Atomic infiltrates the Frontside category from both sides, extending its race-bred Redster series with the Redster X9 WB and filling out its Vantage all-mountain line-up with the 82 Ti and 79 Ti. As befits skis from two contrasting bloodlines, the Redster and the Vantages couldn’t be more different. The Redster X9 WB oozes power; the Vantages are made to be as light as possible. Our panel clearly preferred the Redster’s command and control, while admitting the lightweight Vantages were competent carvers geared to the pace of Finesse skiers.

While the Vantage 82 Ti earned slightly higher technical scores than the 79 Ti, the slight disparity in points is more than offset by the 79 Ti’s value proposition. At only $599.99 with bindings, the Vantage 79 Ti is one of the best buys in the entire genre. The skier on the cusp of advanced technique won’t notice its limitations at high speed, and its facility at turn entry and edge hold deliver what this skier needs: confidence.