Top 10 lightweight backcountry skis with good float – Part 2 

If you look at the image that shows the detailed distribution of bending and torsional stiffness distributions, there is a very clear “plateau” on the bottom chart that represents the torsional stiffness distribution. Don’t be fooled, this “plateau” is under the bindings. Consequently, it won’t have a huge impact on the feeling. What triggers more my attention is how soft the tail is. This ski will provide a good cruising feel on a hard surface and surfy feel in powder. The tip area being quite stiff, the Armada Tracer 98 will engage in the turn quite early. It will also have less edge grip compared to the other options. I would consider this ski is more suited for skiers who will use it mostly in powder.

First, the Atomic Backland has a camber of 3mm, so it would be considered flat, which will make it easier in powder. Next, it has a very low torsional stiffness distribution. The only other ski that will feel similar is the Salomon MTN Explore 95. However, the Atomic Backland 95 has a stiffer front part of the ski, which will make a bit less playful than the Salomon MTN Explorer 95. Finally, if weight is very important to you, this is one of the lightest of my shortlist.

The Black Crows Navis Freebird 179,1 is a higher average in terme of stiffness of my top 10 selections. It provides a good support in the tail on both bending and torsional stiffness distributions. This means you’ll appreciate the edge grip if you need it. The front part is on average, so this ski would be considered as a great compromise between playfulness, forgiveness and precision in this category. The camber is regular at 7mm, so if you happen to ski on piste, you’ll appreciate the stability of this ski.

If you want a distinct feeling of stability at higher speed while remaining playful in your turns, the Blizzard Zero G 95 is your choice. In my top 10 selections, it’s the stiffest on average bending and among the softest in torsional values, so it prioritizes playfulness to edge grip. You don’t need much precision to appreciate this ski and you can crank it up to higher speeds without shaking. It’s got a flat camber (3mm) such as the Atomic Backland 95, which means it will make it easy to maneuver in powder. If you tend to ski slower than average, you may find it too stiff at low speed.

The Dynastar Mythic 97 Pro is very similar to the Salomon MTN Explore 95. It’s got a softer level of torsional stiffness, but not as soft as the Salomon MTN Explore 95. It’s very playful but will be better than the Salomon MTN Explore 95 for edge grip. Also, you’ll feel more support from the tail, so it should be considered more energetic and less cruzy.

Say I’m looking for a ski that does it all, but I know I’ll spend a significant time on piste or on any type of harder snow (couloir, spring, crust…), the Faction Agent 2.0 would be the option to consider. It’s stiffer than the average within my shortlist. The torsional stiffness in the tail of the ski is the highest. This results into a ski that will procure superior edge grip and energy at the end of the turn. The Faction Agent 2.0 also has a fairly stiff front area. It will engage quickly in a turn. Alternatively, it will feel less playful or surfy in powder.

Line skis are often considered very distinct and super soft compared to their peers. In this case, the Line Sick Day 94 is not the softer of this selection. It remains in the lower average, so more playful, easy to adapt, less energy and less edge grip compared to others. It has a regular camber at 8mm, so it will feel stable on hard surfaces. It resembles more the Salomon MTN Explorer 95 and the Dynastar Mythic 97 Pro.

The top playful ski in my selection would be the Salomon MTN Explore 95. It’s significantly softer in torsion, so playful, but poor edge grip as a tradeoff. But don’t be fooled, as despite its overall low stiffness, its bending stiffness in the tail is the highest. This will provide great support. This ski would serve better skiers who do not intend to use it a lot on grooms. It will serve best on powder days in resorts and in the backcountry.

The Scott Slight 93 is among the stiffest of my selection. It will be appreciated by skiers who have a well-tuned technique and ski with precision. The front part is especially stiff for both bending and torsional values. The edge grip is superior and as a consequence, it’s less playful. However, the tail is soft, so you won’t find this ski to have too much support in the back. This ski is the opposite of the Salomon MTN Explore 95, it will serve very well on piste while being a great occasional backcountry option.

Clearly, if you’re not sure what’s your specific taste, the Scott Superguide 95 is the ski for you. Within the shortlist, it’s the average of all, except for the camber. Which also makes it a great ski for piste. It would be the ideal ski to travel with, as it’s the compromise among all those good options, so it will deal with anything you need. A true all-mountain option including great backcountry advantages. Scott Superguide 95 versus Black Crows Navis Freebird 179,1? Well, I have to admit I’d have a very hard time pointing out the obvious difference in bending and torsion patterns, but one thing is considerably different: the weight. The Scott Superguide 95 is the lightest of this shortlist. Take note that in the graph, you can see 2 bumps in the center. This is normal, it’s the effect of inserts for the binding mounts. Our measuring technology detect any change in the construction, including those small metal inserts! But you won’t feel it on snow, as it’s under the boot.