Atomic Redster Q9.8 Revoshock S Skis w/ I 12 GW Bindings 2027

The Atomic Redster Q9.8 returns for 2027 with subtle updates to its Revoshock technology, making an already phenomenal carving ski even smoother and quieter on snow.

This is a ski built for people who measure a good day by how many trenches they left behind. The moment you tip it up on edge and pressure the front of the boot, the ski immediately responds. There's almost no lag between what you're asking it to do and what it actually does. It simply locks into the turn and pulls you across the hill with authority.

Atomic accomplishes that with one of the most robust constructions you'll find outside of a true race ski. The ash and poplar wood core provides an outstanding blend of power and responsiveness. Ash delivers the stout, race-inspired backbone, while the poplar keeps the ski from becoming completely unforgiving.

On either side of the core sit two sheets of Titanal, followed by Atomic's Revoshock Steel system and Carbon Boost laminate. It's a serious construction, and you can absolutely feel it on snow. The ski is exceptionally composed at speed, incredibly damp, and inspires confidence every time you roll it onto edge.

For 2027, Atomic refined the Revoshock Steel plates by exposing more of the elastomer material while reshaping the embedded steel inserts. It's not a dramatic overhaul, but the ski feels slightly quieter and smoother than before, with even less vibration making its way back to the skier. The previous version was already incredibly composed. This one simply raises the bar a little higher.

The updated Full Flex plate and I12 binding system also deserve mention. While they don't change how the ski feels on snow, they're easier to mount, adjust, and service than previous generations.

Where the Q9.8 truly shines is on groomers. Few skis initiate a carve this effortlessly while maintaining this level of power throughout the entire turn. The edge grip is outstanding, transitions feel immediate, and the ski has an addictive energy coming across the fall line. It wants to be skied aggressively, and it rewards good technique every single run.

This is not, however, an all-mountain ski pretending to be a carving ski. Deep snow, bumps, and tight trees are simply not where it wants to spend its day. At nearly 3,500 grams per ski with binding in the 181 cm, the weight that makes it feel so planted on groomers becomes a liability once you leave firm snow behind.

If carving is your priority, though, there are very few skis that execute it better.