Atomic Backland 107 Skis

Given that Atomic’s Backland Skis have backountry powder skiing in their gene’s it’s no wonder that their profile is all about rocker in the tip and tail, but to ensure they can still be fun and playful on firmer snow (perhaps inbounds at the local resort) there is also camber underfoot. Atomic calls this 20% tip rocker, 70% camber, 10% tail rocker their Rocker Technology and when combining this with the skis 137-107-124mm dimensions you can see why it floats so well in deep snow.

To further keep the Backland 107’s afloat, Atomic has integrated what they call HRZN Tech Tips into each ski. This is essentially a more rounded tip design on the underside of the ski which provides 10% more surface area for better flotation. This subtle boat hull like design improves the ski's tracking through choppy snow by minimizing tip deflection.

User the hood, the Atomic Backland 107’s are built on a chassis of beach and poplar wood. This combines Beech wood’s strength and Poplar’s light weight to create a stable yet agile skiing performance. Atomic calls this their “Ultra Power Woodcore” and added to this is a ultra-lightweight carbon insert that runs the length of the ski like a backbone, hence the name Carbon Backbone. This further helps stabilize the Backland 107’s while increasing edge and agility but not weight.

A few years back we reviewed the Atomic Backland 95 Skis and it's interesting to compare the two as the Backland 107's are just about the identical weight yet they are considerably wider in the shovel, underfoot and in the tail. The Backland 95 also uses a 173 length ski to determine this weight while the Backland 107 uses a 182cm ski— a differnece of 9cm and yet they are the same weight. Just goes to show you how improved core materials and technologies can give you a longer, fatter ski for the same weight.

• Ability: Advanced
• Full Sidewall
• Ultra Power Wood core
• Carbon Backbone
• HRZN Tech Tip
• Directional Shape
• Glossy Top sheet
• Core: Karuba/Poplar + Carbon Stringers + Fibreglass Laminate
• Base: Sintered

A close up look at the Atomic Backland 107 tips and tails shows off their ample shape.

Fat in the front for float and thinner underfoot for carve.

Atomic’s Backland 107 skis are designed for the backcountry given their lightweight, early rise rocker shape and fat profile. They're not really designed to rail groomers and tackle variable snow since they just don’t have the mass behind them to plow through challenging snow, they’re made for powder and thrive in is. Their 137mm wide HRZN Tech Tip floats like nothing else and is said to have 10% more surface area than a traditional tip design which aids in float and minimizes tip deflection for better tracking through chop. Although this design is obvious when you look at the Backland 107’s tips the claimed benefits are a little harder to validate as I found that the skis weren’t as proficient as I’d like at plowing through chop and mashed potatoes at speed but this has to do more with their light weight.

What is a given is the Backland 107’s impressive weight at just 3,110 grams, while it won’t break any records it’s certainly light for a ski of these dimensions and it’s noticeable with every step on the up track. The Backland 107 is in the same class as the Black Diamond Helio 105 (3,100g), K2 Wayback 106 (3,100g), and Blizzard Zero G 105 skis (3,060g).

These are big ski so you have to ensure you stay on them and drive them with confidence, do this and you’re rewarded with a very playful ski down especially if there’s powder underfoot. On groomers, the tips tend to chatter a little and they aren’t the most proficient at railing turns like you may be used to with a heavier ski. I don’t hold this against the Backland 107’s, however, as they aren’t meant for this.

This ski's fun factor is a result of its flex pattern and overall profile. Soft and fat in the tips, firm and cambered underfoot with a supportive tail that's again a little softer but finishes turns nicely. Simply put, if you want a ski built for touring that can ski in bounds on occasion then the Atomic Backland 107 skis are worth consideration, and while you’re at it you may want to pair them up with the Atomic Backland Carbon Boots.