Atomic Maverick 88Ti (2024) Ski Review
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- Опубликовано: 25 янв 2024
- Elliott Reviews the 2024 Atomic Maverick 88ti in a 176 length (2023 topsheet but same ski)
Affiliate Link To Purchase These Skis at EVO : www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Music By: Jeff Kaale (X I X X) Song: Pillow Talk
Hey Elliot, I have to hand it to you, everything you have said about these skis is spot on. I have seen you talk about them so much that I had to find out for myself so I got a pair. I spent the entire weekend last weekend putting these through the paces in all sorts of conditions at Vail. And again, everything that you have said about these is exactly what I experienced. These skis do make you work and you do have to ski the ski but the rewards are amazing. People complain about not being able to release the tails but I think it comes down to technique. If you are patient and ski it properly, this isn’t a problem at all. I was beyond impressed and enjoyed every minute on them! I will tell you that I have been an Armada Declivity driver since they came out. I have the 88 C’s, the 92Ti’s and the 102 Ti’s. In my opinion, there’s not a better ski out there than the 92’s but the Maverick 88 Ti’s are really close. The only difference being is I believe the Armada 92’s do a better job in the areas that the Mavericks are lacking. Other than that, I feel they are very similar and equal. I do appreciate that the Mavericks are better at enhancing good technique. But all in all, very similar. And just my two cents. If you could ever get a hold of the Armada’s in the 88’s or 92’s, I think you would feel the same. I look forward to that review and hearing your thoughts. Cheers!⛷️
Also skied the Maverick 88s at Vail and they were easily the most fun out of all the skies I tried. They were especially fun at Blue Sky Basin coming down Cloud9
Glad it was accurate! Have been trying to get my hands on some declivitys
I have the carbon version of these and HOOOLY are they fun. You are one of the main reasons I went out and bought this ski and I could not be happier. It really forces you to become a better skier. the carbons being so poppy and energetic makes them INSANELY fun to carve on! Love this review, thank you!!
Glad you are happy with your purchase! Hoping to try the carbon version myself
Conditions look super fun and beautiful, nice to see some ski tests on better than early season snow
Thanks!
I tried out a pair of these a few days ago in varied spring conditions. They were a lot of fun. It was easy to carve on hard snow and groomers; they were easy to ski in bumps and trees. They were a little squirrelly in heavy mashed potatoes, but I only ran into that on one short pitch.
Never seen a channel release more videos on a single ski 😂
Lol, wait until you see this ski for the 2025 review! haha
@@RicketySkiReviews i don’t know, I think the Nordica Enforcer gets more time here!!😅😊
It will be the same ski but they’ll add a 103, 105 and 115 I believe
I appreciate your honest reviews of both pros & cons. Sounds like a great all-round performer for a reasonable aggressive skier.
As a skier in my 70's, I've become a lazier skier than in my younger days. I'm liking skis that turn for me now-a-days.
Also, I'm in New England and as you well know, wet, sticky snow is prevalent. We get it in Spring, plus it seems warm spells are more prevalent during winter accompanied by rain. :(
Keep us posted as you find a good ski for mashed potatoes that won't work the skier to death!
Keep up the good work Elliot!
Totally! honestly between the stockli, volkl, and peak skis there are a few good sticky snow skis imo
Would you recommend these for northeast , intermediate skiier? @@RicketySkiReviews
Thanks!
Thanks for supporting the Channel Mickey!
I just ordered a pair from skipro for $399 based on you review. I recently went from a 2010 Kendo to Ripstick 96 and after about 10 days skiing them in a variety of conditions have decided the Ripstick's are not for me. I ski aggressively or my age (55), and loved the way the Kendo's performed on piste but the older I get the less energy I have to ski off piste all day. I switched to Ripstick's for their ease to ski but was let down in 2 areas. 1. Carving - they will hold and edge but don't carve as good as I hopping for. 2. Soft powder - I felt they took more work than my Kendo's in soft snow to keep the tips from nose diving. The Mavericks 88 Ti will be my 90% ski to duck in and out of groomers and I bit the bullet and also picked up a pair QST Blanks to cover the powder days.
Nice find!
I bought these based on the reviews. I got the Salomon Strive 14s - I REALLY like them. I’m 5’9” 180lbs. Probably should have gone for the 169- my ego drove me to the 176. After a warm day at Mammoth, the comment about being sticky in slush is right on- but that is not the norm. Loved everything thing about them! Thanks
Oh that's awesome! I love seeing comments like this, so glad you love them.
