2022 Atomic X Redster X9i WB

We’ve seen a lot of great front side skis come across our plate over the past few years, and the Atomic Redster X9 WB is one of the best. Built with a similar construction to the narrower X9 and G9 skis from Atomic, the X9 WB has a more generous platform that has a few nice applications. For one, the wider waist offers a better balance point for non-racers, allowing advanced and expert skiers a good opportunity to feel like they’re on a race ski, but don’t have to be on it all the time. The other big bonus of this shape is that it gives a new level of versatility and softer-snow compliance than the narrower versions. Skiers are getting about 10 extra mm underfoot, as the 75 mm waist is a better choice for skiers who are planning on using the X9 WB as more of an all-mountain ski versus a front-side specific one. It’s still got the chops, though, to make some of the cleanest, roundest, and tightest turns out there on the hill, mostly due to the wood core and titanal laminates, but the ski also finds a ton of strength and power from the servotec rod as well. This connects from the front of the binding to the forebody of the ski and allows the ski to be more agile at slower speeds and more stable when going faster. In addition, the multi-radius sidecut lies somewhere between a GS and slalom cut, so the 168 cm length produces a paltry 13.5-meter radius. This makes the ski cut clean across the hill, satisfying the most-demanding of carvers regardless of ability. All of our testers skied the 168 cm length.

David Wolfgang found it too short for him, although he did note that it skied true to its size, and in fact felt quite stable and grippy. This is evident given his top scores of 5 out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, and edge grip. 4’s were awarded for stability, playfulness, and overall impression, showing a rare well-roundedness for a stereotypically on-trail ski. David notes that the Redster X9 WB “is a fun carving machine. Very stable platform to rip down the fall line on. Was pleasantly surprised at how you could transition from quick turns to wide GS arcs.” The concept of the “platform” here is an important one to note, as the X9 WB certainly has a good one to stand on at a variety of speeds and terrain. Sam Freund noted that the X9 WB in the 168 skied true to size, but was on the short side for his taste. As such, he got a bit stuck by the stiffness of the ski, scoring a 2 out of 5 for playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility. Sam notes that this is a “stiff, race-like ski, and didn’t quite do so hot in the soft snow that we had, but if you’re looking to rip GS turns on firm groomers, this is a great ski. Not really my style, but good to see what’s out there.” It’s important to note that these types of skis are not for everyone and every application, and that information is as useful as any out there.

Phil McGrory noted that the 168 skied true to size, but he would get a longer one if he could. Phil gave the X9 WB 5’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, and overall impression. When you get on a ski like this that has more of a singular purpose, it’s impressive to see how well a ski can perform when it doesn’t have to do more than one thing. On the other hand, 2’s out 5 were given for versatility, forgiveness, and flotation. Phil notes that the X9 WB is “Just a really fun front side carver. Ski feels so stable at speed and the liveliness and rebound makes this ski so fun to carve with. Quick edge to edge and loves to turn. Has a race ski feel without being overly demanding. Advanced to Expert skiers.” While a “wide body” ski, it certainly still has that burly powerful feel of a race ski, so it’s important to self-evaluate appropriately when looking at skis like this.

If you’re looking for a ski that can handle both higher speeds and shorter carves, and has a mid-range width for balance and versatility, it doesn’t get a whole lot more precise and fun than the Atomic Redster X9 WB. These skis have a ton to offer a strong skier, and will make that advancing carver fall in love with the confidence and grip that these skis provide. By borrowing technology from the race room and making it so skiers can get on the thing and progress in the carving game, Atomic is ready to introduce a new group of skiers to race-like carving performance.