Review: Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2024

Published on 08/07/2023 · 3 min readCurated Ski Experts share their experience with using the 2024 Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.

By Ski Expert Jake Renner

12 photos

The Curated Take

3.3/5

The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti skis are optimal for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking high performance on groomed runs and light off-piste terrains. The skis feature sturdy construction, titanal metal for stability, a medium-length turn shape, and an HRZN tip tech aiding turn initiation. They offer power, precision, and versatility, making them ideal for carving, speed stability, and durability. However, they are not very playful and their 88mm underfoot width makes them less suitable for deep snow.

Ideal for

Offers a clean, quick, and crisp edge-to-edge transition allowing for tight carves
Solidly built ski with a layer of titanal metal in the core allows for stability at higher speeds and durability over time
Damp, responsive ski provides a performance carve without sacrificing all-mountain versatility

Not ideal for

Firm flex rating and less tail rocker make this ski feel less playful than alternative options
Does not have enough girth to keep afloat in fresh snow

Flotation

Below average rating concerning flotation as this ski does not have a wide enough underfoot width at 88mm. I would not recommend going in fresh snow deeper than about 6"...Read more

Carving

Overall, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti skis are a solid choice for skiers seeking a high-performance downhill ski that excels on groomed runs and delivers stability across various terrain. Whether...Read more

High Speed Stability

The construction of the Maverick 88 Ti skis emphasizes stability and power. They feature a wood core with titanal metal, enhancing their stability, dampness, and energy transmission. This construction provides...Read more

Playfulness

The feel of this ski is not so playful due to the firm flex rating, metal in the core, and shape and profile (partially rockered yet flatter of a tail)....Read more

Durability

The Maverick 88 Ti receives an above-average rating for durability as it offers a solid build consisting of titanal metal, different types of wood, and layers of fiberglass. A two-year...Read more

Turn Ease

This ski is ideal for general all-mountain terrain and intermediate to advanced skiers. The 19.2m turn radius is a medium-length turn shape and feels rather average concerning edge-to-edge transfers. The...Read more

Versatility

The Maverick 88 Ti skis offer precise and responsive carving capabilities on groomed terrain. They are known for their stability and edge hold, allowing for powerful and controlled turns. Additionally,...Read more

Expert Reviews of the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis

Jake Renner The construction of the Maverick 88 Ti skis emphasizes stability and power. They feature a wood core combined with layers of titanal metal, which enhances their stability, dampness, and energy transmission. This construction provides a solid and responsive ride, allowing for strong edge hold and confidence at higher speeds. Regarding on-snow performance, the Maverick 88 Ti skis excel in various conditions. The all-mountain rocker profile offers versatility and performance, with full tip rocker, a touch of tail rocker, and camber underfoot. The tip rocker enhances handling off-piste conditions and eases turn initiation, while the camber underfoot provides excellent edge grip and control on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. The Maverick 88 Ti offers precise and responsive carving capabilities on groomed terrain. They are known for their stability and edge hold, allowing for powerful, controlled turns. Additionally, they perform well in moguls and variable snow, providing a smooth and confident ride.

Review Ratings

Flotation

2/5

Jake Renner gave 2 of 5 stars. Below average rating concerning flotation as this ski does not have a wide enough underfoot width at 88mm. I would not recommend going in fresh snow deeper than about 6" as it's a bit tougher to keep the nose up out of the snow. The HRZN tip tech aids with initiating turns in lightly ungroomed terrain and bumps, so it's not terrible. Still, I would want something a tad wider for fresh snow and primarily ungroomed terrain.

Carving

3/5

Jake Renner gave 3 of 5 stars. Overall, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti skis are a solid choice for skiers seeking a high-performance downhill ski that excels on groomed runs and delivers stability across various terrain. Whether enjoying carving turns on the frontside or venturing into light off-piste conditions, the Maverick 88 Ti skis offer a combination of power, precision, and versatility to enhance one's all-mountain skiing experience.

High Speed Stability

5/5

Jake Renner gave 5 of 5 stars. The construction of the Maverick 88 Ti skis emphasizes stability and power. They feature a wood core with titanal metal, enhancing their stability, dampness, and energy transmission. This construction provides a solid and responsive ride, allowing for strong edge hold and confidence at higher speeds.

Playfulness

2/5

Jake Renner gave 2 of 5 stars. The feel of this ski is not so playful due to the firm flex rating, metal in the core, and shape and profile (partially rockered yet flatter of a tail). Therefore, the 88 Ti is not recommended for jumping, buttering, or pressing into the nose or tail as it is not forgiving.

Durability

5/5

Jake Renner gave 5 of 5 stars. The Maverick 88 Ti receives an above-average rating for durability as it offers a solid build consisting of titanal metal, different types of wood, and layers of fiberglass. A two-year manufacturer's warranty ensures the ski is defect-free and performs well over time. Its firm flex rating keeps this ski intact for longer than softer skis, on average.

