Yeah, I ski backland 117s out in Alta/Snowbird and I love them but I do agree that they are catchy in a way. I end up leaning back more than I should in deep stuff to reduce the chance of the tips catching, which is more tiring and reinforces bad technique. Also, in choppy snow they tend to get deflected quite a lot due to their light weight. However, I was surprised at how well they can hold an edge on groomers or firmer snow - definitely much better than I expected for their width and weight/construction. I need to demo some QSTs someday though!
Another great review! After watching many of your videos and hearing what you like I'm surprised you have not reviewed the Armada Declivity Series which is a directional ski that I hear carves very well. Would love to see you review the Armada Declivity 102 TI and compare it to your Atomic Maverick you love so much, this could be you new favorite ski...or not.
Like you said: I’m talking about this as a lift served ski”. Why? It’s light, even for a touring ski. Fine to ski it off the lift for testing, but why even mention the lift served rating? It cost more money and sis worse than many, many lift skis.
Nice review, I wish you had spent more time comparing it with the Maverick 100. The weight of the Maverick makes it also a good option for a backcountry ski. Is it necessary to go as light as the Backland. I also see that the Backlands you demoed are mounted with shift bindings. Can you imagine how light they would be with tech bindings? Something like an ATK Raider 13? I just received a pair of Rossignol Escaper Nano 105 for me to test and keep, I mounted them Marker Cruise bindings. I didn't want to pay the price for the raiders.
Maybe 109 would be better for touring in powder. 102 would be kinda mixed snow touring ski so would be interesting to know how it handles ice patches and other types of snow too.
This ski is not in the same category as the QST 106 in the slightest. This ski weighs around 1500 grams in a 186, as it was designed to be a backcountry touring ski. The QST in its longest length weighs 30% more than this ski. The new atomic maverick 105 coming out in 2025 will be a good comparison to the QST’s.
This is a super strange review. I dont understand why you compare it to an atris - a ski with half a kilo difference. This is a skitouring ski. A light ski is light because of skitouring performance - not to be skied in a ski resort and hammering laps from a chairlift. I get that you find big drawbacks, but in my opinion thats because you are using the wrong ski.
Yeah, I'd say the same. Such skis should be reviewed as per their purpose. Which is exclusively backcountry touring and just mentioning that they aren't the typical lift laps skis should be enough. Comparing them to BC Artis is a bit funny as artis is not even from the freebird series. I'd say they are more comparable to Narvis freebird or something from the lightweight touring class of whatever brand you choose. Anyways, I purchased the 109 Backland paired with ATK Raider 13, and they are crazy light. I can literally hold one ski with two fingers which for 110 skis is crazy. 🤩
Thank you to YOU THE VIEWER For making this demo possible,
peace and love.
We REALLY need some 2025 Backland 109 reviews with on hill footage and commentary.
Yeah, I ski backland 117s out in Alta/Snowbird and I love them but I do agree that they are catchy in a way. I end up leaning back more than I should in deep stuff to reduce the chance of the tips catching, which is more tiring and reinforces bad technique. Also, in choppy snow they tend to get deflected quite a lot due to their light weight. However, I was surprised at how well they can hold an edge on groomers or firmer snow - definitely much better than I expected for their width and weight/construction. I need to demo some QSTs someday though!
Totally agree
Hi Elliott 😊 Look at all that powder you are skiing in ❄️❄️❄️
It was a lucky storm that blew through!
Wow.. It looks like you had another beautiful day to ski..
Totally!
Another great review! After watching many of your videos and hearing what you like I'm surprised you have not reviewed the Armada Declivity Series which is a directional ski that I hear carves very well. Would love to see you review the Armada Declivity 102 TI and compare it to your Atomic Maverick you love so much, this could be you new favorite ski...or not.
I would love to review them if I could get my hands on them!
Just wanted to update you to tell you how awesome Alaska was!!! 10/10 recommended for some great skiing!!!
Rad, glad it was a good trip!
@@RicketySkiReviews thank you!
good review as usual --- still waiting on the ski ballet segment 🤪
Like you said: I’m talking about this as a lift served ski”. Why? It’s light, even for a touring ski. Fine to ski it off the lift for testing, but why even mention the lift served rating? It cost more money and sis worse than many, many lift skis.
Nice review, I wish you had spent more time comparing it with the Maverick 100. The weight of the Maverick makes it also a good option for a backcountry ski. Is it necessary to go as light as the Backland. I also see that the Backlands you demoed are mounted with shift bindings. Can you imagine how light they would be with tech bindings? Something like an ATK Raider 13?
I just received a pair of Rossignol Escaper Nano 105 for me to test and keep, I mounted them Marker Cruise bindings. I didn't want to pay the price for the raiders.
Hey Elliot, would you mind checking out the 107/109 or the 117 as a powder tourer? Maybe compare it to the Draco and Atris? :)
Maybe 109 would be better for touring in powder. 102 would be kinda mixed snow touring ski so would be interesting to know how it handles ice patches and other types of snow too.
Where are you skiing that you are still finding snow like that? Was this a while ago?
super snow weather just blew in over the US 2 days ago
Winter has returned at least to wherever you are skiing 😊
Thanks, yes idaho!
So the QST 106 is the runaway winner in this category so far. :)
This ski is not in the same category as the QST 106 in the slightest. This ski weighs around 1500 grams in a 186, as it was designed to be a backcountry touring ski. The QST in its longest length weighs 30% more than this ski. The new atomic maverick 105 coming out in 2025 will be a good comparison to the QST’s.
@@carterhudson2306 Besides weight, what about general geometry by comparison?
I have the 100 Backland 23/24 and I don’t like it at all. I feel that I cannot send it enough.
This is a super strange review. I dont understand why you compare it to an atris - a ski with half a kilo difference. This is a skitouring ski. A light ski is light because of skitouring performance - not to be skied in a ski resort and hammering laps from a chairlift.
I get that you find big drawbacks, but in my opinion thats because you are using the wrong ski.
Yeah, I'd say the same. Such skis should be reviewed as per their purpose. Which is exclusively backcountry touring and just mentioning that they aren't the typical lift laps skis should be enough. Comparing them to BC Artis is a bit funny as artis is not even from the freebird series. I'd say they are more comparable to Narvis freebird or something from the lightweight touring class of whatever brand you choose.
Anyways, I purchased the 109 Backland paired with ATK Raider 13, and they are crazy light. I can literally hold one ski with two fingers which for 110 skis is crazy. 🤩
@@hristohristov8797 yeah it makes no sense. If you are comparing, he should be reviewing a Maverick cti.