The Atomic Bent Chetler 100 was a brand-new ski for the 2018/19 ski season and quickly gained a strong following and reputation. It’s back unchanged for 2020, and we couldn’t be happier that it’s still in Atomic’s lineup. Among a sea of innovative technologies and new materials, the Bent Chetler 100 is relatively straight-forward in its construction. Atomic uses their Light Woodcore in a sandwich construction, which feels refreshingly simple. The profile of the ski is rocker/camber/rocker, and although it’s billed as a directional shape, it’s also a twin tip. On those tips and tails, you’ll find Atomic’s HRZN technology, which can most easily be described as rockered edges, almost like a boat hull. The idea is to have better displacement in soft snow (again, boat hull…), which boosts the ski’s float. If the construction is simple, judging by the reactions from our testers, its level of performance is far from that.
Matt McGinnis tested the 180 cm Bent Chetler 100 and had some thorough feedback for us. “Summed up in just a word, these skis are ‘lively.’ Or maybe just ‘fun.’ Actually, there’s plenty to say about these skis, but the bottom line is they’re just super enjoyable.” Matt’s opinion was reflected in his scores, 5 out of 5 for quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression.” “Quick edge to edge, easy to engage and ready to pop at any time. The best part about these skis is that they’d be a great option for a wide range of skiers. You don’t have to be super talented to ski them, but the better you are, the better they get.”
Jeff Neagle tested the 180 cm Bent Chetler 100 and was most impressed by its versatility, playfulness, and quickness, giving all those criteria a 5 out of 5. Overall impression also came in with the coveted 5 out of 5 score. “Super fun all mountain skis. Definitely my style. Tremendous value even with the slight increase in price for 2020. They do everything I like to do: play on natural hits, slash turns, but they also carve a turn better than you’d expect for a twin tip without metal or other additives.”
Michael Carroll-Sherwin was another who gave the Bent Chetler 100 5 out of 5 for every category. We rarely see scores like that in our test, and is a sure-sign a tester really, really enjoyed the ski. Michael even went as far as saying it has “fantastic edge hold” and that the “control at speed is confidence-inspiring.” Sure, it’s not going to have the edge grip of a race ski or a narrow carving ski, but for this width, this construction, and this feel, it’s pretty impressive feedback. Michael was on the 188 cm length, which certainly helped in these departments. “This could easily be your favorite ski of the year if you give it a chance.”
Benny Wax, who skied the 172 cm length, was most impressed by the ski’s playfulness and maneuverability. It “skied a little short on the groomers” for Benny, but he was the only tester on that 172 cm length. “In the wet and corn snow this was really fun. Able to snake through the bigger corn-covered moguls. So playful, loves to hop and carve through all of it!”
Mike Aidala thought the Bent Chetler 100 was “great fun!” after testing the 180 cm length. Mike’s our Customer Service Manager and “now knows why we have been selling so many of the Bent Chetler 100. These skis provide an awesome, playful performance for all-mountain rippers.”
Don’t let its lack of metal, carbon, or other additive materials turn you off from the Bent Chetler 100. It’s a super-fun ski that’s incredibly versatile. One might think it lacks in the stability department, but our testers didn’t think so. A heavy, super-powerful skier might want more, but heavier, stiffer skis can’t match the fun-factor of the Bent Chetler 100.
