Which board is best for mastering slalom? – ATOMIC "REDSTER S9i PRO" | DYNASTAR "SPEED OMEGLASS MASTER SL" | HEAD "WCR E-SL REBEL FIS RP-WCR14 SPEEDBLUE" | 26-27 New Model Comparison

The differences in the "feel" and "character" of skis cannot be fully understood from the spec numbers alone. This is the depth and enjoyment of choosing skis. Therefore, we've picked out three noteworthy 26-27 model skis that are quite similar. Let's explore their individual characteristics based on user test ride reviews. Which one will you choose?

ATOMIC "REDSTER S9i PRO" or DYNASTAR "SPEED OMEGLASS MASTER SL"? Or HEAD "WCR E-SL REBEL FIS RP-WCR14 SPEEDBLUE"?

Both are high-end demo/slalom models for advanced skiers, specializing in short turns, and they share the common trait of excelling at sharp turns and precise carving on hard-packed snow, but..

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
REDSTER S9i PRO	D=119-66.1-103.5mm	R = 12.1 m (165 cm)
SPEED OMEGLASS MASTER SL	D=116-69-103mm	R = 13m (165cm)
WCR E-SL REBEL FIS RP-WCR14 SPEEDBLUE	D=120-66.5-104mm	R = 12.0 m (165 cm)

"REDSTER S9i PRO" is this kind of ski

The "Redster i" series from ATOMIC's on-piste line is characterized by its versatility for all slopes, its high-quality and dynamic ride, and its elegant all-black design. This top-of-the-line model is based on the FIS standard "S9 FIS" and is designed for athletes aiming for the All Japan Technical Skiing Championships and experts who prefer high-speed skiing, representing the pinnacle of short-turn demo models. It can also be used for Master Slalom and has been adjusted to suit the technical preferences of Japanese skiers

Tomoaki Yoneoka of "Sports Depot Takaoka Store" describes the aircraft as a "luxury car for the snow."

This board boasts excellent rigidity and strength, while also exhibiting Atomic's signature solid stability. The Icon binding allows the center to flex smoothly, and the tail shape maintains grip on the snow until the very end. High-speed stability is outstanding, and it handles short to long turns comfortably on medium slopes. The

integrated plate reduces swing weight and improves maneuverability, but it's fundamentally suited for high-level skiers. While competitive skiers can unleash its potential, those whose speed range doesn't match might tire themselves out trying to slide this sharp board. It

performs well even in challenging snow conditions, giving you the feeling of driving a luxury car. While it can be prone to diving if you over-prepare, you can enjoy superb carving if you control it properly from your feet. It's the most popular model at test rides, and its level of perfection is well-deserved.

Funassyi, a user who loves this model, gave it a perfect 5-star rating! He also said that the eye-catching colors are one of his favorite features

The tip and tail are flexible and allow for strong torsional flex. Also, when you angle the board from your feet, torsional flex is naturally generated, and you get the feeling that the tip is drawing into the inside of the turn arc, allowing you to finish turns compactly.

It feels heavy when you hold it, but the swing weight is not noticeable while skiing, and it's just the right weight, making it easy to direct the first half of the turn.

There isn't much difference in turning performance depending on the snow conditions or terrain. However, as your skiing speed increases and the external forces you receive become stronger, the response from the board improves, making it easier to adjust the size of the arc and speed by how you apply pressure to the board. I

recommend this board to anyone who is going to take on certification tests, technical competitions, or alpine skiing. I use it myself, and it's a board that can handle various slopes and snow conditions. I think it really shines in hard snow conditions and on steep slopes.

"SPEED OMEGLASS MASTER SL R22" is this kind of ski

The "MASTER SL" is part of the SPEED series, the core of DYNASTAR Racing, and is based on the pure competition model "WC FIS SL," but optimized for masters and experts. Inspired by the professional model used by Clément Noël at the Beijing Olympics, it comes with two types of plates: the competition-oriented R22 and the KONECT, which prioritizes ease of handling. This model is a short-turn ski that balances performance close to FIS standards with ease of handling, and achieves sharp edging with the unique "Hybrid Core 2.0" and titanium reinforcement. It is a highly refined ski that fills the gap between competition and practicality

Two people also took a test ride. First up was Taiga Sasaki from Ishii Sports Yodobashi Sendai store, who is also a HEAD user

This SL model is highly regarded for technical competitions and basic skiing. Its appeal lies in its ability to balance sharp turns and sliding maneuvers in situations that test more technical movements, such as hard snow, moguls, and wet snow.

