REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Skis decently in boot-top powder
REASONS TO AVOID
Unpredictable flex pattern
Doesn’t feel sturdy
Nor does it feel playful
Atomic Maven 94 CTI Review
Light and manageable in a small amount of soft snow, but held back by an inconsistent flex pattern that limits stability and fun
Even though the Atomic Maven 94 CTI stands up as one of the top all-mountain skis available, it doesn't hold a candle to the competition.
Credit: Marc Rotse
By Renee McCormack ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 14, 2025
RELATED: The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women
Our Verdict
The Atomic Maven 94 CTI is lightweight and manageable in the right conditions, but its inconsistent flex pattern and awkward tip design make it unpredictable across most terrain. While it offers some flotation in a few inches of soft snow, it struggles on firm surfaces, dives easily in deeper powder, and lacks the stability and playfulness that inspire confidence. Our testers remembered the last iteration of the Atomic Maven they tested as a super-friendly intermediate ski. This new version doesn't quite hit the mark. It is neither a true “maven” (an expert) nor an intuitive tool for those gaining confidence in the sport. It's ultimately more frustrating than fun when pushed beyond mellow terrain.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Atomic Maven 94 CTI | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best All Mountain Ski for Women (under 100 mm) | Best All Mountain Ski for Women (over 100 mm) |  Most Playful All-Mountain Ski for Women |  Our Choice for Intermediates | |
| Price | $900 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $800 List Check Price at REI | $899 List Check Price at Backcountry | $800 List Check Price at REI | $750 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Light and manageable in a small amount of soft snow, but held back by an inconsistent flex pattern that limits stability and fun | A true all-mountain powerhouse, this ski transitions seamlessly between all types of snow conditions, terrain, and turn shapes | An excellent choice for any skier looking for a one-ski quiver, especially if you spend more time in soft snow | A polished, versatile all-mountain ski that is exceptionally fun for any level skier | A playful, confidence-building ski best for intermediates to advanced skiers who prioritize fun and versatility over high-speed stability |
| Rating Categories | Atomic Maven 94 CTI | Nordica Santa Ana 97 | blackcrows Atris Birdie | Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Elan Ripstick 94 W |
| Stability at Speed (20%) | |||||
| Carving Ability (20%) | |||||
| Powder Performance (20%) | |||||
| Crud Performance (20%) | |||||
| Terrain Playfulness (15%) | |||||
| Bumps (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Atomic Maven 94 CTI | Nordica Santa Ana 97 | blackcrows Atris Birdie | Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Elan Ripstick 94 W |
| Length Tested | 172 cm | 173 cm | 172 cm | 170 cm | 175 cm |
| Waist Width | 94 mm | 97 mm | 105 mm | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) | 127-94-113 mm | 129-97-117 mm | 134-105-122 mm | 132.5-94-114.5 mm | 129-94-109 mm |
| Turn Radius | 17 m | 17.5 m | 19 m | 15.5 m | 16.8 m |
| Available Lengths | 151, 168, 165, 172 cm | 150, 155, 161, 167, 173, 179 cm | 166, 172, 178 cm | 152, 158, 164, 170, 176 cm | 147, 154, 161, 168, 175 cm |
| Camber Profile | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Rocker tip, camber underfoot, mild tail rocker | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Amphibio Rocker tip, camber underfoot, tail rocker |
| Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair | 7.2 lbs | 8.8 lbs | 7.8 lbs | 8.1 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Core Material | HRZN 3D wood-reinforced tip, Power Woodcore (ash and poplar), and CTI (carbon and titanal) | Performance wood, terrain-specific metal, Pulse Core | Poplar and fiberglass | TrueBlend All Mountain Woodcore (beech and poplar), titinal | TubeLite Woodcore with carbon tubes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The “CTI” in the Maven 94 CTI's name is an acronym for the combination of carbon and titanal they incorporate in the construction. Paired with their blended Power Woodcore, which is a mix of poplar and ash, the technology is supposed to improve stability.
Performance Comparison
Our testers found the tips to be a bit gooey on the Maven 94 CTI, and the flex and rebound to be a little unpredictable. Credit: Renee McCormack
Stability at Speed
At speed, the Maven 94 CTI never really inspires confidence. The large rectangular tips flap even at medium speeds, and on firm snow, they grip and release in a way that feels frantic and unsettling. Edge hold is inconsistent, chatter creeps in quickly, and the odd flex pattern makes this ski feel unstable when you try to push its limits.
The Maven's tips are particularly flappy, which makes it hard to feel confident about pushing your speed limits. Credit: Marc Rotse
Carving Ability
The Maven 94 CTI's carving performance is underwhelming. While the ski can handle medium-radius turns in softer snow, initiating and holding an edge takes effort. The unusual flex pattern makes the ski feel frenetic and unpredictable on firmer surfaces. Rebound is minimal, so even when it locks into a carve, it lacks the energy to spring into the next turn.
The slightly unpredictable flex makes carving more of a challenge than it should be. Credit: Marc Rotse
Powder Performance
In softer snow, the Maven 94 CTI offers just enough float and pivot to maneuver in boot-top powder without constant struggle. Anything beyond that depth, the tips start to dive, and the ski feels short and demanding. It can keep you on top in mellow conditions, but anything deeper quickly exposes its limitations.
The downhill tip is starting to get caught up in just several inches of spring slush. Credit: Marc Rotse
Crud Performance
The lightweight construction and oversized tips on the Maven 94 CTI are prone to knocking around in uneven snow, resulting in a bouncy, unsettled ride. The ski lacks both the stiffness to power through and the dampness to absorb variations, making it tiring and unreliable in rougher terrain.
The Maven 94 CTI can be a bumpy ride, especially in the springtime when refrozen snow is dominant in the mornings. Credit: Marc Rotse
Terrain Playfulness
Despite being lightweight and easy to pop off the snow, the Maven 94 CTI isn't much fun. The unpredictable flex pattern makes landings sketchy, transitions lack rebound between carves, and finding a centered, balanced stance feels like constant work. As a result, it's more frustrating than lively.
Easy to get airborne, it's the landings that our testers didn't love on this ski due to the unpredictable flex and lack of stability. Credit: Marc Rotse
Bumps
Moguls highlight the ski's awkwardness. The Maven 94 CTI's rectangular tips feel bulky – it skis longer than its length, and the uneven flex pattern makes it hard to stay in rhythm. Rather than nimble and maneuverable, it feels clunky and resistant to quick, responsive movements.
The big rectangular tips regularly pushed our testers off course while skiing moguls and in crud. Credit: Marc Rotse
Should You Buy the Atomic Maven 94 CTI?
If you're looking for a reliable daily driver, this probably isn't it. While the Maven 94 C Ti is lightweight and manageable in small amounts of soft snow, its unpredictable flex, lack of stability, and clunky tip design make it tough to recommend. Confident skiers will likely find it frustrating, while intermediates may struggle to trust it in variable or firm conditions. We feel it is important to point out, however, that we only ever select the best of the best all-mountain skis to compare against one another. All our reviews are relative. The Maven 94 CTI is not a bad ski; it simply doesn't hold up against its very strong competitors.
What Other Women's All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?
If you're after something lightweight but far more reliable, the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 stands out for its playfulness. For consistent all-mountain versatility, the Nordica Santa Ana 97 is a great choice if you spend more time on piste, while the Black Crows Atris Birdie shines for skiers leaning toward off-piste skiing. If you're an intermediate looking for an approachable and budget-friendly option, the Elan Ripstick 94 W delivers.
—Renee McCormack
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