2027 Atomic Redster X9S

If you’re looking for endless edge grip, stability, and power, this ski is a total blast. The 2027 Atomic Redster X9S is one of the more interesting and dynamic skis on the market today. It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure, but if you’re interested in a narrow waist, a high-speed capacity, and a mid-range radius, this ski is for you. Even here in Vermont, there just aren’t many days that have snow firm enough to fully handle the 65 mm sharpness of the X9S. Racers, former racers, and expert skiers are all in this ski’s intended audience, but the time that you can use it is sparce. It’s basically an inverse powder ski—amazing in its designed terrain and conditions, but not too versatile elsewhere. As an added bonus, this ski returns unchanged for the 2027 season.

With a strong wood core, a bunch of metal, and carbon underfoot for good measure, these skis are built to rip. Featuring more race-like construction than most skis in the world, the Redster X9S consists of their Ultra Power wood core made from beech and poplar. Atomic adds two layers of titanal to the mix, a sturdy sidewall material, and Revoshock steel plates in the forebody of the ski. These steel plates are mounted to an elastomer laminate, and they function as a vibration reduction system. This is good news especially since most skiers are going to be going pretty quick on these skis, and mainly on firm snow. Tester Bob St.Pierre notes that “on firm snow, there’s no other ski I’d rather be on. The second it gets slightly soft, though, you’ll probably want something wider or more forgiving.”

In addition to the construction having a lot of race character to it, the footprint brings about grip and confident carving as well. In terms of shaping, the ski has a very narrow waist at 65 mm in the 174 cm length, and that’s about as narrow as it gets before getting into full-on race world. This can be tough for various skiers who need a bit more width underfoot for balance, but if you’re looking to make the most out of a firm groomer, this will take out all the guesswork. For turn shape, the 174 produces a mid-range radius of 14.8-meters and fits in the mid-zone of carving style. St.Pierre continues to note that “this ski wants to be on edge. Actually, it needs to be on edge since there’s no other real place for it to be. Riding a flat base is really hard on these skis.”

Expert skiers and former racers will love this ski. It has all sorts of on-piste aspects to it that make it insanely fun and useful in the proper context. It is specific, though, so if you get it outside of its normal comfort zone, you’ll feel it talking back to you about it.