Turn Ease

3/5

Jake Renner gave 3 of 5 stars. This ski is ideal for general all-mountain terrain and intermediate to advanced skiers. The 19.2m turn radius is a medium-length turn shape and feels rather average concerning edge-to-edge transfers. The HRZN tip tech does help with turn initiation in lightly ungroomed conditions and bumps, so the Maverick 88 Ti does have this going for it regarding turn ease. Still, it's not the easiest to maneuver from side to side, yet not the hardest, but right in the middle.

Versatility

3/5

Jake Renner gave 3 of 5 stars. The Maverick 88 Ti skis offer precise and responsive carving capabilities on groomed terrain. They are known for their stability and edge hold, allowing for powerful and controlled turns. Additionally, they perform well in moguls and variable snow, providing a smooth and confident ride. While the Maverick 88 Ti skis are primarily designed for on-piste performance, they can also handle a touch of off-piste adventures. Their moderate waist width and versatile construction enable them to navigate through softer snow and light powder with stability and control. I gave the Maverick 88 Ti an average rating as they don't really accommodate freestyle skiers or big mountain terrain.

FAQs

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

Jake Renner My favorite moment with this ski was when Hayden and I got to go back-to-back with the Volkl Kendo 88s. Having two pairs of skis that rival each other in build and relative feel was an incredible experience to reflect on. We got to compare and contrast the nitty-gritty of these two skis, neck and neck, in our Head-2-Head series on YouTube.

Why did you choose this product?

Jake Renner We had a bluebird groomer day one of our content week. Hayden and I chose a narrower ski underfoot to start the day, as the snow was still relatively hardpacked. Overall, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti skis are a solid choice for skiers seeking a high-performance ski that excels on groomed runs and delivers stability across various terrain. Whether skiers enjoy carving turns on the frontside or venturing off-piste, the Maverick 88 Ti skis offer a combination of power, precision, and versatility to enhance their all-mountain skiing experience.

What is the value for the money versus other options?

Jake Renner The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti retains its value over time as its solid build and versatile nature keep this ski relevant for a wide range of conditions. Not to be used for backcountry skiing or deeper powder days, but if an intermediate to advanced skier is looking for an all-mountain ski with downhill stability and durability, the Maverick 88 Ti is spot on. It shares the same price point as similar alternative skis, so it is fairly average concerning the value of the money spent. Look for solid discounts or connect with a Curated Expert before pulling the trigger, as there may be a better deal on the market for the competition, such as the Volkl Kendos, Nordica Enforcer 88s, or Blizzard Brahmas.

What do you love about this product?

Jake Renner The Maverick 88 Ti offers a relatively stable ride and versatile option for intermediate to advanced skiers who frequent harder snow conditions and groomed terrain. Although the Maverick 88 Ti is more geared toward on-piste conditions, I do like how this ski feels in light bumps and light, fresh snow, as the HRZN tip tech helps to keep the nose of the ski on top of the snow relative to other skis at this width underfoot.

The Curated Take

Expert Reviews of the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis

Review Ratings

FAQs

4.98

Jake Renner

Ski Expert

I've skied my whole life, starting in New Hampshire at age 3. As a teenager I started to compete in rail jams, slopestyle, and big air events and continued as a young adult. I attended Season 3 Salomon Jib Academy at Loon Mountain(2009), USASA Slopestyle, and Skiercross National competitions two years in a row representing Team NY (2011) and Team MA (2010). Nationals was the first time I had been able to ski in Colorado- I have returned several years later to Colorado, this time, I'm here as a coach. It is now my 6th year coaching freestyle skiing, I have found my way to Aspen, CO. Along the way, I've also coached freestyle skiing in the Berkshires, MA and at Carinthia, Mount Snow, VT. Many athletes through our program go on to compete in the X-Games and Winter Olympics. It's a great honor to be able to share my passion and skill set with the future of skiing! Coming out of the North East/Ice Coast we don't get as much snow as other places and its drawn me into creative ways of skiing. For example, I've hiked and skied Tuckerman's Ravine on Mount Washington, NH several times in May and April. This is the true back country on the East Coast- gnarly ice falls, avalanches, ripping snow melt rivers, and unpredictable weather at any moment combined with the physical exertion of boot packing! Such a rewarding journey, it puts the phrase, 'earn your turns' into perspective. Although Tuckerman's is a true back country experience, avalanche conditions were almost never on my mind when it came to skiing in the East. On the contrary, my brother and I were constantly building jumps, rails, and other jibs, as well as seshing urban handrails at schools, townhalls, libraries, etc.... our internal dialogue was more like, 'Oh shit, the cops are coming! Get one more rail hit!' I've made it to Colorado and the doors swung wide open! I skied more powder this last season than I've probably skied in 5 years of my life! Now its time to take my bag of tricks from the Terrain Park to Big Mountain! Want to come Shred?

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