Atomic Automatic Review - Teton Tested 2013

Following the release of the Bent Chetlers, Atomic teamed up with athletes Sage Cattbriga-Alosa and Dana Flahr this year to design a ski to fill the gap between the playful Bent Chetlers and the charging Atlases. The result is an amazingly versatile and aggressive ski called the Automatic.

The Automatics come in lengths of 179 cm, 186 cm, and 193 cm. My 186s measure 140.5/117/129.5 mm, have a turning radius of 19 m, and weigh 9 lbs, 11 oz. They feature tip and slight tail rocker in addition to slight camber underfoot. Their construction includes titanium strips for enhanced responsiveness and capped tip and tail sidewalls for reduced weight without sacrificing underfoot performance. I mounted them with a pair of Marker Griffons on the factory recommended line (10 cm back of true center) although Sage recommends mounting them 3 cm forward of this line if you're looking for a more balanced feel with more tail.

The Automatics have become my every day powder skiing for all but the deepest of days (I have a pair of Pon2oons for them), replacing my 190 cm Hybrid DPS Wailer 112RPs. I've chosen them over my Wailers because of their aggressiveness. The Automatics are 5 cm wider underfoot, have less sidecut, are stiffer, and have less rocker. These differences allow for bigger, more charging turns that match the evolution of my skiing. While they are most at home in untracked powder, I've been amazed by the Automatic's versatility elsewhere. They hold an edge remarkable well on groomers even late in the day. The skis charge through crud and ski well-spaced chalky bumps like those found in Jackson's Hole Tower 3 Chute without issue. If you're looking for an aggressive one-quiver powder ski, the Atomic Automatic is an exceptional choice.