ATOMICREDSTER Q9

A familiar and highly regarded ski – and one of Atomic’s best-selling models. Our testers agreed both on its quality and on the fact that it is better suited to more advanced skiers. On points, it finished a whisker off the podium. Comments included: “Very friendly, yet highly dynamic in short turns. Enjoyable in both shorter and longer carved arcs. They grip as if on rails and inspire tremendous confidence. You can trust them and charge as hard as you like on groomed, hard pistes. My number one in the group.” Another tester wrote: “Even their appearance inspires confidence and trust. Nothing on piste can knock them off balance. Medium and longer arcs suit them best, although you can force them into shorter turns with considerable input. They offer plenty of rebound and deliver it predictably. Exceptionally versatile skis with a sporting character.” We also heard: “Powerful and fairly stiff skis with one of the shortest radii in the category. Easy turn initiation is a major strength. When running straight, they hunt for an edge. Once loaded, they tighten the arc freely and grip fantastically. Pleasant in short turns, although not as smooth as skis with a longer radius. They slice through piles without losing the chosen line.” This was followed by: “They reveal their strengths on hard and extremely hard snow. The stiffness makes them less versatile across changing conditions. In soft snow, forcing them into short turns requires serious effort. Intended for well-groomed pistes.”