ATOMIC BACKLAND UL 78

Atomic changed the name, but not the singular purpose. The Backland UL 78 is a ski mountaineering weapon. The ski is capable of slicing and dicing on hard snow, while remaining playful in soft snow due to the lightly rockered tip. The double-carbon construction is reliable on the steeps and the ultra-light wood core helps you get it done. The Backland UL series features the same Step-Down sidewall that proved durable in the Ultimate line of mountaineering skis. The tip has been redesigned to help it cut through rough patches, but otherwise the ski remains a workhorse. The Backland UL 78 is a safe bet when you’re skiing not-so-safe lines.

• 15% rocker in the AT 2.0 tip makes skiing powder and mank more of a joy than a pain.
• Two fiber inserts make the ski Carbon Powered which improves torsional stiffness.
• Multi-wood core offers the lightness of Paulownia with the strength of Poplar.
• Step-down sidewall is thicker underfoot where you might expect most impacts.

Design: 15% rocker, 85% camber

Shape: Round tip, steep-ish sidecut, flat tail

Construction: Step down sidewall w/ carbon laminates

Core: Karuba + Poplar

Usage: Endurance touring, ski mountaineering

Notes: New tip shape for better slicing performance

Bottom Line: Enduring touring at its best