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.

Amphibio 88 XTi

[The test results for the Amphibio 88 XTi are from 2016; its only changes for 2017 are cosmetic.] The most versatile Amphibio carver, the 88 XTi can’t disguise its carving inclinations. “The perfect hardpack ski,” assessed Scott Sahr of Aspen Ski and Board. “Metal in...

Backland FR 102 W

In its prior life as the Century 102, the Backland FR 102 W offered the best cost/value relationship in the genre; for 2017, Atomic sweetened the deal. The addition of the Carbon Backbone adds more muscle and pop without any negative side effects. The Backland with a Backbone is still a superior choice for the lighter weight woman, such as a teenager getting her first off-trail ski.

Absolut Joy

[The test results for the Absolut Joy are from 2015 & 2016; its only changes for 2017 are cosmetic.] Every time a ski R&D department tumbles unto a new aerospace fiber, the engineers can’t wait to see what it can do. They put it near the base; they try it by...

Belle 88

The Wild Belle of last season has been domesticated, the rambunctious “Wild” in her name replaced with the neutral “88.” But under the Belle 88’s newly decorated façade still beats the untamed heart of the Wild Belle. This ski has more moxie than its ultralight balsa...