2023 Atomic Bent 100

With a new graphic and a reduced name for 2023, the Bent 100 continues the tradition of being one of the most fun and well-rounded skis on the planet. The skis have returned structurally the same, and that’s great news for skiers who have loved this version in the past, but want more of a stylistic update. Built with a poplar wood core, the skis get Atomic’s HRZN tips and tails for flotation. By bowing out the ends of the skis, Atomic is able to increase surface area without increasing width. The ski’s 129.5-mm tip shape remains intact, and pairs well with the 120 mm tail. When you factor in the 100 mm waist width, the skis still generate a 19.5-meter turn radius in the 180 cm length. In the same length, the skis also tip the scales at 1700 grams per ski, which is pretty light given the overall volume of the ski. Profiled with Atomic’s Powder rocker, the Bent 100 has 70% underfoot camber to go along with 20% tip rocker and 10% in the tail. This gives the 100 more of an effective edge versus the wider 110 and 120, but right in line with the narrower cousin, the new Bent 90. From steeps and trees to bumps and pow, the Bent 100 continues to be a benchmark ski when it comes to all-mountain and freeride fun.

As a proud owner of the 188 Bent 100, Bob St.Pierre loves the length and notes it skis true to size. He scored it 5 out of 5 for playfulness, with 4’s for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, quickness, maneuverability, stability, and flotation. He gave low scores of 3 for torsional stiffness and edge hold, but a very high spread of scores overall. Bob calls it a “Really fun and versatile ski for a wide variety of conditions, terrain, and skier types. I own one from a few years back and use it as a utility ski--great for woods and bumps and skiing with kids, but also can rip some turns on more advanced terrain. Highly useful, playful, and complete. Lots to like here.” Nick Wright was also on the 188, noting that it is just right and exactly the size he’d like. Nick gave it 5’s out of 5 for versatility, quickness, and maneuverability, and 4’s for the rest of the scorecard. Nick notes that the Bent 100 is “Loads of fun and a surprising amount of stability in a ski that is so well known for being the king of the playground. Held amazingly well at HIGH speed while still reminding me to slow down and take the side hit! Definitely best for advanced skiers who know what they want (if what they want is a little bit of everything)!”

Ryan Darlow found a 172 to try out, and noted that it skis a little short. He gave it 5’s out of 5 for flotation, quickness, and maneuverability, and 4’s for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, and playfulness. We see lowly 2’s for torsional stiffness and edge hold, and that’s not too surprising given the flex of the ski. Ryan’s take is that the Bent 100 is “Super playful and nimble and can make short radius turns very easily. It was very fun in the air and in moguls. Can't hold onto its turn shape at speed and lacks the power and stiffness to perform in those fast large radius turns. Overall, a fantastic trees and moguls frontside ski that may be a great option for touring in a limited setting. Bumping back up to the 180, Connor Gorham pens a note: “Dear Atomic, 2 days in a row you went ahead and totally redeemed yourself! Bent 85 was on the list, but went 100 with the softening sugar. The extra tab of butter was so worth it in order to smooth out that tater mash. It allowed me to get edge to edge, but quacked like a duck when doing so. Not sure if the 85 would have been better or if I need another 25 lbs of weight to keep ‘em quiet. Sent the bent like a rocket off some knuckles with fun reaction and ability to explore more! Yours pleasantly, CG.” Always great to hear what Connor has to say about skis.

Continuing the trend of making amazingly playful and fun freeride skis, Atomic still has a winner in the Bent 100. Its scope of use is just off the charts, and the range of skier is very impressive. It comes from short to long, so anyone from a tweener looking to get off the beaten path all the way to accomplished expert freeriders will find something to like about the Bent 100. That’s the broad and universal appeal, and a huge reason why this ski is so successful year after year.