Backland 89 SL W

TESTED 2023
New for 2023-24, an all-terrain ski for those looking for high performance without working too hard
In brief
Suitable for
classical skimo, unique ski
Not suitable for
freeride, beginners, heavier skiers
Also suitable for
Haute Route
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  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

    Buyer’s Guide reviews

    Positioning
    Handling
    Climber
    Suggested curve arc
    Medium radius
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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
    Summit
    Line
    Slope
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    Recommended use
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    Recommended level
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    In words

    Intro
    A new entry to the SL family, this version is 3 mm wider than its little brother, the 86, that we tested last year as a versatile ski for demanding skiers looking for some one-of-a-kind equipment. Here, too, we like the SL fiberglass, which offers better than the standard mechanical performance and allows for less material and less weight. All the same, it gives you a smoother ride than the carbon-fiber UL model. Compared to the version we tested for the 2023 Buyer's Guide, this one is better suited to intermediate skiers with a good command of their skills.
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    On the snow
    It definitely feels like a solid, lightweight ski, with all the pros and cons that that implies. It offers responsive handling under foot — easy to get without being boring. It's a reactive ski so long as you don't push it too hard, especially on hard terrain, where the tip tends to vibrate at speed. It shares this with the 86 SL model. It comes into its own in mid-radius turns and classic carving. It's not great on ample slopes where you'd like to hit the accelerator and fly. Despite this, it gets good marks on all snow types. Its pliability allows for good flex even on broken up terrain or in wet snow. An all-terrain ski for anyone looking for high performance without too much effort, it'll take you for a ride and always get you home.
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    Lab
    Slightly concave at tip and tail, generally flat. One of the two skis still has an odd depression at the tip even after 10 runs through the tuning machine. No structure, limited wax. Decent edges 1.4 x 1.4 mm at 89.5°, base edge 1.5°. Edges at tip and tail to be replaced.
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    Technical specifications

    Construction
    cap-sidewall
    Materials
    Carbon Backbone, Dura Cap Sidewall, poplar, carob wood, glass fiber
    Base
    sintered UHMWPE
    Available sizes
    155, 162, 169
    Released in
    2023
    Made in
    Austria
    Price
    699.99 €
    Status
    Novelty
    Declared specsMeasured by us
    We measured the length 169 to get all the details
    169 cm
    Length
    XXXXX
    122 cm
    Tip width
    XXXXX
    110,5 cm
    Tail width
    XXXXX
    89,5 cm
    Waist width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Edge contact
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Camber
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Tip rocker
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Tail rocker
    XXXXX
    1.090 g
    Individual weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Left weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Right weight
    XXXXX
    16,4 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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