Atomic’s Vantage X collection is a predominantly Frontside family with its design roots in off-trail technology. The lightweight componentry pilfered from the off-trail Vantage series’ top models are Titanium Backbone 2.0, the main stabilizing element in the base of the Vantage X 83 CTi’s laminate lay-up, and Carbon Tank Mesh, which plays a similar role where it resides just below the ding-repellent topsheet of nano TPU. The Vantage X 83 Ti’s Firewall, a robust square sidewall in the ski midsection, is also a carryover from the prior generation of Vantage skis. (Note that the Vantage collection has since been totally re-designed for 2019.) The Firewall is radically sloped at the extremities to reduce swingweight and resist twist, but squared up underfoot for amplified energy transmission. All these elements translate directly to the on-trail objective of an unwavering edge at speed.

While the Vantage X series draws a lot of its technology from the erstwhile Vantage collection – all in the name of paring away a few more grams – it disposes with the double rockered baseline in favor of just a dab of tip rocker. The de facto fully cambered baseline is built to attack the fall line. It lives to run with an open throttle through wide-open spaces, guided by a skilled pilot. “A home run for Atomic,” rhapsodizes Jan’s Jack Walzer. “Superb Frontside ‘do-everything’ ski. All the characteristics of the Kästle MX84, but more user-friendly. Loved it!”

The Vantage X 83 Ti would rather carve than drift, but otherwise it’s stylistically agnostic. If you prefer to ski from an upright, narrow stance at a relatively low edge angle, the X 83 Ti will respond accordingly with a relatively shallow arc. To tighten the turn radius, amp up the rpm’s, lay the edge over and drive it like a getaway car.