Last tested

2023

Status:ongoing

2024

Backland 62 UL Vert

Narrow without much sidecut, but with a construction that makes it suited to descents in fast races on ski slopes, as well as to verticals, so long as they're not too steep

In brief

Suitable for

verticals that aren't overly steep

Not suitable for

longer races on the open mountain

Also suitable for

fast races on ski slopes

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Buyer’s Guide reviews
In words
Technical specifications

Buyer’s Guide reviews

Positioning

Handling

New school ski-tourer

Suggested curve arc

Long radius

Used by

Davide Magnini, Alessandra Schmid, Iwan Arnold

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On-snow performance

Hard / packed

Powder

Wind-blown / crust

Damp / wet

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The charts show our impressions from testing

Product info

Category average

Trip purpose

Height difference / Engagement

Performance / Line

Skiing / Slope

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Recommended use

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Recommended level

Technical Level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

High level

Weight

lightmedianheavy

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In words

Intro

This is Atomic's ski designed specifically for vertical races, sitting alongside the Backland 65 UL (and the 78 and 85 from the Austrian ski maker's UltraLight family). But it's not made solely with the ascent in mind, as its construction is very similar to that of the more versatile 65, so it can take on the odd short descent. The weight difference is also minimal, just 20 or so grams, because of its narrower width. Only available in a 161 length.

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On the snow

Without much sidecut, this ski is pretty straight and narrow, but it's no cross-country ski! It's the ski for ascents, so long as they're not too vertical and where less skin on the ski is better. On moderate slopes, you'll appreciate the glide of the slim form factor and the lower weight of ski-skin combo. This also makes it a good backup choice for fast races on ski slopes, like the Sellaronda Skimarathon. But with its narrow base, it can sink in softer snow. It can also have certain advantages on the descent for a skilled skier who can handle the sideslip caused by the reduced sidecut and knows how to get the ski into the turn. But once in the turn, it stays there with a bit of effort. You can play around with tuning to adjust the ski's difficulty level. And in the straight, it glides without much vibration thanks to its decently stiff bridge.

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Lab

Slightly concave at tip and tail, nice structure, not waxed. Not much edge, 1.25 x 1.1 mm at 89°, some base burn, variable base edge 1-1.2°. Too much edge at tip and tail. Should at least be waxed.

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Technical specifications

Construction

cap

Materials

poplar, carob wood, carbon fiber, Carbon Backbone

Base

sintered UHMWPE

Available sizes

161

Released in

2022

Made in

Austria

Price

749.99 €

Declared specsMeasured by us

We measured the length 161 to get all the details

161 cm

Length

XXXXX

83 cm

Tip width

XXXXX

72 cm

Tail width

XXXXX

62 cm

Waist width

XXXXX

N/A

Edge contact

XXXXX

N/A

Camber

XXXXX

N/A

Tip rocker

XXXXX

N/A

Tail rocker

XXXXX

650 g

Individual weight

XXXXX

N/A

Left weight

XXXXX

N/A

Right weight

XXXXX

31 m

Sidecut radius

XXXXX

N/A

Load-bearing surface

XXXXX

N/A

Tip torsion

XXXXX

N/A

Center torsion

XXXXX

N/A

Tail torsion

XXXXX

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