2021 Atomic Redster X9 WB

Looking for frontside carving performance, but with a little extra width underfoot compared to your dedicated GS race skis? Good, you've come to the right place. The Redster X9 WB (Wide Body) takes the technology and performance of Atomic's Redster race skis and repackages it into a wider, more versatile, and more user-friendly ski. The Redster X9 WB uses a Power Wood core that's supported by titanal laminates. It also benefits from Atomic's Servotec system that's used all the way up through their World Cup FIS race skis, helping to further enhance vibration damping specifically to keep the ski on snow as much as possible for better control. The 75 mm waist width is still super quick edge to edge, but being a little wider than most of the Redster models, it won't get bogged down in soft snow as easily. Whether that means late day tracked out snow or a little bit of fresh snowfall on top of a groomed slope, this width can handle it.

Steve Sulin tested the 176 cm length and obviously has a fondness for skis like this. How do we know? Well, his consistent high scores are one sign, but he made it even easier by just telling us. "This is a category of ski that I love. 75 mm underfoot all mountain ripper. Not so narrow that it feels twitchy, but not sluggish either. It rolls right over into a turn. Radius? Any shape turn you want, as many turns as you want, or no turns at all. Whatever you want." The ability to manipulate turn radius in a ski that achieves this level of carving performance is somewhat rare, and it's something that our testers kept coming back to in their feedback. Marcus Shakun had a similar reaction after also testing the 176 cm length. "The ski is able to make all turn shapes." That response is impressive, especially considering the fact the actual turn radius of the ski is on the shorter side. Marcus did add that it's most natural turn feels "in between a slalom and GS turn," but it's super valuable to know you can achieve different turn shapes and styles on the Redster X9 WB. High scores from Marcus too, including 5 out of 5 for stability, quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, and torsional stiffness/edge grip. That playfulness score is particularly noteworthy in a carving ski!

Phil McGrory also skied the 176 cm length, and he too gave the ski some high scores. Scores of 5 out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. Stabiity and edge grip are two things we look for first when analyzing a carving ski, and based on our testers' feedback, the Redster doesn't lack either of those things. "The wide version of Atomic's race series is an on-piste racecar! Fast and powerful ski that prefers higher speeds and stronger legs. The 75 mm waist width makes this cheater race ski great for both firm snow conditions as well as warm spring conditions and other soft snow. The ski has a lot of energy in and out of the turns so is incredibly lively and fun, but you'll certainly notice mistakes if you get lazy on it. The race construction with Atomic's Servotec rod makes this ski feel glued to the snow when on edge. Fantastic beer league race ski or on-piste ripper!"

We think a lot of skiers will really enjoy the Redster X9 WB. It's a high performing carving ski, but it's a little easier to ski than some with its shorter overall turn radius. You also get a better feel in softer snow conditions, which our testers pointed out. That's something to really consider if you're buying a carving ski. Do you plan to ski them a lot? Most of the time you're going skiing? You might want to consider going with this width. You don't give up much in the way of edge to edge transitions and you gain a touch of forgiveness and versatility for softer snow.