In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon Stance 84 and Atomic Maverick 86 C are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed to offer a versatile and fun experience on the slopes, but they each have their unique strengths. The Salomon Stance 84 is a playful ski that excels in carving and tricky terrain like moguls and trees, thanks to its forgiving flex profile and less titanal usage. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is a more traditional all-mountain ski that shines in carving and offers a lively flex and stability at high speeds. It's a bit more forgiving and lighter, making it a great choice for confident skiing in any condition. While both skis have their merits, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Salomon Stance 84 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon Stance 84 Skis are designed for skiers who crave a playful and fun all-mountain experience with a focus on carving. These skis have a forgiving flex profile, making them suitable for tricky terrain like moguls and trees. The Stance 84 uses less titanal than its wider counterparts, resulting in a more approachable and forgiving flex profile. This means that whether you're carving on groomed slopes or tackling icy steeps, these skis offer agility, reliability, and a smooth ride. The progressive sidecut and lively wood core provide agility and reliability, while the new Titanal and carbon construction offer excellent grip on the snow for a smooth and enjoyable ride. The Stance 84 is a bit more aggressive in flex than some other models, but it's still quick from edge to edge in tight terrain. A bit of tip rocker makes it forgiving in variable snow and helps in off-piste adventures. At 84mm underfoot, it's got instant bite on firm snow and secure edge grip in icier conditions.

Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2024 summary

The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are a great fit for skiers looking for a versatile and forgiving all-mountain ski. With a lively flex and stability at high speeds, these skis are perfect for carving on corduroy and handling various terrain. The OMatic Construction and Flow Profile make for a lightweight and easy-to-handle ski, perfect for confident skiing in any condition. The Maverick 86 C is a great ski for the progressing beginner all the way to the advanced skier. It’s a great all-mountain, one ski quiver on the East Coast that’s more forgiving than stiffer, more aggressive, metal-based skis. The Atomic Maverick forgoes metal in the ski for a carbon layer instead to keep it lightweight and on the agile side. With an 85 mm waist, the Maverick is very quick edge-to-edge and is at its best when making tighter, snappier turns on groomed runs.

Similarities

Both the Salomon Stance 84 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are all-mountain skis designed for a versatile skiing experience. They both excel in carving and offer a lively flex, making them agile and reliable on the slopes. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of terrain, including groomed slopes, moguls, and trees. They both have a focus on providing a smooth and enjoyable ride, with excellent grip on the snow. Both skis are also designed to be approachable and forgiving, making them suitable for a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they cater to slightly different skiing styles. The Salomon Stance 84 is geared more towards carving and offers a playful feel that can be disengaged instantly. It's a great choice for skiers who enjoy tricky terrain like moguls and trees and prefer a more playful and fun all-mountain experience. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is a more traditional all-mountain ski that shines in carving and offers stability at high speeds. It's a bit more forgiving and lighter, making it a great choice for confident skiing in any condition. It's perfect for skiers who prefer making tighter, snappier turns on groomed runs and want a ski that's quick edge-to-edge.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to carving, both skis perform exceptionally well, but the Salomon Stance 84 might have a slight edge due to its playful feel and focus on carving. For tricky terrain like moguls and trees, the Salomon Stance 84 also takes the lead with its ability to be easily disengaged. In terms of versatility, both skis are quite comparable, but the Atomic Maverick 86 C might be a bit more forgiving and lighter, making it a great choice for a wider range of skiers. Finally, for stability at high speeds, the Atomic Maverick 86 C shines with its lively flex and stability.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon Stance 84 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are excellent choices for all-mountain skis in 2024. They both offer a versatile and fun skiing experience, with a focus on carving and handling a variety of terrain. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. If you prefer a playful feel and tackling tricky terrain like moguls and trees, the Salomon Stance 84 would be a great fit. If you're looking for a more traditional all-mountain ski that offers stability at high speeds and is a bit more forgiving and lighter, the Atomic Maverick 86 C would be an excellent choice. Either way, you're in for a smooth and enjoyable ride on the slopes!