In the world of skiing, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are two top contenders for the title of best all-mountain ski. Both skis are designed for the 2024 season and offer a unique blend of features that cater to different types of skiers. The Maverick 88 Ti is a narrow directional all-mountain ski that excels in carving, freestyle, and freeride categories. It's perfect for an East Coast skier or for groomer days for someone skiing west of the Continental Divide. On the other hand, the Maverick 86 C is a versatile and forgiving ski that shines in carving and is perfect for skiers who want a stronger, stiffer all-mountain ski that can carve well on piste but also has the backbone to go off piste. Both skis are fantastic in their own right, but depending on your skiing style and preferences, one may be a better fit for you than the other.

Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2024 summary

The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis are a narrow directional all-mountain ski that is designed to perform exceptionally well in a variety of conditions. The ski is designed with a 19.5-meter turn radius, making it ideal for skiers who enjoy making medium turns. Despite its larger turn radius, the ski is surprisingly maneuverable for shorter turns as well.

The Maverick 88 Ti is designed for skiers who spend a fair amount of their time carving on groomers. The edge hold is excellent, and there is a nice amount of rebound and energy out of the turn for an 88-millimeter waisted ski. The ski is fairly damp on firm, uneven terrain, absorbing vibrations well when skiing over refrozen groomed terrain.

While the shovels are a bit on the softer side, making the ski more forgiving, it might not be the best for those who enjoy top-end speed. The ski is not designed for the park, but it is capable of hitting the occasional jump.

The Maverick 88 Ti is a great ski for a strong skier who skis mostly in the East but takes a couple of trips out West each year. It's not ideal for park skiing or for beginners, but it excels in a wide variety of terrain, making it a versatile choice for many skiers.

Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2024 summary

The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are a versatile and forgiving all-mountain ski that is designed to perform well in a variety of conditions. The ski is designed with a more traditional construction and shape, making it the standard when it comes to all-mountain carving skis.

The Maverick 86 C is designed for skiers who want a stronger, stiffer all-mountain ski that can carve well on piste but also has the backbone to go off piste. The ski is more at home making tighter, more controlled turns than really laid out, long, high-speed turns.

The Maverick 86 C holds a great edge and is definitely a bit stiffer. However, they can be a little chattery at higher speeds. The ski is not designed for freestyle skiing or skiing switch. It's more for carving and making shorter, more precise controlled turns.

The Maverick 86 C is a great ski for an intermediate skier who's mastered the fundamentals but is looking to start taking their skills more off piste into more mellow trees and moguls. It’s a forgiving ski that can do tighter turns without being punishing, and it’s great for somebody who wants a confident, stable ski underneath that’s not too stiff or heavy.

Similarities

Both the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are all-mountain skis designed for the 2024 season. They are both part of Atomic's Maverick line, which is known for its versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. Both skis are designed to excel in carving and offer a stable and confident ride. They both have a lively flex that allows for quick and responsive turns. Both skis are also designed to be forgiving, making them accessible to a range of skiers from intermediate to advanced.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are part of the same line, they cater to slightly different types of skiers. The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti is a narrow directional all-mountain ski that is ideal for an East Coast skier or for groomer days for someone skiing west of the Continental Divide. It's perfect for skiers who enjoy making medium turns and spending a fair amount of their time carving on groomers. It's a great ski for a strong skier who skis mostly in the East but takes a couple of trips out West each year.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is a versatile and forgiving ski that is perfect for skiers who want a stronger, stiffer all-mountain ski that can carve well on piste but also has the backbone to go off piste. It's a great ski for an intermediate skier who's mastered the fundamentals but is looking to start taking their skills more off piste into more mellow trees and moguls.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Atomic Maverick 86 C might have a slight edge due to its forgiving nature and ability to handle off-piste conditions.

In terms of carving, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti shines with its excellent edge hold and ability to make medium turns.

For freestyle and freeride categories, neither ski is designed for the park, but the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti is capable of hitting the occasional jump, giving it a slight advantage in this category.

Finally, when it comes to suitability for different skill levels, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is more forgiving and accessible to a wider range of skiers, from progressing beginners to advanced skiers.

Overall, the winner between the two would depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are excellent choices for all-mountain skis. They both offer a blend of features that cater to different types of skiers. The Maverick 88 Ti is perfect for skiers who enjoy carving on groomers and making medium turns, while the Maverick 86 C is a versatile and forgiving ski that is great for skiers looking to take their skills off piste.

Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're a strong skier who enjoys carving on groomers and making medium turns, the Maverick 88 Ti would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're an intermediate skier looking to take your skills off piste, the Maverick 86 C would be a fantastic option.

No matter which ski you choose, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes with either the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti or the Atomic Maverick 86 C. Happy skiing!