The new Backland FR 109 is the successor to the now-defunct Automatic 109 and the ski of choice for big-mountain star Sage Cattabriga-Alosa. That means it’s built to handle some of the most technical lines on the planet. A poplar wood core keeps it responsive while tip and tail rocker and HRZN Tech—a blend of ABS sidewall and horizontal rocker that increases surface area without adding weight—improve float and maneuverability. They’re at home in the soft stuff. On the flip side, camber underfoot and a carbon backbone running the length of the ski ensure stiffness and stability, ideal for holding on in the no-fall zone. “Loved the twin tip and the stiff flex pattern,” commented one tester, who added, bluntly, “I would buy this motherf#cker today.”

*Ski dimensions are for the 182.