By Evelien Jansen
Atomic Backland 89 sl
Who it’s for and overview
The Backland 89 SL targets tourers who want a featherweight climb without giving up predictable downhill manners. At ~90 mm underfoot with a beveled HRZN 3D tip, it sits in the sweet spot for long days, spring missions, and mixed-snow objectives. The flex is supportive yet accessible, with a carbon spine adding snap while the light wood core keeps swing weight low. It feels quick to pivot in tight trees and couloirs, yet composed enough for open alpine where you link short to medium turns. It’s a modern, practical daily driver for human-powered skiing.
Uphill efficiency
On the skintrack, efficiency is the calling card. Around 1,220 g per ski in 176 cm makes long vertical days feel notably easier, and the minimal tail simplifies kick turns on steep, awkward switchbacks. Torsional grip is solid for edging along firm sidehills, and the long shovel engages predictably when breaking trail. The HRZN 3D tip resists trenching and deflection better than a traditional 90‑mm touring tip, so it stays composed in wind buff and punchy crust. Overall, it’s a lively, low-fatigue companion that still climbs with a calm, precise pace.
Downhill performance
Pointed downhill, the all-terrain rocker profile balances agility and bite. Early rise up front helps the ski float and release easily, while camber underfoot supplies energy and edge hold. That ~17 m turn radius encourages medium arcs that you can tighten or smear on demand. In soft snow, the broad, beveled tip planes up sooner than most skis this narrow. In chalk and settled powder, it’s confidence-inspiring and playful. In cut-up resort exits, it remains manageable if you stay light on your feet, preferring a rhythmic, centered stance to bulldozing.
Stability and limitations
Stability is good for the weight, but physics still applies. In refrozen coral, dense debris, or heavy afternoon mank, the low mass can transmit feedback and set a sensible speed limit. Skilled pilots can ride it fast, though it rewards finesse over brute force. Heavier skiers, big packs, or frequent boilerplate may point you toward a slightly wider, heavier touring ski. Pairing with a moderate-weight pin binding can add helpful damping without ruining the uphill. Build quality feels robust for its class, with the Dura‑Cap construction protecting topsheets from chip-prone edges.
Specs and what they mean
Key specs and what they mean: The profile combines early-rise tip, camber underfoot, and a near-flat tail for reliable skin traction, easy turn initiation, and secure finish. The 124‑90‑112 mm dimensions mix quick edge-to-edge transitions with enough platform for variable snow. Weight around 1,220 g (176) boosts touring efficiency but reduces bulldozer damping. A ~17.4 m radius supports calm, medium turns that don’t hook. Lengths 162–183 cm let you size up for stability or down for tight terrain. The poplar/karuba core, carbon backbone, and sintered base balance durability, energy, and glide.
Loading images...
Community Opinions
Missing a hand while carrying ski gear?
A friend of mine created Clipstic, the easy way to attach your poles to your skis! Using this link you get 10% off as well as support for Pick-a-ski!
Check it out!