By Ethan Sullivan
Atomic Volant 9000
Who It’s For and First Impressions
The Volant 9000 is a frontside specialist built for advanced to expert skiers who crave a damp, precise feel and race-bred confidence on hard snow. Full camber puts you right on the edge from the first turn, while the stainless-steel top and metal-loaded layup radiate premium craftsmanship. On snow it feels substantial and planted, encouraging you to stand on it and drive. It is happiest on groomers from firm morning corduroy to polished afternoon pistes, rewarding strong technique with laser-like tracking and a composed, quiet ride.
Carving Performance on Piste
With a sidecut that ranges from 13 to 17 m depending on length, the Volant 9000 comfortably spans short to medium-long arcs. The 70 mm-ish waist rolls quickly from edge to edge, yet the ski never feels nervous thanks to its Double Steel Powered reinforcement. Edge hold is outstanding on refrozen hardpack; the platform locks in early and stays glued through the fall line. At speed it feels exceptionally calm, filtering out vibration and chatter. It prefers clean, carved turns over smears, asking you to commit pressure and finish the arc.
Construction and Technology
The build reads like a greatest-hits list for piste performance. An Ultra Power woodcore of beech and poplar supplies strength and rebound, while Dura Cap construction protects the edges and eases transitions. The hallmark stainless-steel top with Black Metal Vapor finish adds mass and exceptional damping, contributing to the ski’s quiet, premium feel. Double Steel Powered reinforcement boosts torsional rigidity for precise edge control. A World Cup–style sintered base arrives fast and tunable. Some packages add Bend X and a Pro Trak interface with M 12 GW bindings for a well-matched system.
Key Specs and What They Mean
Specs decoded: Active Camber 0/100/0 means no rocker—maximum effective edge for grip and stability. Sidecut varies by length; for example, 165 cm is 110.8–70–98.0 mm, helping the tip engage early without hookiness. Stated radius runs 13–17 m (16 m at 165), guiding turn shape expectations by size. Weight is about 2605–2641 g per ski at 165 cm with plate/binding, which yields that planted, quiet feel but adds heft. Available lengths 150–170 cm let lighter or technical skiers go shorter, while stronger pilots can size up for more stability.
Sizing, Alternatives, and Drawbacks
Choose length based on intent: technical skiers who favor short-to-medium arcs will be happy at 160–165 cm; heavier or faster riders should consider 165–170. Against peers, the Supershape e-Speed feels quicker edge-to-edge and more forgiving, the Laser SC is plusher and pricier, and the Hero Elite ST is snappier but less damp. Tradeoffs to note: the Volant 9000’s weight can feel demanding in bumps or late-day chop, it offers little off-piste float, and it rewards forward, committed technique more than a relaxed, drifting style.
Loading images...
Community Opinions
Missing a hand while carrying ski gear?
A friend of mine created Clipstic, the easy way to attach your poles to your skis! Using this link you get 10% off as well as support for Pick-a-ski!
Check it out!