Atomic Racing Skis: New Bases, New Shapes, & Waxless

Atomic is making several changes to their lineup for 2005-2006. Atomic will use a new "World Cup Base BI 5000" material in the RS:11, RC:11, RC:11 Multi, and Vasa Race skis. The new base has more holes than the old 4000 base for better wax absorption. The RS:10 and RC:10 skis will continue to use the 4000 base.

Second, the tip on the RS:11 and RC:11 has been thinned to reduce swing weight. At the same time, there is now a noticeable "bulge" or thickening in front of the binding. This bulge is designed to distribute the skier's weight better over the base of the ski, resulting in longer base contact with the snow. Atomic believes this new "World Cup Shape" will result in both better soft track and hard track performance.

Finally, the company bought a new Wintersteiger stone grinder. The new stone grinder should eliminate some of the whitish bases coming from the factory.

RC:11 Multi Waxless Classic Ski

But the big news is Atomic's new RC:11 Multi waxless classic ski. No machine-patterned base here. Instead, the Multi has a rubber and petroleum-derived smooth kick zone. Atomic recommends roughening up the base with 120-180 grit sandpaper, but says to not apply anything to the material, not kick wax or any other treatment. Just leave it alone.

So how are these different than just getting a pair of stiff skis and putting in some hairies? According to Atomic, the rubberized base provides "a klister like kick" - better than the hairies can provided. How are the skis different than more traditional fishscaled racing skis like the Atomics RS:9 AGP, Madshus Hypersonic C3 Multigrip Vario or Fisher RCR Crown? Atomic claims that the fishscales work better in a wider range of conditions, but the RC:11 Multi is superior in conditions right around 0C (32F).

Obviously, the RC:11 Multi is a specialty ski designed for specific conditions. As such, Atomic says it will price the ski lower than the normal RC:11.

Here's a table comparing the upper-end skis:

Ski	Waxless?	Base	Lengths	Shape	Construction	Core
RS:11		5000	174,180,186,192	44-42-43.5	World Cup Shape	Nomex Core
RC:11		5000	191,196,201,206	44-42-43.5	World Cup Shape	Nomex Core
RC:11 Multi	Yes - "chemical", not fishscales	5000	191,196,201,206	44-42-43	Beta Race Cap	Ultra High Densolite Core
Vasa Race (Classic)		5000	191,196,201,206	44-42-43	Beta Race Cap	Ultra High Densolite Core
RS:10		4000	172,178,184,190	44-42-43	Beta Race Cap	Ultra High Densolite Core
RC:10		4000	191,196,201,206	47-44-46	Beta Race Cap	Ultra High Densolite Core
RS:9		3000	172,176,184,190	44-42-43	Beta Race Cap	High Densolite Core
RC:9		3000	191,196,201,206	47-44-46	Beta Race Cap	High Densolite Core
RC:9 APG	Yes - Atomic Power Grip "fishscales"	3000	191,196,201,206	47-44-46	Beta Race Cap	High Densolite Core
RC:9 START		3000	191,196,201,206	47-44-46	Beta Race Cap	High Densolite Core

Some of the new skis may be available this winter.

Dick Fultz (right) from the Cross Country Ski Shop in Grayling hears what's new with the RS:11 skating ski.

Notice the little bulge up in front of the binding. Atomic says that this lets them fine tune the weight distribution so more of the ski touches the snow. The tip is extra thin this year as well.

That's the new RC:11 Multi waxless ski in the Atomic rep's hand. The blue part is the rubber & and petroleum-derived kick zone. Dick mugging for the photo on the right...

If you want colorful racing boots...

Atomic Racing Skis: New Bases, New Shapes, & Waxless

For 2005-2006

Sat, Jan 29, 2005 - By Mike Muha