Atomic athlete Chris Benchetler’s pro model ski, the Bent Chetler has become a favorite among powder skiers of the last five years. I got to ski the 2014 model this season at Alta (you can read my thoughts here) and enjoyed these big, burly sticks as they busted through crud and broken-up powder pillows with ease. But the big news now is that the Bent Chetler has been totally overhauled into, what Atomic says, is a lighter, more playful ski featuring what they call HRZN Tech.
According to Atomic, it took years to develop this sixth generation Bent Chetler. That HRZN Tech is the result of two years testing by Chris Benchetler and the Atomic Freeski product development team in Altenmarkt, Austria.
They say the aim was to create “the ultimate design for playing in all types of powder.” Testers experimented with all kinds of designs – everything from shaved edges, to boat hulls, to totally new camber profiles. But they say the eureka moment came by expanding the horizons of rocker. By blending an ABS sidewall construction with an across-the-ski (horizontal) rocker, HRZN Tech supposedly adds 10% more surface area in the tip and tail without increasing swing weight, which should provide better tracking through chop and crud, and less tip deflection – meaning increased stability, floatation and agility.
Will “horizontal rocker” tip and tail design reshape the future of powder skis?
In addition to HRZN Tech, Atomic has made several other improvements and tweaks to the Bent Chetler. The skis now features a Lite Woodcore, making the ski even lighter, as well as the new Step Down Sidewall 2.0 for increased durability. Atomic says the 120mm waist, combined with tip and tail raise of the Powder Rocker of its predecessor, ensures floatation in the deep stuff. Plus a bit of camber underfoot and Carbon Sprocket Power Boosters deliver performance through turns as well as stability in crud.
The whole HRZN Tech horizontal rocker idea has me salivating to get these skis out on an Alta powder day. Well, I got my hands on a pair and will be thoroughly testing these bad boys in all conditions and terrain… but probably won’t be doing much tip steeze like Chris Benchetler in the video below. Check back for a full review soon.