The Atomic Cloud Q14 is a race-inspired, high-end frontside carver that stands out among the rest, thanks to the innovative technology used by Atomic for the purpose of achieving top tier performance. With a Flite wood core providing a lighter material for maneuverability, female skiers will find this ski more approachable than the stiffer, heavier race skis seen on the market. What really makes this ski unique is the use of Revoshock, a technology that uses four steel plates that are positioned inside an elastic polymer that allows them to float and flex with the direction of the ski. Similar to an elastic band, when you flex the ski, the steel plates fight to return to their original form, ultimately keeping the ski stable and in check regardless of conditions. Add in the two sheets of metal and you receive the dampening properties as well as additional stability and power. A true carving machine with reliable build and profile, advanced female skiers who want a strong ski that can be commanded, the Atomic Cloud Q14 can handle it.
ROCKER PROFILE
Camber
CORE MATERIALS
Dura Cap Sidewall
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers, All Mountain
Brooke Mars skied a 160 and though she considered it short, she really liked the length for herself! With a mixed bag of scores, with a 3 for overall impression, she found it performed its best in terms of quickness and maneuverability, awarding that category a 5 out of 5. A lowly 2 for flotation, which makes sense given the 75 mm waist width, she did give 4’s for stability, playfulness, and torsional stiffness. Her takeaway was “This ski is great for short quick turns. Did very well on corduroy and especially in the sugary snow. I enjoyed making longer turns on the lower angle pitches. I tended to lose my edges on steeper pitches trying to carve out longer turns. This ski wants to go fast and wants you to succeed.” What a great way to put it, these Cloud Q14s want you to succeed and what’s better than that?
Kristi Brown tested a pair of 160s as well and found that they were a tad short which in turn decreased their ability to overpower. Her scores were quite the opposite of Brooke’s with mostly all 5’s out of 5 in every category with the exception a 4 for flotation. This speaks volumes given Kristi’s background, with a 5 for overall impression and her general thoughts being “Do not judge a ski by its cover. As I had no idea what to expect as the shape looked like a throwback to early carver skis. And that’s just what the cloud is ~ bringing the carve back to frontside skiing! The cloud q is the moneypenny front side secret agent. Low profile unexpecting secret service at your disposal. So nice after to see the pendulum swing back from wide skis to more shape carvers ~ now skiers might learn to actually carve a turn not just slide into one!” A strong impression was made here, clearly, pointing out the return of frontside carvers and their ability to enhance technique and performance!
The Atomic Cloud Q14 will appeal to intermediate to advanced frontside seeking, carve hungry, ripping female skiers with a need for precision and control. Take your technique to the next level and enjoy the composure and strength from this powerful yet graceful ski.
