2021 Atomic Redster G9

If you're a fan of ski racing, or even if you just happen to catch a race or some news every once in a while, chances are you've seen a pair of Atomic GS skis atop a podium. One of the reasons for that is the brand happens to have the world's best female ski racer on their skis in Mikaela Shiffrin, but a big reason is because the skis are just that good. Atomic puts a lot into the development of their race skis, and it shows in their performance. Of course, none of us can ski like Mikaela Shiffrin, and often times FIS GS skis aren't really that much fun to ski outside of a race course because of their long turn radii. If you want the level of performance those pro athletes have access to, however, a ski like the Redster G9 is a fantastic choice. As a quick summary, the Redster G9 gets the same technology found in their FIS race skis, but in a more resort-friendly, shorter turn radius. Construction consists of an Ultra Power Wood Core, titanal laminates, full length vertical sidewalls, and Atomic's Servotec system designed to increase damping to give you a better connection to the snow when ripping carves.

Jamie Stewart was quick to call it a "beer league weapon" after his test runs on the 183 cm length. That is hands-down a good application for this ski. Most beer leagues or local race leagues set courses with gates closer together than FIS standards, so having a shorter turn radius really helps. "This ski has unbelievable dampness. It's super quiet even at alarming speeds. Good for weekend mornings. You don't want too many obstacles in your way at warp speed." Not surprisingly, Jamie gave the Redster G9 a 5 out of 5 score for stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. Similar scores came in from Justin Perry with an extra 5 out of 5 for quickness/maneuverability. At 68 mm underfoot, they are lightning quick from edge to edge. After testing the 177 cm length, Justin described it as "fast with incredible edge hold. Literally no speed limit on these with zero tip chatter." That's pretty much what we're looking for in a GS race ski! Atomic's Servotec really goes a fantastic job keeping the ski on the snow by reducing chattering and vibrations.

Mike Thomas went as far as saying it was the "best narrow ski so far!" While we don't know exactly the path of skis Mike took on his test days, we do know if he chose to leave that comment, there must have been a reason. Just like Jamie, Mike scored the Redster G9 5 out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. Come to think of it, every single one of our testers gave it 5 out of 5 scores for at least those three criteria. Mike went with the longest length, 183 cm. "Smooth and powerful. Perfect if you want a frontside race-like GS ski." Marcus also skied that longest length and had a lot of good feedback on the Redster G9. "Can't over ski this ski. Not ever a question on stability or edge grip at any speed." Marcus did have a low score for forgiveness, which makes sense on a ski like this. "Stiff, but damp in the shovel. You will know if you get in the back seat." Steve Sulin went with a shorter length, just 171 cm, but he was glad he did. "In the 171 cm length it will make a slightly quicker turn. Glad I didn't take the longer length, plenty of ski for me in that size. Will be fun on Tuesday race days!"

If you're looking for that upper tier frontside carving performance and the same technology World Cup athletes get in their skis, it's hard to do much better than the Redster G9. You should, however, be a relatively advanced skier who's comfortable initiating a turn in the forebody of the ski, and definitely comfortable at speed. It's not a ski for a developing intermediate, although Atomic does have other skis in the Redster line that works well for those skiers. You should be ready to give it some skier input, ready to go fast, and ready to have a blast as you arc high speed turns down your favorite groomed slope.