In the world of women's skis, the Salomon Stance W 84 and the Atomic Maven 86 C are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, with a focus on versatility and control. The Salomon Stance W 84 is praised for its easy turn initiation, strong edge hold, and high-speed stability. It's a great choice for skiers looking to advance their skills on groomed runs and in various conditions. On the other hand, the Atomic Maven 86 C is a nimble and versatile ski that excels in both on-trail and off-piste conditions. It's built for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a strong, confident ski for cruising groomed runs and navigating moguls. Both skis have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Salomon Stance W 84 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Salomon Stance W 84 Skis are designed for all-mountain performance, offering a blend of power and maneuverability that's perfect for skiers looking to advance their skills. The skis are very easy to turn, allowing your legs to last longer on the slopes. With a waist width of 84mm, they're ideal for on-trail skiing, but they can also handle groomers, ice, slush, and on-trail riding conditions with ease.

The Stance 84 skis feature a lightweight poplar/caruba wood core, which makes them easy to turn. They also have a Titanal laminate that provides top-notch edge hold and smooth energy transfer. The full sandwich side walls allow you to grip the snow and hold onto turns, while the TI-C frame ensures control and stability at high speeds.

Despite their strengths, the Stance 84 skis do have some limitations. They're not ideal for deep powder, park skiing, backcountry terrain, or switch riding. However, they're durable, stable, and versatile, making them a great choice for skiers who want to push their riding and speed.

Atomic Maven 86 C Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Atomic Maven 86 C Skis are a versatile front-side tool designed to improve all-mountain performance. Whether you're skiing steep bumps, tight trees, or fresh powder, these skis will be your best friend. They feature a Rocker/Camber/Rocker shape with a short turning radius, making them perfect for skiers who like to ski it all in one day.

The Maven 86 C skis are built with carbon in the construction instead of metal, making them lighter and more approachable. This makes them a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls. The healthy camber underfoot results in a surprisingly strong edge hold for tight turns on groomed runs. For advanced skiers, the Maven is an awesome tool for executing tighter, more controlled turns on hardpack.

While the Maven 86 C skis are not recommended for high speeds or hard-charging skiers, they're a strong, versatile weapon in a forgiving package. They're a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to progress their skills and for more advanced skiers looking for a confident ski for cruising the groomed blues and blacks of their local mountain.

Similarities

Both the Salomon Stance W 84 and the Atomic Maven 86 C are designed for all-mountain performance, offering a blend of power and maneuverability. They're both aimed at skiers looking to advance their skills and handle various conditions. Both skis are praised for their easy turn initiation, strong edge hold, and stability at high speeds. They're also both versatile, capable of handling groomers, ice, slush, and on-trail riding conditions. Both skis are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a great choice for skiers who want to push their riding and speed.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they have some key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The Salomon Stance W 84 is ideal for skiers who want a ski that's easy to turn and allows their legs to last longer on the slopes. It's great for skiers who love carving on groomers and want a ski that can handle speed and have a strong edge hold. However, it's not ideal for deep powder, park skiing, backcountry terrain, or switch riding.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maven 86 C is perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a strong, confident ski for cruising groomed runs and navigating moguls. It's built with carbon in the construction instead of metal, making it lighter and more approachable. This makes it a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls. However, it's not recommended for high speeds or hard-charging skiers.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in various conditions, but the Atomic Maven 86 C has a slight edge due to its ability to handle off-piste conditions better.

In terms of ease of turn initiation, the Salomon Stance W 84 takes the lead with its lightweight poplar/caruba wood core that makes it very easy to turn.

For edge hold and stability at high speeds, both skis perform well, but the Salomon Stance W 84's Titanal laminate provides top-notch edge hold and smooth energy transfer, giving it a slight advantage.

Finally, in terms of weight and maneuverability, the Atomic Maven 86 C, with its carbon construction, is lighter and more approachable, making it the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon Stance W 84 and the Atomic Maven 86 C are excellent choices for all-mountain performance. They both offer a blend of power and maneuverability, making them perfect for skiers looking to advance their skills. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're looking for a ski that's easy to turn and allows your legs to last longer on the slopes, the Salomon Stance W 84 is a great choice. If you're an intermediate to advanced skier who wants a strong, confident ski for cruising groomed runs and navigating moguls, the Atomic Maven 86 C is the way to go. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes with these skis!