The Redster Q9.8 from Atomic is one of the widest skis in the frontside-oriented Redster collection, and basically blurs the line between what we traditionally think of frontside skis or all-mountain skis. In fact, we’re getting pretty darn close in width to the narrowest Maverick skis, the Maverick 86 C. The longest length of the Redster Q9.8 features an 85 mm waist width, so we’re only 1 mm off in width compared to what Atomic considers a pure all-mountain ski. In general, this category or this range of widths has received a bit more attention in recent years, and now skiers have some excellent skis to choose from in the mid-80 world. The Redster Q9.8 takes race-inspired construction and puts it in a wider package, but we think there’s more than just carving in play here. The Q9.8 feels a bit more supple and forgiving in off-piste terrain and softer snow conditions compared to narrower Redster models. Its highlight, however, is easily its smooth and responsive feel when laying over carving turns.

Construction is quite close to what we’d see even in something like Redster G9. We get a Power Woodcore, Titanal laminates, and Revoshock S. These are all elements found in those high-end GS skis, which is a nice indication of how the Redster Q9.8 is going to feel. Flex pattern, however, is a touch softer, probably due to the fact Atomic mills the core just a little thinner on the Q9.8. Still a strong flex pattern, no doubt about it, but a touch more forgiving, and also more versatile, than those stiffer models.

Shape is where things get a bit more interesting. We still have 100% camber in the Q9.8, although Atomic integrates a slight amount of early taper into both the tip and tail, which definitely helps to boost the ski’s versatility and give it a more catch-free feel in comparison to those narrower, stiffer Redster we’ve referenced. This really comes in handy when you get into some softer snow conditions, which Atomic expects Redster Q9.8 skiers will do. Where a ski like the Redster G9 or X9S would feel wildly out of place and incredibly hard to ski, the Q9.8 does just fine with a much more user-friendly and forgiving feel. Of course, the waist width is a big part of that. From 83.5 mm in the shortest length to 85 in the longest, there was once a time, not even that long ago, when the Q9.8 would’ve been considered wide. By today’s standards, it’s on the narrower side of the spectrum, but in our opinion, a great place to be. It’s still quick edge to edge and highly engaging as a carving ski, but it helps so much getting that extra width. Not only does it help in those softer snow conditions, it also means when at a high edge angle, you’re less likely to boot out or get bogged down. Lastly, the turn radius is great for a ski like this. We get a range from 12.8 to 15.2 based on length. That’s short enough that the Q9.8 feels like it comes across the fall line with ease, but long enough that you’re not going to get completely worn out. The shorter lengths, however, will feel a bit more turny than the longer, especially the 181, but won’t be as demanding as a carving ski.

The Redster Q9.8 is a blast to ski. It lays over some beautiful carves and it does so through chopped up snow conditions, soft groomers, and even some light powder. It’s not, however, a race ski. Although it shares the Redster name, the 9.8 starts to feel more like a versatile all-mountain ski that still carves well, rather than a dedicated race ski. In fact, we took it through a GS course this past season and it didn’t particularly love it, although it did better than we expected to be perfectly honest. Perhaps what was most impressive about it over the past season is how positively it was adopted by different testers. It seemed that everyone who skied it enjoyed its performance, although interestingly a lot of those skiers don’t even own anything like the Q9.8. Interesting, yes, but also an excellent example of how good skis in this category are.