2021 Atomic Bent Chetler 100

The Bent Chetler 100 from Atomic has been making waves in the ski world since its introduction. Simply put, a lot of different skiers can enjoy it. That's been proven over the years and is noticeable first-hand in our testing as well. The Bent Chetler 100 is a directional, freeski twin tip. That might sound contradictory, but it's true. The recommended mount point on the Bent Chetler is further back than we see on a lot of more symmetrically shaped twin tips. We also get a little more tip rocker than tail rocker, 20% of the ski's length is tip rocker, but just 10% is tail rocker. The construction of the Bent Chetler 100 is pretty straight-forward. A lightweight wood core is used in a traditional sandwich construction with vertical sidewalls. Probably the most unique aspect of the ski's design is the HRZN tech tips and tails, latitudinal rocker in the tips and tails, like a boat hull.

Marcus Shakun skied the 180 cm length, although he noted that he would've preferred skiing the 188 cm. Marcus scored the Bent Chetler 100 a 5 out of 5 for flotation, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. All other criteria received 4 out of 5, which is a sure sign of a well-rounded ski. "Creative masterpiece like the artist Chris Bentchetler himself. Good for someone that is playful on the mountain and skis a variety of terrain. Softer tips and tails perform well in soft and mixed conditions. That being said, it has a solid platform underfoot to rail some turns and allow it to be stable when needed. Rocker isn't overly aggressive, but allows you to unlock at any point of the turn to smear, skid, or slash." That's great feedback from Marcus. One of the things that has jumped out to us as somewhat surprising over the years is the ski's ability to carve. It's amazing what just a wood core and some camber can do! Phil McGrory hopped on the 188 cm length that Marcus would've preferred skiing and had very similar feedback. "Playful and versatile ski built to go anywhere. The ski has a directional twin shape which allows it to handle the terrain park as well as off trail, backcountry, and groomers. No metal reinforcement allows the ski to be playful, snappy, and forgiving, but it's stiffer underfoot, making it stable on firm snow." Phil ended his feedback by saying "the lighter weight tip and tail give the ski a nice swing weight to navigate tighter trees, and would also make it a great AT ski."

Benny Wax opted for the 172 cm length during his testing, which he mentioned skied a little short "on the solid groomers," but that "in the wet and corn snow, this was really fun." Benny spends a lot of time on more dedicated frontside skis, so we're not shocked that a 172 cm twin tip felt a little short for him on firm snow. Scores of 5 out of 5 from Benny for both playfulness and overall impression, and he underlined a big "Really Really Liked These!" at the bottom of his test form. "Able to snake through the bigger corn covered moguls. So playful to hop and carve through any condition." Matt McGinnis obviously loved the Bent Chetler 100. Scores of 5 out of 5 from Matt for quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression! "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 if you are then they're even better."

It's impossible to ignore the versatility of the Bent Chetler 100. It's a fantastic ski for a wide range of skiers. It might not have the power or edge grip of a ski with metal or as much float as a wider, more rockered ski, but it's extraordinarily well-rounded and can be enjoyed by so many different skiers. Park skiers, all-mountain cruisers, a less aggressive skier looking for a fun tree, mogul ski, backcountry skiers, we could go on and on. Chris Bentchetler himself uses the 100 as his park ski, but we know first-hand a whole slew of skiers who use it and never touch the terrain park. The point is, if you like skiing, chances are you'll like skiing the Bent Chetler 100.