Atomic Vantage 100 CTI Skis Review

Finding the right skis for you can feel like a daunting task when you look at the market and realize how many different kinds of skis are out there.

Especially if you are a beginner or even an intermediate skier, searching through all that’s available can be overwhelming on the best day. You just want to find the best set for you and then get out on the snow and fly.

Today we are going to look at the Atomic Vantage 100 CTI skis and you can decide if they’re suitable for what you want to do out on the snow. No one wants to worry that maybe they’re wearing the wrong skis and well, that’s what we’re here for.

The Vantage 100 CTI skis are definitely for those with plenty of experience. They work in a variety of conditions and are lighter than most others on the market.

While there have been complaints about the lack of smoothness in the ride and how long they may last, let’s take a more in-depth look and then you can weigh the pros and cons yourself.

Atomic Vantage 100 CTI Skis: The Details

In a Nutshell

• Lengths: 172, 180, and 188 cm
• Sidecut: 138/100/125 mm (for 180 length)
• Profile: Camber underfoot with rockered tips and tails
• Turn Radius: 18m (for 180 length)
• Level: Advanced ++
• Type: All Mountain

Features

Carbon Tank Mesh

The Vantage 100 is designed to work on both soft- and hard-packed snow. One of the ways Atomic made sure this was possible was by building it with a material called carbon tank mesh.

There is a layer of this stiff, rigid mesh built into each ski and that not only adds strength to the design, but also helps reduce its weight.

It allows you to have a more stable ski without any extra heft.

Titanium Backbone 2.0

The Vantage 100 is also built with what Atomic is calling Titanium Backbone 2.0. This is literally metal inserted into the core of the ski.

They add this to ensure your skiing experience is as stable as possible. Imagine having a titanium or steel backbone; the possibilities of breaking, bending, or being wobbly are almost impossible.

Atomic Base and Edges 

The Atomic Vantage 100 CTI Skis come equipped with an ‘atomic base’ that are made to stand up to a variety of conditions without slowing down your skis.

This base is also easier to maintain, increasing the longevity and overall lifespan of your skis.

In addition to the ‘atomic base’ are the skis’ ‘atomic edges’ made out of sturdy hardened steel allowing for a tighter, near-perfect edge grip and in combination with its base, make these skis super durable.

Vantage Firewall

Atomic also designed this ski to have the best edge grip possible, especially on hard-packed snow. They built in a full sidewall, so you won’t be skidding and sliding at every turn.

The sidewall (or as Atomic is calling it, the firewall) also makes sure any movement, force, or energy you transmit into your ski will be used to give you more speed, power, and control.

Rocker Technology

The Atomic Vantage 100 skis also have a rocker tip and tail. A rockered ski (no matter if it’s a full rocker or just at the tip or tail) offers the rider more maneuverability.

The edges of the ski get less contact with the snow, so it makes it much easier to turn. The turns are also smoother than they would be if you were just working with a cambered ski.

The rocker technology also makes it easier to float on deep, soft snow (a.k.a. powder). The rocker was originally created for this very purpose.

The rocker will also make it much easier to slide on rails or just to do tricks in general. If you go to a ski park where they have a course set up and you want to try it out, the rocker will be your best friend.

Atomic Vantage 100 CTI Skis Review

The Positives

Crosses Over Soft and Hard Conditions

The Vantage 100 will allow you to work through most situations you’ll find out there on the slopes.

Whether you’re at a resort or out on your own on a mountain, the ski will get you through the easiest or toughest conditions. They will work on-trail or off, and on the softest or most compacted snow.

The Vantage 100 really lets you ski however and wherever you want. You can’t really ask for much more than that!

Easy Turns

The Vantage 100 is also easy to adjust while you’re skiing.

Don’t see the bunch of trees until you are right on them? You don’t have to worry; these skis will allow you to make quick turns and maneuver yourself wherever you want to go while still staying balanced and feeling stable.

These skis are super responsive, making it easy on turns, and allows you to practice your technical skills with ease.

You will live to ski another day and we’re sure the tree appreciates it as well!

Lighter

Multiple reviews for the Atomic Vantage 100 also state how light these skis are. At about 8.5 lbs. per pair, these are some of the lightest skis out there.

