2023 Atomic Redster S9 Revo

For a short-turning experience with a race like feel, look no further than the 2023 Atomic Redster S9 Revo. These skis are built much like the race-room skis, but friendlier shapes for better accessibility. Atomic uses their Power wood core in this ski and pairs it with dual-metal laminate. In addition, Revoshock with four floating steel plates keeps the vibrations to a minimum and the performance to a maximum. The harder Ultrawall sidewalls add even more grip to the mix, as if that was needed, especially given the 68-mm underfoot width. Still a bit wider than a race-room slalom ski, the S9 holds a special place in the hearts of former racers and expert skiers who are looking to make the most out of their carving days. In the 165, the skis produce a 12.5-meter turn radius, which is right in line with the real-deal slalom skis, only just a bit more accessible due to the width. It’s always interesting talking about a ski being wide at 68-mm underfoot, but that’s what we’re dealing with these days. Like any good race ski, the S9 also has full camber to the profile, giving it an excellent edge grip from tip to tail, allowing skiers to rocket into and out of turns.

Michael Rooney brings his considerable alpine and racing background to the test, offering a unique perspective on expert skis like the S9. He skied the 165 and noted that it felt just right. For scores, Michael gave the S9 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, and stability. Torsional stiffness and edge hold got 4’s, showing that the build and the shape make for a grippy ski. “This ski is a very strong carving ski. It does sharp turns well with its 12.5 turning radius and still very solid for those wide across the hill turns. It will go straight when you want to get somewhere fast.” Also on the 165, Andrew McNeill scored it 5’s for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge grip with 4’s for quickness, maneuverability, and overall impression. Andrew notes that the ski is “Great railing on edges. Not forgiving in skidded turns.” That’s kind of the nature of these ultimate carving skis, is that they lack forgiveness and user-friendliness for sure.

Greg Petrics is really the skier we want to see and hear from on the Redster S9. He’s got an extensive race background and is one of the most accomplished carvers that we have in Stowe. We see 5’s out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge grip, quickness, and maneuverability. Overall impression and stability got 4’s, and those high scores are bookended by a 1 for flotation, and 2’s for forgiveness and versatility. Greg notes that “The personality of this ski is that of a FIS slalom ski that has been toned down a few notches. The strength of this ski is the ability to rail short radius relatively slow turns on hard pack. The weaknesses start to become clear as soon as you go off the firm stuff and/or go too fast. I easily beat the speed limit on these skis on all but the flattest terrain. This would be a great ski when you plan to ski greens and blues and rail turns working on your balance, but I found that it let me down a bit at speed and on steeper terrain.” Perhaps the longer length would have added a bit of stability on those steeper pitches.

If you’re looking for true slalom performance and edge grip for days, look no further than the 2023 Atomic Redster S9 Revo. These things are sharp, agile, and precise for expert skiers and former racers who are looking to make some of the cleanest and roundest turns on the planet.