When you think of Atomic Redster skis, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s MIkaela Shiffrin. Maybe it’s Aleksander Kilde and his speed racing prowess. For us, it’s the precision, power, and heritage of these skis combined with how the world’s best ski racers put them to use, and that’s all wrapped up in this Redster G9. No, it won’t make you ski like those elite level ski racers, but it should at least help you get closer. This version of the Redster G9 is designed for us mere mortals, and does not here to strict FIS race standards. If you’re lining up some NorAm races this coming winter, this isn’t for you, but I’d venture a guess that there aren’t too many of those skiers reading this. On the other hand, if you’re an advanced or expert level skier looking for a ripping carving ski that will mimic the forces and control utilized by the world’s best, you’re in the right place.

If you looked solely at construction, you wouldn’t actually see a big difference between this ski and true World Cup FIS skis.At its core is Atomic’s Power Woodcore. Dense, strong, and ready to put the power down. This is supported by full titanal laminates, then quieted by Atomic’s Revoshock system. It’s been really interesting watching the progression of Atomic’s technology. Revoshock has completely replaced Servotec from past seasons, and we love the feel it gives these skis. Often, a ski this stiff and this strong can become somewhat harsh in how it transfers energy and snow feel to your legs and body. Revoshock does a great job quieting unwanted vibrations and giving the ski a smoother, more confident feel. In fact, compared to competitors skis, Atomic Redsters really do feel like they have a slightly better connection to the snow than most. Every little bump or vibration in the ski results in a momentary lapse in edge contact to the snow surface, even if we’re talking miliseconds. With Revoshock, those moments are reduced considerably, which translates to unbelievable control and, apparently, record breaking skiing (we’re looking at you, Mikaela).

And while the skis on Mikaela’s feet are built in a very similar manner, the shape is where things start to change quite a bit. Most importantly, the length options and associated turn radii are both considerably shorter than what you’d see on the World Cup, whether for men or women. 182 cm tops the chart as the longest available length, and with that you get a 19 m turn radius. The shortest 167 cm length comes with a 16.6 m radius. While there might be skiers out there that want a bigger arc than that, we’d stand our ground in the argument that not many skiers need anything longer than that in a ski like this. Chances are, at most, you’ll be using this ski for a local race league or maybe a little bit of high school racing for some of our younger audience. In those situation, even in most set GS courses, that 19 m radius (or 18.2 in the 177) is just about perfect. That’s literally exactly what I search for to use in our “Ski Bum” race league here in Stowe, VT. It might not be true GS from FIS standards, but for us “normal” skiers, that’s a GS radius. Aside from that, everything else about the shape is likely exactly what you’d expect. 68 mm underfoot for a snappy edge to edge feel and 100% camber. No need for rocker in a race ski like this.

Whether you’re entering one of those local race leagues and need a ski that will take you to the top of the podium or if you’re just looking for a ski to rip some carving turns on firm snow days, the Redster G9 should certainly be on your list of skis to consider. Sometimes, in this category of skis, once you’ve made such a list, it can be hard to differentiate between them, but we like what Atomic does to set themselves apart from the masses. Revoshock is a perfect example of that and an element of this ski’s performance that’s unique and special to Atomic. Maybe that’s enough to push you over the edge, maybe not. Regardless of how you justify your decision, it’s nice knowing the technology and performance behind these skis supports and enables the winningest ski racer of all time.