2025 Atomic Maven 86 C

The 2025 season welcomes back the Atomic Maven 86 C and skiers who value frontside carving capabilities with lightweight responsiveness will be happy to know the versatile all-mountain ski is unchanged aside from new graphics. As the narrower of the two Maven C options, the 86 is intended for on-piste terrain but with such a versatile mid-80s waist width, this ski is far from limited. Part build, part shape, the overall approach to this ski strikes a great balance between carving performance and off-piste maneuverability. Perfect for intermediate level skiers looking to enhance their skills, the Maven 86 C combines quickness with precision for all-mountain terrain.

With an almost identical construction approach as the Maven 86, the C model incorporates a carbon backbone, which does not affect the weight surprisingly but adds an ideal level of stiffness and energy. Running the length of the ski, the carbon stringers reinforce Atomic’s O’matic Core, which incorporates poplar wood and two triaxial fiberglass laminates. This strategic blend of materials accomplishes a solid foundation that delivers exceptional on-trail carving performance, as well as an impressively low swing weight. The level of energy and pop is what stands out the most here and those who like to ski at a slower pace will love the quick feedback and predictable nature. The weight is worth noting here too, with the Maven 86 C coming in at 1450 grams in the 169 cm length. As an all-mountain ski with comparable performance to a metal laminate ski, this is a great choice for less aggressive skiers who want quickness and stability in one.

For the shape, we’re getting a heavier focus on frontside performance but Atomic still placed an emphasis on all-mountain capabilities. Narrow enough for precise carving with enough width and tip splay for soft snow conditions, it achieves a lot in a very well-rounded package. With 15% tip rocker, 75% camber, and 10% tail rocker, this profile lends itself to a variety of terrain and conditions. The moderate amount of camber is indicative of a long effective edge, which emphasizes on-trail capabilities while the amount of tip splay proves its ability to venture off-piste. For Alison Kaminer, her time on the Maven 86 C proved its versatility, finding it to perform well in “light fluffier snow, groomers and some easy bumps.” With a 16.9-meter turn radius in the 169 cm length, this falls into the middle ground as far as turn shapes and styles. Certainly capable of making precise and agile turns, longer, wider turns are an option as well.

The Atomic Maven 86 C is a versatile, lightweight, precise all-mountain ski with the ideal waist width for sharp turns and strong carving, as well as quick edge to edge off-piste. For progressing intermediates looking for a daily driver, one that is predictable and reliable, this ski can tackle most terrain with confidence and will build technique for those seeking to step it up a notch.