Ski Reviews

2024-2025 Atomic Maven 103 CTI, 178 cm

Reviewer Username: Kara Williard

Reviewer Height: 5’9″

Reviewer Weight: 170 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 5 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Crested Butte Mountain Resort

TEST CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 6/10

FORGIVENESS: 5/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 6/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 7/10

STABILITY: 6/10

SUSPENSION: 6/10

EDGE HOLD: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS: 5/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

It’s lively and energetic, but not loose or surfy

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (178 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Trees

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Advanced to expert skiers who are looking for a ski that offers a reasonable balance of maneuverability to stability but doesn’t have a huge preference for one of those traits over the other.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

In powder, I’d prefer the K2 Mindbender 106C W for better flotation. On really firm days, I’d prefer the Volkl Secret 102 for better suspension, stability, and edge hold.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!