The Redster X7 from Atomic is a highly precise carving ski that offers excellent performance that comes along with a less expensive price tag than the X9S as well as a touch more forgiveness. We always hesitate to use the word forgiveness right off the bat with a ski like this, as we worry that skiers will read that and immediately take it as a negative. In actuality, it couldn’t be further from the truth, as we think a lot of skiers would be better off on the Redster X7 rather than the more demanding X9S, G9, or other stiffer, heavier carving skis. While it’s not the most powerful ski in the world, most of us mere mortals aren’t the more powerful skiers either. We’ll leave those super stiff skis to the really aggressive crowd out there, those that think they’re lining up in a World Cup start gate. The rest of us more modest skiers can thoroughly enjoy the Redster X7 without feeling like we need to prove something. Skiing’s about having fun and personal fulfillment, not who’s better or faster, at least that’s the mindset we like to have when out on the slopes.

In order to keep the weight down, Atomic uses a lighter wood core than the stiffer Redster skis, although it’s still their Power Woodcore in this X7. We also still get Titanal laminates and Revoshock C vibration damping system. So, it’s important to remember this is still a high end ski. While it might not be at the tippy top of the Redster line, it’s no slouch by any means. We get an integrated M 12 binding, which also helps bring the weight down a bit compared to the X 12 binding on the X9S, but we also fully trust the M 12. You can ski it hard and aggressively and the bindings will keep you safely secured to your skis when you should be and release when you shouldn’t. Not a race binding, no, but plenty of binding for anyone who should be choosing the Redster X7.

Of course, as a frontside carving ski, we’re pretty narrow here, but not as narrow as that Redster X9S. 70 mm underfoot in the X7, which is still lightning quick edge to edge, but is a touch more forgiving. You’re less likely to boot out in a turn and the ski is less likely to get bogged down in softer snow conditions compared to a narrower carver. For the X7, we absolutely love the 70 mm width. It works perfectly for how this ski should perform. We also really, really like the turn radius of this ski. The 169 cm length comes in with a 15.2 m turn radius. That’s a great place to be for a high end carving ski. It’s responsive and the ski feels like it comes across the fall line super easily, but it’s not so short that you get worn out from making a million turns on a single run.

So who should choose the Redster X7? I think a great way to think about this ski is it’s a fantastic choice for a skier with expert level technique, but likes to ski a little slower. Maybe you’re aging and losing some speed each year (aren’t we all!), maybe you just don’t feel the need to go super fast, but love the feeling of generating lateral acceleration in a carve. I also think it could be an excellent tool for progression for a developing skier, but it’s probably best to at least have some existing carving technique. If you’re brand new to carving, some of the Redster Q models may actually be a better choice, or even a Maverick 86 C. For skiers with relatively accomplished technique, however, the RedsterX7 is an incredible ski.