Atomic Bent 85 Skis Review
The Atomic Bent 85 Skis are a versatile all-mountain and park-focused setup designed by Chris Benchetler and the Atomic Freeski team. With an 85 mm waist and All Mountain Rocker, they stay composed whether you’re boosting airs in the pipe, sliding rails, or busting through afternoon chop. A lightweight wood and Densolite core keeps them agile and damp, while the directional shape with minimal tail rocker provides solid edge grip and stability. They come with Atomic M 10 GW bindings, making them a convenient, ready-to-ride choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want one ski that performs anywhere.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Dimensions: 117 / 85 / 109 mm (tip / waist / tail)
- Rocker Profile: All Mountain Rocker (20/65/15) with tip and tail rocker
- Core: Light Woodcore (poplar) with Densolite foam core
- Bindings: Atomic M 10 GW included (DIN 3–10, Alpine and GripWalk compatible)
- Weight: 12 lbs. 9.06 oz. per pair (170 cm, with bindings)
Design and Shape
The Bent 85 uses a directional shape with minimal tail rocker, which gives it more edge contact than many freestyle-oriented skis. That translates to better grip and stability when you’re carving groomers or holding an edge on firm snow, while the tip rocker keeps the ski playful and easy to pivot in soft snow and park features. The twin tail is a nod to its park-slaying intentions and makes switch skiing and landing tricks feel natural.
At 85 mm underfoot, it sits in a sweet spot for all-mountain versatility. It’s narrow enough to feel quick edge-to-edge on groomed runs but wide enough to handle chopped-up afternoon snow and occasional fresh powder without getting bogged down. The rounded Dura Cap sidewalls run from base to topsheet, improving durability and edge grip while resisting the dings and scrapes that come with park laps and rail sessions.
Construction and Core
Atomic combines a poplar Light Woodcore with a Densolite foam core to keep the Bent 85 light without sacrificing shock absorption or stability. The wood core provides a lively, snappy feel and reliable energy return, while the Densolite foam helps dampen vibrations and keeps the ski agile for effortless turns. This compound core construction is a big part of why the ski feels smooth and responsive across different terrain and snow conditions.
Durability details include a thicker Resist Edge, which adds sturdiness for sliding park rails, plus tip protectors and a structured topsheet that help the ski stand up to abuse. The base features artwork by Chris Benchetler, giving the ski a distinctive look that matches its creative, freestyle-oriented personality.
Performance on Groomers and in the Park
On groomed terrain, the Bent 85 is quick and snappy edge-to-edge, with a sidecut radius that scales with length (11.6 m at 150 cm up to 17.6 m at 175 cm). Shorter lengths feel nimble and turny for park and beginner-friendly cruising, while longer lengths offer more stability at speed for stronger skiers. The directional shape and minimal tail rocker provide strong edge grip, making carved turns feel confident and controlled.
In the park, the twin tail, lightweight core, and durable Resist Edge make the ski a natural choice for freestyle riders. It’s easy to spin, press, and land, and the thicker edge holds up to repeated rail slides. The All Mountain Rocker profile keeps the ski forgiving on landings and playful when you’re boosting airs in the pipe or popping off side hits.
Performance in Chop and Variable Snow
The 85 mm waist and rockered tip help the Bent 85 stay composed when you’re busting through afternoon chop. The Densolite foam core dampens vibrations, reducing the chatter that can wear you down on rough snow, while the wood core maintains a lively feel. It’s not a dedicated powder ski, but the tip rocker adds float and makes it manageable in light fresh snow and soft chop.
For a ski in this width class, it strikes a nice balance between playfulness and stability. It won’t charge like a stiff, metal-laminate all-mountain ski, but it’s forgiving, agile, and fun across variable conditions—making it a great one-ski quiver option for riders who split time between groomers, park, and light off-piste.
Bindings and Boot Compatibility
The Bent 85 comes with Atomic M 10 GW bindings, which are compatible with both Alpine (ISO 5355) and GripWalk (ISO 23223) boot soles. The DIN range of 3–10 suits intermediate through advanced skiers, and the included bindings make this a convenient package—no need to shop separately or worry about mounting compatibility.
At 12 lbs. 9.06 oz. per pair (170 cm with bindings), the setup is reasonably light for an all-mountain ski with bindings included. That weight, combined with the lightweight core, keeps the ski easy to maneuver and reduces fatigue over a full day of skiing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile 85 mm waist handles groomers, park, and light off-piste
- Lightweight wood and Densolite core is agile and dampens vibrations
- Directional shape with minimal tail rocker improves edge grip and stability
- Durable Resist Edge and Dura Cap sidewalls hold up to park abuse
- Bindings included and compatible with Alpine and GripWalk boots
Cons:
- Not wide enough for deep powder days
- DIN 10 max may limit heavier or more aggressive advanced skiers
- Less damp and stable at high speed than stiffer, metal-laminate all-mountain skis
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Use | Downhill Skiing |
| Ski Terrain | Groomed |
| Tip Width | 117 mm |
| Waist Width | 85 mm |
| Tail Width | 109 mm |
| Sidecut Radius | 150 cm: 11.6 m; 160 cm: 13 m; 165 cm: 14.5 m; 170 cm: 16 m; 175 cm: 17.6 m |
| Ski Camber | Tip and Tail Rocker (All Mountain Rocker 20/65/15) |
| Tail Type | Twin |
| Core | Light Woodcore (poplar) / Densolite Core |
| Bindings Included | Yes (Atomic M 10 GW) |
| Boot Sole Compatibility | Alpine (ISO 5355) and GripWalk (ISO 23223) |
| Lowest DIN | 3 |
| Highest DIN | 10 |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Weight (Pair) | With bindings: 12 lbs. 9.06 oz. (170 cm) |
Where to Buy
The Atomic Bent 85 Skis with Atomic M 10 GW bindings are available at REI.com and evo.com. Both retailers list this 2026–2027 model as a complete package with bindings included, so you can compare pricing, availability, and any current promotions before you buy. Shopping at a specialty outdoor retailer like REI or evo also gives you access to customer reviews and expert support to help confirm sizing and binding setup. Check both sites for the best deal, shipping options, and local pickup availability.
Final Verdict
The Atomic Bent 85 is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a playful, versatile one-ski setup for groomers, park, and light off-piste. Its 85 mm waist, lightweight wood and Densolite core, and directional shape with minimal tail rocker deliver a smooth, agile ride with reliable edge grip. The included Atomic M 10 GW bindings, GripWalk compatibility, and durable Resist Edge make it a practical, ready-to-ride package. It’s not built for deep powder or high-speed charging, but for riders who prioritize fun, maneuverability, and all-mountain adaptability, the Bent 85 delivers.