- Joined
- Mar 5, 2017
- Posts
- 1,202
Andy Mink: Do you need just a little more width from your carving ski? That’s what the “WB” stands for: X9 Wide Body. With a few more millimeters under foot and throughout the ski, you get more versatility but lose very little in the way of carving capability. I skied this one in a 168 and had an absolute blast making short radius turns. I would, however, chose the next length up if I were to use this as a daily driver. The 168 was a little nervous at speed with 225 lb on it. At 13.5 m, you can make a lot of turns in a short distance.
If you do like a shorter ski for running bumps, this one may be your ticket. It was an absolute blast in tighter, soft bumps. Light and quick, it inspires confidence that not a lot of skis can. With a little more length for my size it would also handle some shallow powder on groomers with ease.
FairToMiddlin: It’s possible that Atomic tried last year’s Nordica Spitfire RB and decided that a good old-fashioned arms race was in order for 2020. The WB (Wide Body) has the strength of the skinny X9 but a broader palate for going off the groomed path. Stronger than the Blossom White Out and Head iRally, it is not a poppy, accommodating carver. Atomic wants you to pay attention, from start to finish. Turn initiation is pretty automatic, but the usual flexing of a recreational carver on its way to the belly of the turn is not there. Instead, the WB is looking for you to precisely orient your weight over the outside ski, while driving hard with the rest of you. Success leads to a massive sensation of G; failure results in a bit of an Austrian frown, followed by however you say “That ain’t it” in German.
Drahtguy Kevin: The WB is the portly sibling to the X9 and provides many of the same attributes and sensations in a wider, more versatile platform. The extra 10 mm underfoot ups the stability of this ski. Riders beware: getting lazy has the same consequences on the WB as it does the other X9. I prefer the WB model for the increased versatility provided by the thicker waist.
If you do like a shorter ski for running bumps, this one may be your ticket. It was an absolute blast in tighter, soft bumps. Light and quick, it inspires confidence that not a lot of skis can. With a little more length for my size it would also handle some shallow powder on groomers with ease.
Insider tip: This skis full length. Don’t cheat yourself on stability by going too short; it’ll still turn on a dime.
FairToMiddlin: It’s possible that Atomic tried last year’s Nordica Spitfire RB and decided that a good old-fashioned arms race was in order for 2020. The WB (Wide Body) has the strength of the skinny X9 but a broader palate for going off the groomed path. Stronger than the Blossom White Out and Head iRally, it is not a poppy, accommodating carver. Atomic wants you to pay attention, from start to finish. Turn initiation is pretty automatic, but the usual flexing of a recreational carver on its way to the belly of the turn is not there. Instead, the WB is looking for you to precisely orient your weight over the outside ski, while driving hard with the rest of you. Success leads to a massive sensation of G; failure results in a bit of an Austrian frown, followed by however you say “That ain’t it” in German.
Drahtguy Kevin: The WB is the portly sibling to the X9 and provides many of the same attributes and sensations in a wider, more versatile platform. The extra 10 mm underfoot ups the stability of this ski. Riders beware: getting lazy has the same consequences on the WB as it does the other X9. I prefer the WB model for the increased versatility provided by the thicker waist.
Insider tip: Increased versatility ups the fun.
- Awards
- Who is it for?
- Those who want a ripping carver but also like to explore some mellower, off-piste snow. Fairly serious carvers who still want to dip into the off piste.
- Who is it not for?
- Casual carvers looking for a playful 70-something. Skiers accustomed to rocker and a slow tip engagement.
- Skier ability
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- Advanced
- Expert
- Ski category
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- Race
- Frontside
- Ski attributes
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- Groomers
- Moguls
- Segment
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- Men
- Women
Specifications
- Available sizes
- 152, 160, 168, 176
- Dimensions
- 125.5-75-109.5
- Radius
- 14.2m@176cm
- Rocker profile
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- Full camber
- Construction design
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- All new
- Binding options
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- System
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