Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
PICK YOUR POISON
Some people love the feel of carbon skis. Others prefer the power of titanium. Usually a ski only comes with one construction or the other, but with the Atomic Vantage family you have choices. The 107-, 97- and 90mm-waist models incorporate a titanium mesh, which cuts weight while adding power. The 97- and 86mm-waist models use carbon mesh, creating a more playful, more forgiving ski. Three of the four women’s models are a carbon build, while the 90 uses titanium. (from $499; atomic.com)
ATOMIC VANTAGE 90 Ti
$699 * BEST FOR: Technical, powerful carving in all kinds of terrain. * LENGTHS: 161, 169, 176, 184
RADIUS: 18.4@176 * SIDECUT: 127/90/114
The Vantage will make you a better carver. No matter the width (107 through 86) or build (carbon and titanium options), testers talked about the same attributes over and over: solid edge grip, easy initiation, stable and smooth. Add it all together and Iain MacMillan felt confident to push the 90 Ti version in soft conditions at Blue Mountain: “Confidence boosting when you crank up the speed, even on variable terrain and snow.” Everyone was also unanimous about the family’s love of speed. “The faster I went and the more I tipped it over, the more I liked this ski,” said George Terwiel after speeding down Big White on the 107. “This ski is for fast, strong, powerful advanced to expert all-mountain skiers.” Ice was no problem and the Vantage skis were happy to snap slalom turns or open it up. But they did demand a confident driver. The stiff, performance-oriented build required energy, commitment and focus. If you like to finish every turn, pick a width and a build and start carving.