Thanks Elliott! 😀 Do you experience any rattling sounds with these at all / Is that noise just how wood skis sound on groomers? I think I hear a the sound on your skis too…🤔 I hear a little bit of sound from the skis when I ski my 2023 Atomic Maverick 88C on groomers. I love the way they ski, I now realize how good it feels to carve, but also they handled the 10-12” of powder we got last week! Your review helped me pull the trigger on these for a great price back in Sept! You da man Elliott!
It's just the snow conditions, we had some old crunchy snow underneath the softer snow, that and some of the corduroy.
Hi Elliot, I absolutely love your reviews and appreciate that you cut through the marketing crud to speak candidly about the positives and negatives of all gear. Out of curiosity, what base and side edge angles are you using on the 88Ti (and the QST 106)? Finally, because you value carving and have been reviewing a few 88s, I'd love to see you demo and review a Kastle MX88.
Will try if I can!
Any chance you could review anything from Stereo Skis? I've been intrigued seeing them in my local shop, especially their new narrow carving skis, but apart from a handful of SkiTalk forum posts which are now at least 2 years old, there's basically nothing to go on. Seems like they'd be similar to a Stockli with the rubber they're using in their construction, but there are hardly any comprehensive reviews, and even fewer direct comparisons to other skis that people might already be familiar with.
Really great to see this new Maverick 88Ti review. These might be the perfect fit between my powder skis and my narrow carving skis. Love the sound of a good carving ski that wants to be driven with good technique. The Fischer Ranger 90 still sounds intriguing, especially after how much fun I had on the Mirus Cor, so maybe the right call would be to have a ski that's more mellow than the skis already in my quiver. But I'd love to demo the Mavericks!
I just got back from Jackson Hole and spent a day demoing 10 different skis. They have a demo tent at the top of the Sweetwater Gondola with lots of different skis. Less than $90 to demo and switch out all day long. Snow was nothing special so why not demo. The control ski (comparison ski) I used was the Nordica Unleashed 98 (180cm). I tried the Maverick 95ti, and it was decent but was more playful than what I want for an all mountain groomer type ski. While I thought none of the skis I demoed were as precise at holding a clean edge throughtout the entire arc of my carving style as the Unleashed 98, I was surprised to find the Black Crows Camox was decent at carving yet still had a noticeable amount of playfulness. I also demoed the Blizzard Bonafide which is the stiffest all moountain ski I have ever skied. Wasn't much fun to ski using my 45 year old legs but would hold an edge quite well if you exerted a lot of leg energy.
Great review! thanks. How do they compare to the Head Kore 87 and the 93?
I demoed this ski and I felt like the bend/flex was kind of weird. It reminded me of the Head Kore skis where it's extremely rigid underfoot, and then a more flexible toward the front and back of the ski. So it makes sense that you really like that ski also. It wasn't a bad experience, and granted, the conditions were bad when I tried it, but I didn't love how that felt. I can see how it would be really great at initiating the turn and holding you in it with the way it flexed. I feel like I need to try it again in better conditions.
Totally. That makes sense
How does it do with firm moguls? when you want to smear through them with very low edge ange? with high speed gullies / creek beds where you sometimes need to slash to shed speed? playing with side hits? I won't ask about park or ski ballet use...
Have you tried the newer Kendo? I briefly tried the Mantra and it felt strong, but would sometimes pull me into smaller-radius turns than I intended to make when cruising, and may be too wide for East coast usage. My guess is that the Kendo would do the same, at a more manageable width out East. I primarily use Atomic Backland when I ski powder out West (mainly at Alta, UT), and I have some very old Volkl Tigersharks that I carve and speed with in the East (planning on replacing within a few seasons). I'm looking for a strong ski that can hit ~60mph without too much chatter, handle crud, manage ice, and will very rarely see powder. I do love the Backland which makes the Maverick sound appealing, but I am worried that their ability to cut through crud may not be to my liking. I tend to get knocked around a bit in occasional crud on the Backland and just slow down to compensate. I may have to demo both Kendo/Mavericks at some point to get a feel for them. Thanks for the great reviews!
I saw in one of Skiessentials videos that they thought this ski would work better for a lighter rider given its light weight.. I am an an advanced intermediate mostly east coast skier 200+ lbs and was considering this ski as a more approachable all mountain alternative to the Kendo.
I'm definitely not a lighter skier 230lbs and 6ft1". I love these ski's .
