Atomic Redster X9 2019: test and review

Atomic Redster X9 2019: ski description

Atomic Redster X9 2019 combines the performance of a classic piste ski with World Cup solutions from the Austrian brand’s racing department. An ideal ski to enjoy the thrill of competitions and have fun on the track throughout the day. Servotec is the radical innovation for this product and replaces the previous D2 technology. The name comes from ‘Servolenkung’ because that’s what it is: the first power steering system for skis! The secret is a hard rod on the top of the ski and the elastomer just under the binding. On fast straights, these two elements dampen out bumps and ruts in the slope and even swallow up negative vibrations. Also, it keeps your steering firmer and more stable when skiing at high speeds. It also features the Multi Radius Sidecut, halfway between giant slalom and slalom, that’s good for both short and long turns on piste. This shape has been chosen to make the ski very agile, enjoying great skiing on piste, and now we can comprehend why Atomic has called it ‘X’: it means ‘cross’!

Geometry

• Length (cm): 169 / 175 / 181
• Tip width (mm): 113 / 114 / 115
• Waist width (mm): 65.5 / 65.5 / 65.5
• Tail width (mm): 98.5 / 99.5 / 100.5
• Radius (m): 14.6 / 15.4 / 16.2
• Weight: 3,330 g/175 cm
• Profile: 100% Camber

Servotec

Servotec is Atomic’s greatest innovation for racing and high-performance piste skiing. The name comes from ‘Servolenkung’ because that’s what it is: the first power steering for skis! The Servotec system consists of a rod on the top of the ski and the elastomer just under the binding. Here is how it works:

• When the ski is flat before turning, the rod is under tension meaning the elastomer connected to it is compressed. So, the whole ski is in a pre-stressed position, essentially ready to begin a turn.
• As the ski bends into a turn, the compression in the elastomer is relaxed. It rebounds out like a spring, pulling the rod with it and actively supporting the flex of the ski. This solution helps to keep steering lighter and quicker.
• Then on fast straights, the rod and elastomer dampen out bumps and ruts in the slope, reduce negative vibrations, and keep your steering firmer and more stable when riding at high speeds.

Construction

This ski is built with the ‘sandwich’ or Full Sidewall technology, that runs across the full length of the ski for precise steering. The different types of wood and other materials used in the core, determine how skis behave on the snow: Atomic Redster X9 2019 Power Woodcore combines properties of solid ash and light poplar. Everything is packaged with a titanium layer above and below the core (Titanium Powered), increasing shock absorption, strong running stability and a high torsional flex.

Bindings

The Redster X9 2019 comes with the Atomic X 12 TL RS, tip and heel green-coordinated with the graphics of the ski. Perfect for those seeking performance and the convenience of tool-less quick adjustment. Equipped with 75 mm ski-stoppers/brakes and Full Flex system. These bindings provide good energy transmission and precise control at high speeds. Available on the marketplace, there’s also a ski-version mounted with X16 RS (red colour).

Skialo test results

The Atomic Redster X9 2019 is renewed in its graphic design, with a very bright green colour that separates considerably from the classic fire red of the Austrian brand. Compared to the 2018 version, the ski remains unchanged in the substance: a well-engineered product, suitable for experienced skiers and on-piste skiing enthusiasts. The sturdy construction and the choice for a 100% Camber profile provide the ski stability of a giant, while the 'Multi Radius' shape and ultra-narrow waist ensure the agility of a slalom. You can feel the Servotec, especially at high speeds on straights and energic turns, where the elastomer attached to the rod contributes to considerably reducing the negative swings of the tips and immediately restores the ski-snow contact even on groomed terrain. Very intuitive, it's easy to find a great feeling with it since the first runs.

Renting a ski like this in Livigno

The model in this test is no longer in the catalogue, but the category is. In our ski rental you will find this season's skis; if you are not sure about the level, read which ski to choose for Livigno. Booking online saves you 20% on the list price and you can cancel free of charge until the day before.