Vantage 85

The Vantage 85 tries to leverage the accolades heaped on the Vantage series last season, but as the low-ball MSRP suggests, its not in the same league as its siblings. On the other hand, none of the other Vantage models are going to retail at around $399, as the 85 is...

Vantage 85 W

The Vantage 85 W is so affordable because its construction sticks to the essentials and eliminates the extraneous. A light wood core encased in a slip of fiberglass provides support and energy; a thick vertical sidewall puts direct pressure on the edge, giving the Vantage 85 W the tenacity of pricier rides.

Vantage X 83 CTi

The Vantage X series debuts this season, finally retiring the Nomads to their tents. The improvements are many and manifest, making the Vantage X 83 CTi, lighter, stronger and more connected to the snow than the Crimson Ti on its best day.

The single most significant new component is the Carbon Tank Mesh, a full-body weave of reinforcement that punches way above its weight class. Another new feature that intensifies edge grip without adding many ounces is Firewall, a square sidewall that’s extra-high underfoot, increasing torsional rigidity and energy transmission.

Vantage X W 80 CTi

Somehow the Vantage X W 80 CTi manages to incorporate a partial laminate of Titanium with a lightweight wood core and top it with Carbon Tank Mesh and it still weighs less than a whisper. Skis this light don’t normally stay connected to hard snow, but as Stephanie...

Backland FR 102

The Backland FR 102’s blend of agility with stability give it an All-Mountain accent with Big Mountain dimensions. It hooks up earlier in the forebody than wider Big Mountain models and its cambered midsection, in conjunction with its absence of metal laminates, injects energy into the end of the turn, an uncommon sensation in the Big Mountain armada of floaty boats.