What length do you recommend for a 194cm tall 95kg intermediate rider (progressing) enjoying mostly carving on short and medium turns in Central Europe, where snow conditions are (I suppose) more like your East coast than West: 1-3 days a season of powder, otherwise groomed tracks that get ploughed and moguled by skiers by midday, leaving 60-70% of riding of most days in those conditions. Plus crud, slush and ice in the spring. I also want to do a little bit of off-piste.
Or maybe you'd recommend an entirely different ski?
Right now I am on Redster X9wb (176cm, 75mm underfoot) but it gets really tiring when the groomers get mashed-up, torn up and full of moguls on the steeper sections. Hence I'm thinking of exploring something wider - this, Nordica Steadfast 85DC, Dynastar M-Cross or something similar.
Giving the Mavericks another chance at Whistler in a couple weeks but going with the 95s. Saw screenshots of myself on the 88s from the side and I looked like I was sitting on a park bench... and wondered why I was thrown off at faster speeds. Will say these skis are more unforgiving of backseat skiing than any other. I also think trying to push further into the front and powering the carve harder on edge through crud might be the solution for getting through it. Tradeoffs to every ski, but these ones I really want to give another shot.
I love these reviews, bet I have found on RUclips. Any way you could review the rmu apostle 96? I have been looking at but it's hard to tell by if they are right for me.
I would love to if I can get my hands on it!
Looking for that lighter but really strong ski for me. 6'5" around 200 lbs. Versatility is key. Is this the one for me? Any information on the K2 Mindbender Ti89. I am a bit drawn between these two, but don't know if they really compare to each other. Any other suggestions for me than these two? I want good carving properties as well as some float in deeper snow. Thx.
I agree with lots of what you say about this ski. They were excellent in the moguls. On the same day I demod the declivity 92ti. I felt the declivity carved a nicer rounder turn, was better on hardpack and powder and was more damp. I like the declivity better overall
Agreed!
Declivity is the darkest of dark horses in the all mountain category.
Sold a pair of 1sr Gen Nordica Enforcers 100 (they do hold their value). And debating if I should replace them with something, as the main reason I sold them was didn't ski them much due to the 100mm area to me being a dead width zone. As on a powder day, I'm going to pick my Rossie Super 7 HD ( I think the 2nd gen of that ski), but even on a packed powder day I'd rather be on my 2021 Blizzard Brahma 82s than something 100mm underfoot (the Enforcers were good at crud though). That said 82mm to 114mm is a large gap, so have been thinking of getting something new. These seem interesting. Any thoughts on if this ski is different enough from a Brahma 82 to provide value to a quiver?
Hey Elliot, Coming of a pair of Nordica Enforcers 94s great ski just too heavy. So I want to try this ski and at 5'8 which size would you recommend 161 or 169. Just sold a pair of Ripsticks Black due to being too long and really did not blow me away with their performance. Thanks for your help....
What length would you generally recommend to a 6" 165 lbs advanced skier? 176?
I've spotted a pair of used Maverick 88s for sale in my area, and I don't know if I can stop myself from pulling the trigger...
Hi Elliott, just wondering if you know the weight difference with bindings, between your older vantage 90s ( my current ski, that i love😍 ) and the 88ti s Mavericks ? great review 😉
Vantages were my previous skis! Very similar almost identical, imo mavericks are everything I loved about the Vantages, plus 5-10% more pop in and out of turns.
Would like to see you review the Volkl Kendo 88s
Hoping to!
I ski in Sun Valley and have the Salomon QST 98 and 106. Would you recommend getting the Maverick 88 Ti and selling the QST 98 or keeping the 98?
great review; unfortunately i ski Sierra Cement and crusty windbuff 80% of the time and the Mindbenders might be more appropriate for me. Still, the good old vantage 90ti's were pretty good crud cutters and served me well.
I still have my vantage 100cti and they're amazing in soft snow
@@chadridsdale9970 YUP rented them once in snowbird, amazing ski!
Totally makes sense
I love my Maverick 88ti, but it was so miserable on the heavy powder the past weeks in Tahoe. It sank and had serious trouble trying to turn, and got bounced around quite a bit.
Gave up mid-day and demoed a Volkl Blaze 106, floated significantly better, but felt dull. LOL
Yeah those are very different widths, that totally tracks
Hi Elliot, nice reviews. how would these compare to atomic Q9.8? Can you compare? Can you test/review Atomic Q9.8 please. Thanks
That's so funny I'm editing this review right now. You should see it next week!
I just got a pair of 2023 Maverick 88 Ti at 176cm too (thanks to your reviews). Just wondering, where would you recommend mounting the bindings on these if I plan on doing 60% groomer (northeast)?
