Light, fun, and incredibly easy to use, the 2024 Atomic Bent 90 features the same build and shape as last year’s model, but with new artwork from designer and skier Chris Bentchetler. When this ski was released for 2023, adding a smaller footprint to the 100, skiers who wanted that style of ski were rewarded with a quicker, more versatile option for lower snow areas. We’ve all loved the 100 for years, but it was slightly on the wide side, especially for us New England skiers. The 90 answered that call, bringing modern freeride skiing to a wider audience. This came at a great time for Atomic, as they were able to leave their 100 and 120 mm models alone while adding a 90 and a 110. The 85 is great, but features a different build and overall character than the wider versions. For skiers looking to increase their freestyle and freeride game while staying squarely in the all-mountain shape, the Atomic Bent 90 is an amazing option.

The thing we’ve loved about the Bent 100 is the simplicity of the build. Atomic has done a great job with their freeride and all-mountain skis insofar as they keep them light and agile. While some ski companies choose to put a bunch of different materials and layers and stringers in their skis in order to create a more sophisticated feel, Atomic is quite happy to keep it basic, and sometimes, that is a better choice. We’re seeing a full poplar wood core in this ski and that’s about it. They actually do most of their engineering in the blend of build, shape, and profile, rather than just focusing on a complex build, and that’s one of the coolest things about this ski. In the 175 cm length, this Bent 90 comes in at a pretty paltry 1600 grams per ski. They use a duracap construction to thin things out at the ends, and that makes the swing weight even lighter and quicker.

It’s nearly impossible to talk about how this ski functions without the blur of the build and shape. HRZN tech in the tips and tails is as much a part of the shape as it is the build. By angling the sides of the tips and tails in an upward sweep, Atomic is creating a boat hull type of shape that makes it more floaty without adding width. This not only lightens the swing weight, but also increases flotation. By keeping it thin in those HRZN zones, the Bent 90 has a very drifty feel for being a relatively narrow ski. At 90 mm underfoot, it’s right in the all-mountain zone in terms of footprint, but the build and twin tipped shape point it more to the freestyle side of the spectrum. These are all good things, and poise the ski appropriately for skiers who are looking to dabble in it all. From the trees and bumps to the groomers and park, the Bent 90 is a light, versatile ski that has appropriate rocker for the build and shape.

It’s not just that this ski has broad appeal, it’s also that it does those things incredibly well. For our money, this is one of the best mogul skis we’ve been on in the modern world. It’s supremely easy to navigate through tight and technical lines and trees. Those spots pop up a lot for skiers here in New England, and it’s sure to happen in many other zones of the world as well. There are very few limitations for most skiers, with the exception of a former racer looking for a strong carving ski at this width—in those cases, there are better choices, but for the vast majority of skiers and applications, this is a simple and effective ski that handles more than you may think.