Backland 102 26/27
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- Backordered, shipping soon
Backland is Atomic's touring line and 102 is the waist. Ultra Light Woodcore of poplar and caruba with a hardwood insert under the binding, FreeTour Profile, Powder Rocker at 20/65/15. The HRZN 3D Backland tip is thin, perforated and beveled, adding surface area without swing weight. Dura Cap sidewalls, sintered base, 87 degree side and 1.3 degree base edge. Lengths 164 to 186 at 1430 grams per ski.
Under 1500 grams is properly light for a 102, and a ski this light gets moved around in heavy afternoon crud where a heavier resort ski holds its line. Edge hold on firm snow is better than the number suggests, but this is built to be carried up first.
For the skier whose day starts at a trailhead rather than a lift line. If most of your season is inbounds with an occasional tour, a heavier ski with a touring binding serves you better.
Most people ski it 5 to 10cm under their resort length. Shorter again if you kick turn a lot, longer if your objectives are open and fast.
This is the ski that makes a dawn approach feel worth it, and it rewards you properly on the way back down.
This guide is for alpine (downhill) skis. Ski length depends on your height, your ability, and how you like to ski. Use this chart as a starting point, then talk to us about the ski itself: rocker, width, and turn shape all change how long a ski feels.
Recommended Alpine Length (cm)
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" / 147 | 120–130 | 130–140 | 140–150 | 145–155 |
| 5'0" / 152 | 125–135 | 135–145 | 145–155 | 150–160 |
| 5'2" / 157 | 130–140 | 140–150 | 150–160 | 155–165 |
| 5'4" / 163 | 135–145 | 145–155 | 155–165 | 160–170 |
| 5'6" / 168 | 140–150 | 150–160 | 160–170 | 165–175 |
| 5'8" / 173 | 145–155 | 155–165 | 165–175 | 170–180 |
| 5'10" / 178 | 150–160 | 160–170 | 170–180 | 175–185 |
| 6'0" / 183 | 155–165 | 165–175 | 175–185 | 180–190 |
| 6'2" / 188 | 160–170 | 170–180 | 180–190 | 185–192 |
| 6'4" / 193 | 165–175 | 175–185 | 185–192 | 190–192 |
Quick Rule
- Beginner: ski tip around your chin. Shorter skis turn easily.
- Intermediate: tip between your nose and forehead.
- Advanced: tip around the top of your head, for stability at speed.
- Expert: about 5cm longer than advanced, for hard charging and big-mountain terrain.
Adjust For
- Go longer: heavier build, fast skiing, deep snow, lots of tip rocker.
- Go shorter: lighter build, tight trees and moguls, uphill touring.
- Telemark: if you want a ski for tele, we recommend going down about 10cm from the length you normally like.
Not sure? Call us at (802) 253-4531 or stop in. Want to try before you buy? Demo a ski and we deduct the rental from the purchase.
