2020-2021 Atomic Vantage 97 Ti

Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Atomic Vantage 97 Ti for Blister
Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, 18/19 Graphic

Ski: 2020-2021 Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, 188 cm

Available Lengths: 172, 180, 188 cm

Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 187.3 cm

Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski: 2053 & 2057 grams

Stated Dimensions: 133-97-122 mm

Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 132.2-96.5-121.1

Stated Sidecut Radius: 20.1 meters

Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 49 mm / 7 mm

Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 4-5 mm

Core: Ash + “Titanium Tank Mesh” + Fiberglass Laminate

Base: “World Cup Base Finish”

Factory Recommended Mount Point: -8.0 cm from center; 85.6 cm from tail

[Note: Our review was conducted on the 18/19 Vantage 97 Ti, which was not changed for 19/20 or 20/21, apart from graphics.]

Intro

Atomic is overhauling their all-mountain Vantage line next year, and it will consist of the Vantage 107 Ti, 97 Ti, 90 Ti, 97 C, and 86 C on the men’s side, and the 107 C W, 90 Ti W, 97 C W, and 86 C W on the women’s side.

For more info on the new Vantage series and what makes the skis’ construction unique, check out our First Look at the Vantage 90 Ti. But in short, these new Vantage skis look pretty interesting, so let’s check out the Vantage 97 Ti.

(Note: You can also check out our First Look at the Dynastar Legend X96, which is a direct competitor to the Vantage 97 Ti.)

Shape / Rocker Profile

Like the Vantage 90 Ti, the Vantage 97 Ti has a very subtle amount of tail rocker, and has pretty standard tip rocker for an all-mountain ski of this width. The Vantage 97 Ti has a substantial amount of traditional camber underfoot, and very little tip and tail taper (especially compared to skis like the Dynastar Legend X96).

Flex Pattern

Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Vantage 97 Ti:

Tips: 9.5-8.5
Shovels: 8.5
In Front of Toe Piece: 9-9.5
Underfoot: 10
Behind Heel Piece: 10-9
Tails: 9 (but finishes closer to 9.5)

The Vantage 97 Ti feels very strong throughout, with no part of the ski feeling soft. The flex patterns of the Vantage 97 Ti and Vantage 90 Ti feel pretty similar, with the Vantage 97 Ti being slightly stiffer at the very ends of the tips and tails.

With respect to its flex patterns, the Vantage 97 Ti is in the same league as skis like the Rossignol Experience 94 Ti (which has a slightly softer tip and shovel than the Vantage 97 Ti), Dynastar Legend X96, and Head Monster 98.

Weight

For a ski in this class, the Vantage 97 Ti isn’t coming in at a ridiculously low weight, but it’s still significantly lighter than some all-mountain options like the Blizzard Bonafide, Volkl Mantra M5, J Skis Masterblaster, and Head Monster 98.

For reference, here are some of our measured weights for a few notable skis, and do keep in mind the lengths of each model:

1585 & 1586 Head Kore 93, 180 cm (17/18, 18/19)
1896 & 1919 Dynastar Legend X96, 186 cm (17/18-18/19)
1921 & 1968 Head Kore 99, 189 cm (18/19)
1931 & 1932 DPS Foundation Cassiar 94, 185 cm (18/19)
1943 & 1968 Liberty VMT 92, 186 cm (18/19)
1966 & 1973 Liberty Origin 96, 187 cm (18/19)
2007 & 2029 Armada Invictus 99 Ti, 187 cm (18/19)
2049 & 2065 Volkl Mantra M5, 177 cm (18/19)
2053 & 2057 Atomic Vantage 97, 188 cm (18/19)
2062 & 2063 Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, 187 cm (18/19)
2114 & 2133 Nordica Enforcer 93, 185 cm (17/18, 18/19)
2115 & 2149 J Skis Masterblaster, 181 cm (17/18, 18/19)
2124 & 2137 Blizzard Bonafide, 180 cm (17/18-18/19)
2344 & 2367 J Skis Masterblaster, 187 cm (17/18-18/19)
2373 & 2397 Head Monster 98, 184 cm (17/18)

Bottom Line (For Now)

Overall, the Vantage 97 Ti has a strong flex pattern, and this ski looks like it means business.

Based on its rocker profile, flex pattern, shape, and weight, the Atomic Vantage 97 Ti looks like it should provide a powerful ride on piste, though we’re more curious about how it will feel in more challenging and variable conditions all across the mountain.

We’ve started getting time on the Vantage 97 Ti, so check out our Flash Review below, and let us know about anything you’d like us to address in our full review.

Flash Review: Atomic Vantage 97 Ti

Blister members can now read our initial on-snow impressions in our Flash Review of the Vantage 97 Ti, with comparisons between it and the Dynastar Legend X96.

(Learn more about Blister Member benefits, and Become a Blister member)

NEXT: The Full Review

14 comments on “2020-2021 Atomic Vantage 97 Ti”

  1. Hi guys,

    Any idea how the Vantage 97 compares to their previous years model, the Vantage 95? I would imagine pretty similarly…

  2. skied it last year testing on a good pow day… plenty of power and wash quick in the turn in the trees… will be my ski in 3-6 inches of pow and crud days and afternoon.

  3. I bought these skis in a 172cm for my girlfriend, shes 5’11, 150lbs and has skiied 100+ days, multiple years out here in the rockies, so she can rip. I can tell she is having a hard time with finding the sweetspot on these. I can see that shes being tossed around; these are not forgiving with a high speed smear, you must stay on edge.
    I decided to take them out on piste in good but variable terrain (not quite groomed but smooth) (5’9, 160lb, former racer). First run was punishing, but by the 3rd run i found the sweetspot and made some the best turns of my life. I felt like i was hitting Nitro on each turn WOW! “Thrilling” is the perfect word. Im keeping these and getting her a slightly more forgiving pair. These will be my ” rip groomer in the sun” skis.

  4. I own a pair. You nailed it. A perfect description of this ski. I weigh 225 and ski the 180cm, but I have to be on my game to get the most out of this ski. It punishes you if you sit back or if you’re tired. It almost needs to be tamed more than skied. Having said all that, and having only skied it 5 days, I think I will grow to love it on hard charging, firm snow days. It loves to go fast and inspires confidence.

    • Thank you for the feedback – it’s always great to hear from an owner of the product that he or she thinks we “nailed it.” Thanks for sharing.

  5. Sounds like the skis you both took, are too long for you. This is why I don’t read reviews usually, but review the skis myself. Perhaps you should get a short ski, like the ex racer. They are use to short skis. I’m barely 150 lbs, and ski on 180’s. I can rip these skis in all conditions. Fast, aggressive, incredible skis.

  6. Have you played with the mount point of any of the vantage skis? I tried a pair of 90ti a few weeks ago and everything said in the review holds up, but after one ass handing of a run on firm tracked out bumps I moved the midsole forward at least 4cm and I could ski a little more neutral without losing any of that “rocket ship” power. Casually hit 64mph. Id assume this holds true for the 97ti too?

  7. I tried this in a shorter length last spring (I’m 6’2″, 170 lbs, and only the 180cm was available), and I found that they really did feel too short, even though the shop employee didn’t really believe it. I suspect that the small sweet spot of these skis makes it more sensitive to getting the right size.

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