Atomic Crimson Ti Review - Sierra Jim
The Atomic Crimson TI has been a familiar name in the Atomic ski lineup for some years, but for 13-14, this ski is entirely new.
In fact, all the top models in the Nomad collection carry the same names as in the past but they employ a new technology known as "Arc." This is a design that integrates the binding into the ski construction via a channel in the ski. This in itself isn’t entirely a new thing but Atomic takes this one step further by incorporating a power platform into the channel directly under the foot. This transmits power to the ski without the stiffening effect that channel type systems have sometimes exhibited. The result of this new construction is a ski with a slightly softer flex but more importantly, a more balanced flex.
The new version of the Crimson Ti is also marginally narrower than in the past, it incorporates a small amount of tip rocker, and it comes with the Salomon derived XTO 14 (4-14 DIN) binding.
As in the past, the new Crimson is still a ski with a hard snow bias, but out on snow, the character of the new Crimson is quite a bit different than in the past models.
The softer overall flex allows the ski to bend into a deep arc more easily than past models and thus it is more useable at slower speeds and for lighter skiers than it has been.
I tested the Crimson first at Winter Park and later at Mammoth. In both cases, the snow was firm, but at Mammoth, there was an opportunity to test on some chalky mixed conditions in an off-trail setting.
The overall feel of the new Crimson is that it is tractable is varying turn shapes with strong edge grip and excellent dampening. In the rough, wind blown conditions at Mammoth, the Crimson was easier to turn and smoother than some of the other hard snow biased skis.
Out on the groomers, the Crimson still feels best in a medium or long turn as the older one did, and the speed capability is very good. The high level of dampening makes this ski feel less energetic than some, and probably is not the best choice for someone looking for a ton of feedback from the ski.
On the other hand, the smooth flex makes this ski very good for its category in softer or mixed conditions. The new 2014 Atomic Crimson Ti has a bit broader appeal than it has in the past and it is not a bad call for a reasonably good intermediate skier. Still, the Crimson is probably best suited for a pretty skilled skier that is looking for a little more versatility than the most technical of the on piste biased skis.
Pros: Versatile firm snow oriented carver that can take on more than most carver specialists.
Cons: Not for racers looking for a ton of energy and feedback.
Who it's for: Excellent skiers who favor carving on piste, but don't want to be limited to the groomed run.
