2027 Atomic Maven 94 CTI

For 2027, the Atomic Maven 94 CTi gets a graphic refresh but returns otherwise unchanged. The Atomic Maven 94 CTi is a fantastic choice for advanced and expert skiers looking for light weight versatility, energy, and smooth power. By using a strong build in the wood core and a mix of metal and carbon, this mid-90's electric ski is an awesome choice for all-mountain skiing. There’s a lot of pep and zest here, allowing skiers to get a lot of rebound to go along with smooth-turning and powder floating. We’ve talked for years about skis in the mid-90's as being ideally suited to mix terrain and snow conditions, and this Maven 94 CTi is a prime example of how this shape leads to fun and inspiring performance in an all-mountain format. Whether you're only skiing groomers or looking to be more adventurous, the Maven 94 CTi is a fantastic option.

Atomic uses a good deal of sophistication and engineering in the construction here to achieve a specific balance. The wood core consists of poplar and ash, making it feel smooth and powerful without a huge amount of weight. The poplar is great for keeping it light while the ash has been more reserved for race-room skis, and that makes it feel like a more comprehensive ski overall, even without full metal laminates. Underfoot, we get a titanal layer and the core uses carbon stringers for energy. The zip is all there due to the carbon while the metal takes the chatter out. Tester Mar Kuhnel notes: "I always love this ski, it feels extremely stable and holds a great edge for how wide it is, I was super happy to have the metal as conditions were quite firm today. The 172 felt shorter than I remembered, making the ski feel overall very maneuverable. This is probably best for advancing intermediate to expert skiers; it does require a bit of effort to really drive it, but it’s also pretty accommodating if you mess up."

Skis in the mid-90's are highly useful overall, and this one is no different. In terms of shape and profile, the skis are quite moderate. This is a good thing in terms of versatility and well-roundedness. That shape does factor in, and when the HRZN Tech in the tips lights up, it certainly helps to keep the tip of the ski above the snow level. While the skis don’t have as much rocker as the wider 103, they have enough for ski areas with low snow totals. Tester Kristi Brown Lovell states that "The Maven was a quick whippersnapper that surprised me with its performance range. The strong shovel and tail make it a reliable choice as a terrain charger. Great east coast beast of the ice coast pleaser. The Maven is a great ski for hard pack, groomers and early season cruising! I was impressed how well it held late afternoon conditions with ice and variable snow."

Here in Vermont, a 94 mm underfoot ski with some metal and carbon makes a lot of sense. Great in the bumps and trees, the Maven 94 CTi also holds its own on the groomers. This is a fun carving ski, and while it won’t quite feel the same as something with multiple-metal laminates, it does have a lot of energy due to the carbon. Like most skis that fall into the mid 90’s, they don’t necessarily do one thing particularly well, rather leaning more to the well-roundedness as the prime target for potential audiences in the advanced realms. Our testers loved the agility and mobility of the skis, making them easy to use on the groomers and beyond.