Nobody wants to feel weighed down when they are trying to have fun and fly down a slope.

They are made of a mixture of ash and poplar wood, Titanal (an aluminum alloy), and a carbon fiber mesh laminate that all work together to make these skis light, stable, and fast.

The lightness and the stability are the important things here. No one wants a light ski if they feel unbalanced and unstable with every move they make.

Also, if you have any injuries or problems with your legs, but are still able to ski, this will work especially well for you.

Need for Speed

If you tend to be like that of a racecar on the slopes, then these skis are geared more towards you. They’re made to perform and adapt to fast skiers who aren’t afraid to whip down trails.

You’ll benefit from these skis by taking them on faster trails, and while they work best with a lot of momentum, they’re still light enough to maneuver on slower trails with some effort.

Don’t be fooled by its lightweight build, these skis are still stiff enough to hold against fast speeds and love a skier with a heavier foot.

The Negatives

Experienced Skiers Only

While this isn’t really a negative, it should be noted that multiple users stated how this was a ski for someone more advanced.

It seems to perform the best when taken off-trail (or off-piste) and a newer skier will not feel comfortable doing that. The Vantage 100 also needs a skier who is prepared to take the reins.

These are not beginner skis that will guide you in the right direction; you have to already know how to control them. Sorry, newbies.

You Get What You Pay For

There were also a few comments that the skis looked a little worse for wear after a long day of use.

If you don’t care about aesthetics, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but if you ski a lot, you may want to look for a stronger pair.

These skis are on the cheaper side, so they may not last as long as a more expensive, high-end pair.

Hard Skiers Proceed with Caution

On that note, while these skis are totally suitable for more advanced skiers, ready to practice new skills or perfect their techniques, you really should be careful, especially when taking these off-piste.

They tend to be a little more fragile than competing skis, and while they’re always ready for speed, you’ll have to be careful to not push them too much.

Since these skis are lighter than most, they tend to get a little more banged around on rougher groomers, or bumpy trails. You’ll be more likely to feel the bumps and roughness on rocky slopes with these skis.

If you’re able to navigate these conditions easily, you won’t have to worry, but this is another reason why we don’t recommend these skis to beginner and novice skiers.

With these skis being more fragile, if you’re a heavier skier, there’s a chance you’ll bend or damage your skis, depending on how rough you handle the trails.

Could Be Damper

In addition to the above-mentioned point, don’t expect the ride to be overly smooth.

In addition to performing a little weaker on rougher trails, there were also a few complaints that the Vantage 100 could absorb more of the vibrations (be damper) that come with skiing.

When you’re paying this much money on anything, let alone skis, you want it to perform and do what it’s supposed to do.

Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you want the smoothest ride possible. The Vantage Pro provides some shock absorption, but, according to some reviews, not enough.

For a smoother ride with these skis, they’ll perform at their best when facing good conditions.

Here’s a video showing more details on the Atomic Vantage 100 CTI skis.

Overall Verdict

Factoring in all the positives and negatives, we would recommend the Atomic Vantage 100 CTI skis, but only for a more advanced skier.

Because these need some experience behind them to do what you want them to, and because they don’t absorb as much of the vibration as other skis might, the Vantage 100 CTI would not work well for a beginner.

But if you ski a lot and are looking for a versatile pair, these are definitely a top-notch choice that should see you through to enjoying the slopes.

>> Read our full guide to the best all mountain skis of 2018 

Where to Buy the Atomic Vantage 100 CTI Skis

The Atomic Vantage 100 CTI skis are impressing thanks to a reasonable price-tag and great performance, making it a popular choice amongst advanced and intermediate skiers.

It won’t be too hard to find these skis in-store and online, though it’s always best to check sporting stores and specialty shops.

Keep in mind that these skis are well-favored and are prone to being sold out, so you may have to shop around before finding your lucky pair.

To kick-start your search, check out the following online retailers.

• EVO (from $559)
• Powder 7 (from $559)
• Skiis & Biikes (from $639)

But of course, you can also find these skis on Amazon.

That’s all for our review on the Atomic Vantage 100 CTI Skis. Curious to give them a go?