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 from Jans observes, “You could feel how light it is as you’re skiing, but it’s still solid. And really nimble.”

While we didn’t record enough test scores to award the Vantage X W 80 CTi a Recommended medallion, this ski has chops to be a contender in the Frontside genre. Quick to the edge, response off the tail and solid through the center of the arc, all this Atomic needs to be a star is get more playing time.