Atomic Bent Chetler 2008

Overall

i look at it this way, new schoolers loves ep pros, and the hell bents, tgr loves the chop sticks, and other stiffer charging skis.  this ski lies in between.  it's softer, but can rip.  but not like say, a volkl, or a stockli.

for those of you in between that can ski well, and are looking to up your pow/  back country game, don't want hella soft sticks, and don't quite ski like a stiffer ski would, this is totally your stick.

I'm going to use them as my all mountain and powder under a foot, drops under 30 ski.

Performance

i've been skiing on volkl chopsticks for the past few weeks and loving them, but working at a shop, it's important i try a lot of skis out.  So i picked these skis up out of curiosity, and my love for big skis.

My first run consisted of a steep chute in about 8 inches of new snow followed by a small cliff, into an open powder field.  after turn 1 i knew that i could be confident on these skis despite my initial impression of them being short.  I also mounted them 2.5 cms back, after talking to chris and his point of 2 cms back.  i was going to go 5 back, but since i was considering using these as an all mountain and some park ski,  i pretty much followed his advice.  The skis had no problem staying afloat, and their first drop proved the tails wouldn't wash out.  stoked.

after that i skied some mroe chutes, and then went over to the tiny 15 foot table at the hill.  spinning was cake on them, and for being such a big ski they are light!

after that it was time to go rip groomers.  these skis have a 19m turn radius, and the camber under foot is powerfull.  very fun.  even on some iced out places i liked them.  they edged like champs.

after that it was back to the pow runs to ski chop.  this is the point where i wished i had mounted the skis further back, as i could not ski as foreward on them as i can my chopsticks.  they would probly be better mounted further back, or on someone who isn't as agressive while turning.  they still held up surpisingly well, just not the best i've skied.
 

Design

they have the hottest graphics ever, tie die bases, and are very light.

they are constructed very similar to and armada jj.  being they are made in the same factory it makes sense.  just think of a wider jj, with similar shape, softer flex, and an atomic race base.  money.  they are super light, fast, and they ski amazing.  very fun at high speeds.

Value

at 600 retail they are a steal.  go buy some if you can find them.

Fit

I'm 5'10" 180, and not fat at all.  these skis were on the shorter side of my desired length for a ski, but not out of range.  I'm a pretty aggressive skier, and skis 185- 195 make me happy usually.  for an average skiier my size and smaller, these skis would fit perfectly.   really big dudes that can charge look elsewhere.

a 188 offering would be sweet.

Characteristics

softish tails stiff under foot, and softer tip, but not as soft as the tails.
I found these skis pretty easy to butter, but they didn't seem super soft while skiing them.  didn't feel like i was going to wash out on any jumps, or cliffs.  the stiff under foot helped them rip hardpack.

Durability

no idea yet, landed on a few stumps, and no base damage though...  good sign.

• Terrain
  Park
  Pow
• Design
  Clean
  Busy
• Durability
  Fragile
  Durable
• Weight
  Light
  Heavy
• Style
  Uncool
  Cool
• Flex
  Soft
  Stiff
• Camber
  Cambered
  Rockered
• Pop
  No Pop
  Poppy
• Stability
  Jittery
  Stable