2022 Atomic Maverick 88 Ti

We have loved what we’ve seen from the new Maverick line from Atomic, and this 88 Ti is no exception. As the narrowest of the Ti versions, the 88 has the least rocker and the most torsional stiffness to optimize carving power and precision. And it works. Built with a poplar wood core and two sheets of metal, the Maverick 88 Ti is all there when it comes to stiffness and strength. Adding to the quickness and maneuverability, Atomic uses their Duracap construction, basically utilizing a vertical sidewall for about the middle 75 percent of the ski and cap in the tips and tails. For a ski this stiff, it’s an interesting way to go, but it makes sense for skiers who are looking to less of that race feel and more of that freeride personality. As it follows suit with the wider 95 and 100 Ti versions of the ski, the 88 likely benefits the least from this technology, but don’t let that fool you, it’s still a rugged performer that loves to be pushed though the corners. One of the main differences between this 88 and the wider brethren is the sizing. These top out at 184 versus the 188’s of the wider models, so there seems to be more of a front-side emphasis and a composed carving character. Our testers loved the quickness and agility of these skis, noting their stiffness and precision as pretty consistent high points.

Brad Schauerman skied the 176 and noted the sizing was good for him. He scored the Maverick 88 Ti 4’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, versatility, and overall impression. All other scores were 3’s, and these consistently high 4’s are indicative of a well-rounded ski that’s capable of a high-performance level. A 3 for flotation is not surprising with this ski, given the width and stiffness. Brad notes about the Maverick that it is a “good skinny waisted all-mountain ski. Fun on and off trail. Holds a nice edge at speed but also makes nice small turns. Does well on groomers and in bumps and a variety of snow conditions. Very versatile ski.” Like the older Vantage 90, these Maverick 88’s are very quick from edge to edge.

On the 184, both Bob St.Pierre and Sam Freund both found the power and stability that these Mavericks are supposed to deliver. Bob scored the ski 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge grip, stability, and overall impression. 4’s were given for flotation and versatility, while a lowly 3 was given for forgiveness. “As these are stiff and stable skis, they’re not terribly forgiving, so you do have to stay on top of them in order to get the most performance. But when you stand on the edge and let it eat, these things totally rip. A lot more stable and carvy than the outgoing Vantage 90, skiers looking for that Kendo and Brahma performance will find the Maverick a lot more competitive with these skis as a whole. A very impressive 88, and I think this build works very well in this shape.” Sam Freund was also very impressed with his 184, which he found to be a good length. Sam scored 5’s out 5 for stability and overall impression, with the rest of the scores garnering all 4’s. Sam notes about the Maverick that “if the Bent Chetler and the vantage had a baby, this is it. Way more playful than expected, and more stable at speed. Super versatile all mountain ski, and would be an amazing new England, one ski quiver option. Very impressed.”

These all-new Maverick 88 Ti’s are ready to take all-mountain carving performance to the next level. While they don’t share the full-on sidewall build of a Brahma, they are certainly no less burly. Skiers looking for a lighter version, with a bit more flotation will gravitate to a Maverick, and be very happy about it.