By Andrew Ingold
Atomic Bent chetler 120
Overview: powder-ready, playful big-mountain tool
The Bent Chetler 120 is a dedicated powder/freeride ski built for deep days, pillows, and playful lines, yet it’s surprisingly capable across the resort. Its twin-tip shape and long, rockered tip and tail encourage slashes, butters, and quick pivots, while a short cambered zone underfoot keeps things composed on approaches and runouts. The ski feels light for its size, helping with airs and mid-line adjustments, but it still has the backbone to track straight when you need it. If your winter revolves around soft snow, this is a fun-first tool that still respects speed.
Key specs and what they mean on snow
Powder Rocker 30/40/30 means long rocker in the tip and tail with a short camber section underfoot, maximizing float and pivot while preserving bite on firmer snow. The 120 mm waist creates a wide platform for deep-snow support. HRZN 3D in the tip and tail adds surface area without extra swing weight, enhancing surfy planing. A Light Poplar Woodcore keeps weight reasonable, while a Carbon Backbone and Dura Cap sidewall provide snap and edge grip. Turn radius (18–20 m by length) favors medium turns and slarvy arcs rather than high-G carving.
Float, stability, and chop performance
In untracked powder, the Bent Chetler 120 planes effortlessly and stays loose enough to smear speed whenever you like. In tracked snow and chop, the ski remains surprisingly settled for its weight, though it’s not a bulldozer; keep a centered, dynamic stance and it rewards with smooth, controlled slashes. On firm groomers, edge hold underfoot is adequate for cruising back to the lift but limited compared to narrower, stiffer skis. The moderate radius keeps turn entry intuitive, and the camber patch maintains predictable hold transitioning between soft pockets and firmer sections.
Maneuverability, mounting point, and sizing
This ski feels exceptionally nimble for 120 mm, thanks to low swing weight and deep rocker lines that invite quick direction changes in trees and technical features. The recommended mount offers a good balance of float and freestyle flair; moving 1–2 cm forward boosts switch and butter-friendly behavior, while staying on the line maximizes tip float in storm snow. Choose 184 cm for a versatile resort/bc mix, 192 cm for maximum stability and float at speed, and 176 cm for lighter riders or tighter terrain. Pair with a burly alpine or hybrid pin binding depending on use.
Comparisons and ideal buyer profile
Compared with skis like the Rustler 11 or QST Blank, the Bent Chetler 120 floats better and feels looser and more playful, but gives up some hard-snow grip. Versus directional chargers like the Katana 108 or M-Pro 108, it’s far more surfy and forgiving but less composed at very high speeds in rough snow. If you value creativity, quick pivots, and deep-day buoyancy over trenching carves, this is a top pick. If your mountain is often firm or wind-jacked, consider a narrower, stiffer option and save this for powder days.
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