I run mine at factory recommended
@@RicketySkiReviews The factory recommended mounting point is -8.5 cm from center. Is that a little too far back? Do you notice any balance issues?
Elliott did you tune the skis differently than the factory tune? Do you do a .7 deg base angle and 2 deg side angle?
Great question, I don't mess with them any more I just leave them stock, but when I raced I ran a 3 degree with a .5 base. hope that's somewhat helpful.
When someone says a ski won't make the turn for me but can do it well, especially from an alpine ski racer perspective, I tend to think of skis like the liberty origin 96 or salomon qst 106. Neither pulls you into a turn but have plenty of grip and energy once you get into the turn by tipping the ski and putting pressure on it. Those skis will hold a straight line on a flat ski quite well. do you get the same experience with these?
uh kind of, I also love the Qst 106's so you're not far off the mark
Wow, I'm convinced. You tested the 176 cm, but how tall are you? Which one is best to take if you are 173 cm? 169 or 176?
I'm 6'1" but I like carving skis in the high 170's and powder skis in the 180s
Elliot, you mentioned skiing in the west in the video. How do you think these skis will perform in east coast ice/hard pack conditions? I’ve been using the Atomic Maverick 86C this season, but am looking for something that can carve on groomers a bit better. Do these skis fit the bill?
I reviewed the Vantage 90ti's on the east years ago and really liked them. So I would say these are a safe bet for the east and I love them for carving.
@@RicketySkiReviewsThank you, I appreciate it. Went ahead and bought a pair based on your video (plus the other one you had on these). Got the 2024 model for $350 since they had a big discount.
I like my 88 mavs. Very stable at high speed carving, med deep and crud. You have to really work hard in moguls because of the stiffness. I use stance 84 for mogul days.... So light and smears perfect through bumps
Hey Elliot, would you say that the Head Kore 93 is kinda like the maverick but has some crudcutting abilities while sacrificing the horizon tech ?
Yeah, and some different characteristics in the turn, but I do like them both quite alot.
@@RicketySkiReviews from the shape I get the feel that the Kore would be more catchy ?
A really good question to ask is what other skis in general have that same excellent and intuitive wide-angle turning style that the Mavs have but with a stronger tip... The only thing I wanted to change was to make that tip much stronger against the hard stuff. But then again if you did that you're taking away flotation capabilites. Feel like Mavs go more toward being WestCoast all-mountain and something like Kendo88 is more EastCoast. While I love the new Kendo88s so far that natural carving aspect of the Mavs was so much fun, and I got so disappointed when they couldn't stand-up to the hard stuff well because so much about them outshine other skis!
It’s sooo inspiring me thank you ! I tried these skis in so many conditions I tried them today on my last condition I wanted and I definitely will buy them now. ! I wanted to try them in an Icy day ! I’m so happy these skis are amazingly good 👍 very good review at 10:00 🕙
Rad Thanks!
I want to get these skis because my current skis don’t like spring slush (Rossignol React Ti, pure piste carver). As soon as there are slush bumps on the piste and they are to big to charge through, I have issues making shorter turns to navigate through these bumps. Would you recommend the Mavericks in this case? I‘m an intermediate/advanced skier and will mainly stay on the groomers with maybe some occasional off-piste runs (which the Rossignols don‘t like at all).
These struggle in the slush tbh, the kendo 88s do better
@@RicketySkiReviews Thank you for your answer!
I'd really like to know what you think of Blizzard Brahma 88, in relation to this ski and in general.
My wife skis Brahma's and loves them, I haven't been able to find any to demo though unfortunately. But first chance I get I definitely will. I liked the Rustler 10's.
@@RicketySkiReviews I ski in the east and they're awesome for most conditions. But also a lot of ski for me with two sheets of metal. Especially at my upper-intermediate skill level, they're too burly and stiff for playful off-piste days, and a little wide and long for truly icy days where I'd want a slalom ski, but they're still okay in those conditions. But I'm doing a trip to the rockies next week and I'm worried they'll be a handful when I venture into the soft snow off-piste without wanting to send it. Was thinking of renting a pair of less aggressive skis for the trip.
I tried the Enforcer and its a similar ski, but just kinda felt dead to me (albeit marginally more playful), whereas these felt more lively on both ends of the turn. I think the tail is stiffer. I haven't tried the Maverick but it was a similar option, I think.
