It’s the skinniest ski we’ve tested in years, but the World Cup bred Redster DD XT is way more versatile than it looks—as long as you don’t take it off-trail. The tip is rockered five percent down the ski for easy turn initiation, and XT stands for “cross turn” in Atomic-speak. You can transition from GS turns to slalom depending on how the local race crew sets the course. And non-racers looking to carve, can tighten up turns on the steeps and then open it up when the slope angle slackens.
Swami gripe: Cosmetically, it shows more testosterone than those swinging tail hitch balls you see in Wyoming.
Swami like: The ultimate ice ski. “The Redster doesn’t have a speed limit,” said our New Hampshire beer leaguer.
Overall: 4.6 Stability: 5.0 Carving Pleasure: 4.6 Dimensions: 110/65.5/98
From the Early Winter 2016 issue.