ATOMICREDSTER X9

For the 2025/26 season, Atomic presents a refreshed Redster X9 S – a model which, as you may remember, was one of the original blueprints for this fascinating category back when it was still called the Redster DD XT. The skis have received subtly revised geometry, a different construction and new plates. Comments included: “Phenomenal confidence through the turns and astonishing edge grip. They do exactly what I want. Very dynamic at the end of the arc. An absolute blast!” Another tester wrote: “They grip superbly on steep, hard sections and can be skied at high speed. It is easy both to tighten and to lengthen the arc. Fabulous! Dynamic and good-looking.” We also heard: “Secure grip and excellent rebound at the end of every turn. Very enjoyable, unmistakably sporty skis that you can trust and charge on at full tilt.” This was followed by: “Extremely springy skis. Dynamic and lightning-fast from edge to edge. They deliver a huge amount of satisfaction.” Another tester added: “They track arcs of different radii beautifully and do so with virtually no effort. They tighten the turn elegantly, although they do require an active initiation.” Then came: “Atomic knows how to make excellent skis. Very dynamic and quick from turn to turn. A huge pleasure to ski – you can feel their energy. Fairly stable too, although at high speed on an uneven piste they begin to shake slightly.” We also heard: “No surprise here – simply sound, well-made skis. I have the impression that the section from the bindings to the tips is too long, so they are not especially quick to initiate a carved turn.” And: “I expected a more active turn initiation. They do not demand much strength and would suit even an intermediate skier.”

The new Redster X9, this time in the RS version – the results for the S version can be found in the Cross-Turn category – comes with a new Icon race plate and matching bindings. It made a tremendous impression on our testers. It finished second on points, and we are still wondering why Atomic entered it in the VIP category rather than among the race-inspired hybrids. Comments included: “My number one, even though I skied it at the end of the day when I was already tired. Wonderfully friendly, quick and precise. Skiing them is a genuine pleasure, and they let you experiment with short, medium and long carved arcs.” Another tester wrote: “Excellent race-inspired hybrids. They grip like hell and initiate turns easily. Stable at high speed. They demand strength, but return everything you put into them. Warning: they produce an ear-to-ear grin.” This was followed by: “Wonderful skis! Light, easy and enjoyable. They initiate carved turns with great ease and track them superbly. At the same time, they work perfectly for instructor-style skiing and skidded turns. Dynamic skis with an exceptionally versatile turn radius – ideal for play and free skiing.”