Redster j2 70-90 review

Overview

"Big fun for small speed fans" is how Atomic introduces the Redster j2 70-90. It is the smallest Redster for 26/27: 70, 80 or 90 cm for children aged three to five, sold as a set with the C 5 GW binding. The idea is to give the youngest skiers a taste of the precision and stability of the adult Redster race skis. Its published shape and lengths are the same as the Maverick J 70-90; what sets it apart is the rocker profile — and, of course, the red race look.

On-snow performance

The Race Rocker 5/95/0 is almost all camber, with only the first 5 % of the ski lifted. Atomic says that much camber gives precise edge grip, while the small tip rise still makes it easy to start a turn. For a three-year-old that matters less than for a teenager, but for a confident four- or five-year-old who already snowploughs well and starts to tip the skis on edge, the extra camber should hold a line better on firm snow than the softer-feeling Maverick J rocker. Bend-X — a softer flex zone under the binding — lets even the lightest children press the ski down and keep the snow contact they need for control. Atomic adds a V-shape design, which it says makes turning easy. Short radii (6 to 7.2 m) keep everything slow and compact. Off the groomer there is nothing to gain from this ski.

Construction & specs explained

Inside is a Densolite foam core that damps vibration and keeps the ski light. The Dura Cap topsheet wraps over the edges with no sidewall — robust for skis that get dropped, kicked and carried — and the topsheet is structured for better resistance to scratches. Edges are tuned 87° side and 1.3° base. Lengths and shape (tip/waist/tail, radius): 70 cm 84/63/69.5 mm, 6 m; 80 cm 88.5/64/73.5 mm, 6.6 m; 90 cm 93.5/65/77.5 mm, 7.2 m. Atomic quotes 1085 g per ski at 80 cm including the binding. Atomic lists the C 5 GW at 558 g per binding; on that basis we calculate about 527 g for the ski itself — a calculated figure, not one Atomic publishes. The C 5 GW covers release values of 0.75–4.5 and children of 10–45 kg.

Who it's for & comparisons

Small children who already like a bit of speed and stay on groomed beginner and blue runs. A child who is still learning to stop is just as well served by the Maverick J 70-90 with its softer All Mountain Rocker. Among other junior skis in this length range, the Fischer Rc4 race jr is the obvious race-styled rival from 70 cm up; the Blizzard Firebird jr uses a soft camber and a constant 67 mm waist; and the Stockli Race jr also starts at 70 cm, with soft tip and tail rocker.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Mostly camber for a precise feel on firm groomers.
• Bend-X keeps the ski bendable for the lightest kids.
• Short radius suits slow, small turns.
• Sold ready to ski with the C 5 GW binding.

Cons

• Less forgiving than a rockered ski for absolute beginners.
• Only three lengths before the next size group.
• No use in deep snow or off the piste.
• Foam core gives limited grip on hard ice.

Verdict: A fun first race-look ski for three- to five-year-olds who already move confidently on groomers; complete beginners are better off on the softer Maverick J of the same size.