Binding position for Atomic backland 109

I'd go rec

I've just been touring on them, but I have them mounted at -5 cm from true center, so around +4 from recommended. I like them here, but I wouldn't necessarily say that they feel more stable at high speeds at this mount point.

I think it comes down to how you normally ski. If you tend to drive your shovels more, I'd go closer to the recommended point — you'll have more ski to push into, and I think that being able to drive the shovels often helps in difficult conditions as you can drive the tips more and keep them from getting knocked around so much (especially with lighter skis like the Backland).

However, if you normally ski with a more centered stance, then I'd consider bumping the bindings forward as it'll feel more natural. I prefer this style, especially since I'm touring on the ski and don't really need maximum crud / chop performance.

Overall, I didn't find the ski to feel super sensitive to mount point, so if you're normally on skis with mount points from -6 to center, I'd probably bump the bindings forward of recommended as I've found the ski to feel fine there. But if you've been skiing stuff with further back mount points, then recommended is probably the way to go. That help at all?

I also find that our recommended line on the Backland 109 and 117 is a little too far back. I've mounted my pairs at +2cm, +1.5cm, and +1cm (all from recommended) over the years on various models/constructions and found this worked super well for my 100% directional skiing style.

I also always place the toe piece, boot, and heel piece on the ski at the various mounting points and just see how it looks. I find this trick to be helpful too.

I'm on the east coast so I ski the 102's, and I have those at +3 from rec and they ski really well. The above suggestions are right on, just make sure you don't get them in too short a length especially since you're out west.