The new Servotec feature on Atomic’s G9 is a rod that runs from the binding plate to a triangular base affixed far away in the forebody. It looks like an arrow, and that’s what it feels like you’re standing on. It’s not an optical illusion: the Redster G9 is much more slender at tip and tail than is the norm in this genre. True to it’s appearance, it takes off downhill as if shot from a bow.

I recall on my inaugural run the Redster G9’s felt so immediately in charge that after traversing 50 yards they advised me to pull over and tighten my boots. I’m not making this up. My skis informed me my fully buckled boots weren’t tight enough.

They were right. The speeds this ski is ready to assume demand precision; events come at you quickly once you exceed 50mph. The relationship between ski and skier was like that between maestro and musician; when we work together, the music we make would make angels lay down their lyres to listen. Which of us was in charge didn’t seem to matter in the moment, as long as the notes we strung together formed a lilting melody.

If you’re a former racer, you won’t need any introduction to the Redster G9. It will feel like what you used to race on, only smoother, less perturbed by rutted terrain and quicker on and off the edge when faster reactions are called for. If you’ve always loved the feel of a GS race ski, you’ll be head-over-heels over the G9.