By Ethan Sullivan
Atomic Redster q9
Target skier and on‑snow feel
The Redster Q9 targets advanced to expert piste skiers who crave clean, powerful carving with flexibility in turn shape. It feels precise and energetic from the first run, with notably low chatter on hard morning corduroy. The 75 mm waist rolls edge to edge quickly, while full camber delivers strong bite and lively rebound. At speed it stays calm and composed, never twitchy. Medium-radius arcs feel most natural, yet it happily snaps short slalom turns and will hold longer GS lines as long as you stay active and centered.
Grip, damping, and stability
Grip and stability are the calling cards. Ultrawall sidewalls and dual titanal laminates provide impressive edge hold on hard or icy slopes. Revoshock S notably damps vibration, filtering out chatter from ruts and returning a smooth, controlled rebound. Full camber lengthens effective edge contact, building confidence when you tip the ski high on edge. The package feels refined and robust, letting you keep pushing even in late-day chop without the ski getting nervous. It’s a frontside tool that rewards firm input with race-bred poise.
Turn behavior and power delivery
The multi-radius sidecut makes it easy to blend short and longer turns. With a 13.5 m radius in 168 cm, the ski is agile without being skittish, delivering quick edge changes and a predictable line. It rewards an assertive, forward stance—drive the boot tongues and it carves clean, powerful arcs. Ski it passively or backseat and it feels stiffer and less forgiving. In tight turns it has snap and rhythm; in longer arcs it stays planted as long as you keep the gas on.
Limitations, sizing, and alternatives
The piste focus cuts both ways: no tip/tail rocker means it’s less forgiving in bumps and fresh snow and can feel grabby if you force pivots. The construction is relatively heavy for the class, which adds damping but can tire the legs over long days. Sizing: choose near your height for all-round piste use, shorter for quicker turn-in and slalom feel, longer for maximum stability. Comparable options include Head Supershape e-Speed (more plush damping), Rossignol Hero Elite MT (livelier), Salomon S/Max 12 (quicker edge-to-edge), and Fischer RC4 The Curv (even more direct).
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