Relatively speaking, the tip is light and freely maneuverable, giving the impression that you can express your speed in the latter half of the turn while selecting the optimal line. It offers

a wide range of turn variations, allowing you to run on a vertical line while dropping the tip, or to widen the turn by digging the tip inward so that it feels close to your body in the latter half of the turn, so it is best to use it according to the snow conditions, slope, and the skier's style.

This season, the swing balance has been improved by changing the sidecut, so I feel that mistakes in the first half of the turn and the second half of the turn have been drastically reduced. Recommended for those who want consistent performance regardless of the conditions.

And here are the impressions of Funassyi, an ATOMIC user who loves the comparison models mentioned above

This ski has a strong, solid feel throughout, allowing for stable skiing even at high speeds. While it has a larger turning radius than conventional men's slalom skis, it allows for surprisingly precise and tight turns. It

exhibits particularly strong edge grip and high maneuverability on hard ice. It feels a little heavier than typical short-turn models, but this wasn't much of a concern while skiing.

On the other hand, perhaps due to the strong core of the ski, there was a slight delay in response from the feet at low speeds. Also, in fresh or spring snow, the tips tend to sink, and it takes more force to turn the skis, so I think groomed slopes are the best situation for this ski to perform at its best. It's the

perfect ski for high-speed turns on groomed slopes first thing in the morning. I think it's also ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to perform sharper carving turns.

"WCR E-SL REBEL FIS RP-WCR14 SPEEDBLUE" is this kind of ski

This is a pure competition model positioned at the top of the brand's core "WORLDCUP REBELS" series. It is a ski infused with the engineers' obsession and passion, based on the belief that "there is no point in making skis that do not win." As a SL-specific ski compliant with FIS standards, it clearly stands apart from general demo models and occupies the top range. It is equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as "EMC," which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy to suppress vibrations, and a camber structure that generates strong edge grip and acceleration. With extremely high rigidity and excellent responsiveness, it enables instantaneous turns

Two experts, both of whom ski more than 100 days a year, tried out these skis designed for winning. First up was Masahiro Yamamoto from "Sports Depot Suwa Interchange Store"

I'd give it a perfect "5" for every aspect. It's incredibly stable, incredibly easy to handle, and incredibly maneuverable. As a slalom ski used by top competitors in technical competitions, its speed is its main appeal.

The secret lies in its unique mechanism where the binding itself slides backward in accordance with the flex of the ski. It grips firmly from the first half of the turn and has a quick release, giving it a distinctive Head feel, allowing you to control the turning arc with ease even on hard-packed snow.

Japanese people like over-specced equipment, and this ski does not disappoint. Not only in short turns, but even when you're swinging it around in medium and long turns, it doesn't flutter at all.

You might not need a ski this stiff at the level of competing in the prefectural technical competition qualifiers, but for experts who want to master short turns, there is no better weapon. It is truly a product that possesses otherworldly power, enabling you to ride beyond your limits.

And the other is Kuma-san, a HEAD user

I use this model regularly, and I compete in the All Japan Technical Skiing Championships and alpine competitions with this SL and GS ski. It is certainly heavy because it is a metal ski, but that also means it has excellent stability on the snow surface.

When switching turns, the edges bite in firmly, so you feel like you can get a solid turn if you press down hard. When you are in the right position, the skis respond immediately, so the acceleration is quite powerful.

And the high level of maneuverability is also a major attraction. That's why it's understandable that Shun Okumura won first place in the 2014 All Japan Technical Skiing Championships. It is undeniable that it gives the impression of being on the heavier side, but even with the weight, you always feel like the skis are under your feet, and you have the confidence to move instantly in any situation.

The quick response and stability are truly wonderful, so if you set it up to suit you, I think you will be able to experience this performance.

What we learned from the comparison

Competing for the sharpest turns, the nimble ATOMIC, the supple DYNASTAR, and the stable HEAD—even though they're all SL-type skis, each offers a distinct riding feel. Which one is most likely to help you achieve your ideal short turns?