Bent chetler mini 153-163 review

Overview

The Atomic Bent chetler mini 153-163 is the bigger of Atomic's two Bent Chetler Mini size groups and the widest kids' ski in the 26/27 Bent range: 153 and 163 cm, 93–94 mm underfoot, for kids aged eight to thirteen. Atomic says it carries the same features and technologies as the adult model and describes it as a smooth-running ski for any terrain and any snow. It differs from the smaller Atomic Bent chetler mini 133-143 in more than length: tip and tail are wider (122.3 and 124.4 mm tips against 119.1 and 120.8 mm), and the radius grows to 13 and 14 m.

On-snow performance

Expect a junior freeride ski that behaves closer to an adult one than any other kids' model in the Bent range. The 13–14 m radius and the 163 cm option should feel calm at speed for a teenager who rides the whole mountain, and the Powder Rocker 20/65/15 — early rise at the tip, 15 % rocker at the tail, camber through the middle 65 % — should keep the tip up in deep snow and make the ski easy to pivot in moguls and tight spots. Atomic names float in deeper snow as one of the ski's main jobs. Lighter kids at the bottom of the age range may find the long-radius 153 cm a handful on narrow pistes, and on hard ice a 94 mm waist never feels as quick as a narrow carver.

Construction & specs explained

• Core: composite of Light Woodcore (poplar) and Densolite; Atomic says it saves weight without losing stability or damping.
• Sidewall: Dura Cap Sidewall, for stability on firmer snow.
• Edge: Resist Edge Park, a tougher edge for rail slides.
• Profile: Powder Rocker 20/65/15.
• 153 cm: 122.3/93/112.4 mm, radius 13 m, 1200 g per ski.
• 163 cm: 124.4/94/114.2 mm, radius 14 m.
• Edge angles: 87° side, 1.3° base. Sold flat, without binding.

Who it's for & comparisons

A strong eight- to thirteen-year-old who wants a "big kid" freeride ski for powder days, the off-piste beside the lifts and the park. If your child is still smaller or wants an easier piste ski, the Atomic Bent jr 140-150 is narrower and turns more tightly. Teenagers who outgrow 163 cm move to the adult range: the Atomic Bent 90 is the nearest adult width, and the Atomic Bent chetler 120 is the full-size powder flagship. Among other brands, the Blizzard Rustler team has a 90 mm waist and lengths up to 164 cm, and the Head Oblivion jr pro junior is a wider (99–101 mm) freestyle twin from 149 to 165 cm.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Same Bent Chetler technology as the adult ski.
• 93–94 mm waist and powder rocker for deep snow.
• 13–14 m radius stays calm at speed.
• The 163 cm length covers tall teenagers.

Cons

• Demanding for lighter or cautious kids at the low end of the age range.
• Wide waist is slower edge to edge on icy pistes.
• 1200 g per ski at 153 cm.
• No binding included.

Verdict: The most capable freeride ski in Atomic's kids' range, for strong eight- to thirteen-year-olds who ski powder and park; the Bent JR 140-150 is the friendlier piste-and-mountain choice.