Review: Atomic Bent 85 Skis · 2023

Published on 03/11/2024 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Ryan Bonet, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Ryan Bonet, Ski Expert
By Ski Expert Ryan Bonet
8 photos
Photo by Ryan Bonet

The Curated Take

3.7/5

The Atomic Bent 85 Skis are ideal for intermediate skiers transitioning to advanced levels. They excel on various terrains, from icy groomers to fresh powder, due to their rocker/camber/rocker shape. The narrow width enhances performance on ice and aids in easy turn initiation, while the rocker provides decent flotation in softer snow. Playful, durable, and versatile, these skis are suitable for all-mountain skiing. However, they have average stability at higher speeds and limited flotation in deep powder. They offer excellent value, making them a great choice for skiers looking to progress.

Ideal for
  • Can handle soft and hardpacked conditions
  • Light swingweight
  • Plenty of pop
Not ideal for
  • More of a narrow width limiting flotation
  • Average stability at higher speeds
Playfulness
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
Skiers can take these to the park for a bit. Typically, a park ski might be a bit wider to make landings more stable. However, I have taken them around...Read more
Durability
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
The Atomic Bent 85 Skis are on the lower end of the Bent lineup but make no mistake. They have great durability for the price. The skis have taken a...Read more
High Speed Stability
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
The Atomic Bent 85 Skis might not be the most stable at higher speeds. Due to their softer construction, which makes turns easier and has more pop, there will be...Read more
Carving
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
If someone likes doing textbook carves, they should go for skis that are more catered to that, but I wouldn't sleep on these because of the narrow width. Due to...Read more
Versatility
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
My experience on these has been really good in all types of conditions, such as ice, slush, fresh snow, and soft moguls. Even though they aren't very wide, the rocker/camber/rocker...Read more
Flotation
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
When skiing softer snow, skiers want skis that have some sort of rocker in the tips more than the tails. These have enough rocker to have some flotation in the...Read more
Turn Ease
Ryan Bonet, Curated Expert
These skis' 85-width width makes it easy to initiate turns, and the soft flex does the rest. They are also fairly lightweight, making it easier to maneuver around moguls....Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the ski gear
  • Model: Atomic Bent 85 Skis · 2023
Test conditions
  • When I bought these: 2022
  • Where I’ve used them: Icy groomers, slushy spring conditions, and fresh powder
  • How many times I've used it: 7

Expert Reviews of the Atomic Bent 85 Skis

Ryan Bonet The Atomic Bent 85 Skis are good for an intermediate skier who wants to grow into an advanced skier because, typically, a beginner going into the intermediate level is still skiing on groomers. Once the skier gets more comfortable, they will want to explore some different terrain, which is where these skis come into play. The Bent 85's rocker/camber/rocker shape will allow the rider to get through some more choppy conditions and perform very well on groomers. The skis handle icy conditions well because of the narrow width. They also perform pretty well in softer conditions because of the rocker, allowing them to float over some bumps. The 2023 Atomic Bent 85 is a good option for those looking to get off rentals and grow as a skier.

Product Specs

Age GroupAdult
GenderUnisex
Includes bindingsNo
Model year2023
Ski typeAll Mountain
Skill levelIntermediate, Advanced

Review Ratings

Playfulness

4/5
Ryan Bonet gave 4 of 5 stars. Skiers can take these to the park for a bit. Typically, a park ski might be a bit wider to make landings more stable. However, I have taken them around the park, and they handled pretty well on some smaller jumps, rails, and boxes. They are super fun to take on some side hits around the mountain as well. Overall, the Bent 85s are pretty playful.

Durability

4/5
Ryan Bonet gave 4 of 5 stars. The Atomic Bent 85 Skis are on the lower end of the Bent lineup but make no mistake. They have great durability for the price. The skis have taken a little bit of a beating each time I've gone out with them. Aside from some nicks on the topsheets, they're fine.

High Speed Stability

3/5
Ryan Bonet gave 3 of 5 stars. The Atomic Bent 85 Skis might not be the most stable at higher speeds. Due to their softer construction, which makes turns easier and has more pop, there will be a bit of chatter when turning at a higher speed. If skiers want more stability, they should consider something a bit stiffer or with metal construction.

Carving

3/5
Ryan Bonet gave 3 of 5 stars. If someone likes doing textbook carves, they should go for skis that are more catered to that, but I wouldn't sleep on these because of the narrow width. Due to the rocker on the tips and tails, there is less contact with the snow, especially on groomers. This results in less of a smoother carve.

Versatility

4/5
Ryan Bonet gave 4 of 5 stars. My experience on these has been really good in all types of conditions, such as ice, slush, fresh snow, and soft moguls. Even though they aren't very wide, the rocker/camber/rocker profile makes up for it when the conditions are more choppy and not freshly groomed. These allow me to power through the springtime conditions when everything softens, making it a bumpy ride.

Flotation

3/5
Ryan Bonet gave 3 of 5 stars. When skiing softer snow, skiers want skis that have some sort of rocker in the tips more than the tails. These have enough rocker to have some flotation in the softer snow, but the narrow waist width limits them. These would not be ideal on a deep powder day because they would sink due to the narrow width. The flotation is more present in choppy conditions where it isn't too deep or a mild powder day.

Turn Ease

5/5
Ryan Bonet gave 5 of 5 stars. These skis' 85-width width makes it easy to initiate turns, and the soft flex does the rest. They are also fairly lightweight, making it easier to maneuver around moguls.

FAQs

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

Ryan Bonet My favorite experience with these skis was last year when there was a fresh 15" of snow the night before at Hunter Mountain in New York. I was finally able to test how they would do in softer snow, and they did really well for how narrow they are, even on soft moguls.

Why did you choose this product?

Ryan Bonet This product was right for me since it was within my budget at the time of purchase. I felt the skis had everything I needed to have a fun experience on the mountain whenever I could get out. I couldn't go wrong with the neat graphics on the topsheets either.

What do you love about this product?

Ryan Bonet These are the first pair of skis I've owned. As an intermediate skier, I love how these perform for me. They helped me improve my skills while being very forgiving in sticky situations. The graphics really stand out.

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