playful shape.

Atomic is updating the widest offerings in their Backland line this winter. What were the Backland 98W, 100, and 107 are updating to 4 new models, the 101W, 102, 108W, and 109. The W models comprise the shorter end of the spectrum, generally overlapping with the Unisex models at 176. Otherwise, there doesn’t appear to…

Responses

  1. Travis

    I’ve love the Bent 110. I’m considering getting a pair for the backcountry. This could be a fun alternate to that. I love being able to change up turn shapes to take advantage of the terrain, and that rocker looks almost ideal. And that camber might help in firm conditions too. Will you give mid-season updates, or do we have to wait until the end of the year?

    1. Jason Albert

      There will be some nudging for a mid-season update. I’m interested in these skis as well. I’ve been fond of the Backland 107.

  2. Slim

    I got a pair for my wife. Hoping to fill the midwinter all mountain touring slot.. Sophie’s early assessment sounds perfect, hope that’s it turns out for my wife.

  3. mikeintahoe

    Any word on how far back from true center the recommended mount point is? Thanks

    1. Chris Rey

      It’s progressive mount I would guess about -6 from true center.

      1. Jason Albert

        Hey Chris, that’s correct, in the -6.5cm range from true center with the older Backland 107, a more traditional mount point of ~ -9.0cm from center.

  4. Whit

    Curious about these but not sure why they put that much camber on what effectively is a mid season pow ski. Similar to Voile, the rocker profile and high camber seem at odds. What do you all think?

    1. Gavin Hess

      I completely agree with you, Whit. When I first received the skis I was skeptical and a bit dismayed to see so much camber.

      That being said, after a bunch of days on them, I have enjoyed how loose and playful they feel, and don’t think I ever would have guessed how much camber they have without seeing it.

      1. Whit

        That’s great to hear, thanks for the update!

        1. Slim

          I also wondered if the high camber would make it less ideal in light, soft snow, or at least require more speed and force.

          To add a data point: my 140 lbs child skied a 167 cm pair in some perfect deep powder a few days this February. Despite the cold, light snow, and lightweight rider, (in light boots) they didn’t have any problem pivoting and such at slower speed and in tight terrain.

          I still wonder what they’d be like with less camber, but so far it hasn’t been an issue.

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