Hi Elliot , The Atomic Maverick 88ti is a really good ski but the 23/24 season model has a small problem with the Ski edges in the Back of the Ski . Because the crack out of the back. My Atomic Maverick 88ti‘s will now be replaced from Atomic after 2Week‘s of use 😢 so I hope this problem will be solved and not be a major issue. So to all owners of the Atomic Maverick 88ti check the edges in the Back before the warranty is over.👍
Oh no, thanks for the tip
Idea to drum up some business. What about offering ski recommendations on Patreon? Hardtail party does well with that for hardtail bikes.
Great idea, I do that now in the for Channel Members, though I don't charge much tbf
Hi, I am 172 cm tall and I am looking at Atomic Maverick 95 TI 180cm. I got a good deal on them but I am wondering if they are a bit to long for me. What do you think? Thanks!
It depends a bit on personal taste and where you want to take them primarily. I have a whole video on sizing if you find it helpful: ruclips.net/video/7qVzuD3BHiw/видео.htmlsi=avLU1eIGA2surBL9
Thanks for watching!
Do you think these could hold their own in the park?
idk about the park, but you can see the full review with zach doing a small amount of park here: ruclips.net/video/JjtSLtniAbA/видео.htmlsi=Gy9FjlUx7zXWGaV5
Are these ok for a beginner on the easier side of blues?
I would say they're probably better suited for intermediate and above, just because they are a bit on the stiffer side. Thanks for watching and contributing to the channel!
@@RicketySkiReviews you're right, I demod the mavens in carbon fiber and hated them, lol
Wich length should i take I am 1m74. Should i buy 69 or 76?
I only make those recommendations for members, but I have a whole video on sizing here: ruclips.net/video/7qVzuD3BHiw/видео.htmlsi=Q_1EKbN2lv7SioAy
I give you credit.. You are doing a lot more skiing than I am..
When there are a couple inches of snow on the groomers is that considered going off piste?
I wanted to try the 95 TI... If I do try the 88 TI I should also ski on my Stormrider 88s to compare..
Maverick 88 vs 95 ?
I talk about it quite a bit here: ruclips.net/video/JjtSLtniAbA/видео.htmlsi=1DCHre4U0vflPLc2
hope this helps
Thank you ! Is the 95 softer and easier to ride in groomers than the 88 ? For an intermediate skier.
Who is using 88 underfoot skis and looking for powder erformance.
East Coast skiiers like me. I bought the mindbenders 89ti recently. Similar ski. The 86-90 range is our one ski quiver. On the occasional pow day we like to be able to feel comfortable on any day rather than sitting on the usual mid 70 range underfoots on carvers.
@@isaacreicin4836 I ski on the east coast and my daily is 102 underfoot. I own an 88 underfoot kendo which I would never take out if there's any fresh snow. Just a difference in preference I guess
@@LilGoo oh very interesting. I'm a very lean guy. 6 foot 130. So what I get out of an 88 a havier person will get out of a 100. That also plays a big part. My powder skis are 100. Widest I would use is a 108 for my weight.
@@isaacreicin4836I weigh between 125-140 depending on the time of the year and I am a lot shorter than you. 110 has good float for me and is my widest. I think its probably just different styles of skiing and what not haha
Wasn't expecting it, but happily surprised by their performance in smaller amounts of Idaho powder.
Great videos!! However, i feel like your framing when doing talking head is too close and/or an unbalanced frame. Chin at bottom of frame, space wide but not above and below. Also, your saturation on your thumbnails I think looks dated / washed and you loose the modern look of definition. Just my opinion, each to their own.
Yes totally, my primary lense was having issues so I swapped in a spare and it's definitely an uncomfortable angle, got the primary fixed and it should be back in action with tomorrow's review of the Stockli Stormrider.
I took your advice and bot the Atomic Mavericks. Fortunately they were on sale (last years). I am very disappointed with them. I was questioning my Nordic enforcers which you believe are over hyped. I am surprised about your recommendation since you have a racing background and experienced like myself.
I am now in my mid fifties and not in top ski shape so it does require effort to ski the enforcer as at is a heavy and stiff ski. Not for an intermediate or less skier.
But the atomic is so flappy. While the enforcer can cut thru all types of snow and there is nothing like it for crud or hard pack.
Sad to see Nordica is falling for the mainstream in their new design next year.
I appreciate your independent and comprehensive reviews.
I would recommend all experienced skiers to test the atomics first / actually smart to test any new Ski first as we all have our own personal preference.
That's a bummer, definitely a big fan of always trying skis if you can. In the reviews I also tried to explain that they really struggle in crud, but hopefully you can sell them and get something else you like better.