Redster S9 Gen S: A Race Ski That’s Not Just for Racers

Born from racing, Gen S is Atomic’s fresh take on what a high-performance skate ski can be. It offers the precision and power trusted by professionals, while its stability, control, and smooth handling make it surprisingly intuitive for experienced skiers who want to get more out of every session.

Whether you’re training regularly, looking to sharpen your technique, or simply value high-quality gear that helps you ski with more confidence, Gen S brings something new to the ski trails.

What Makes the Gen S So Different?

Compared to a traditional skating ski, the Redster Gen S has three major construction differences:

• A Unique Sidecut
  • Most skis have a parallel shape, but Gen S uses a significantly wider tip and tail. That gives you more stability, especially in sharp turns or when managing tricky snow conditions.
• Shorter Lengths
  • The Gen S is shorter than standard race skis, which makes it surprisingly agile – ideal for handling fast downhills and quick transitions. Even tall skiers who are used to 190cm skis find the 183cm Gen S a good fit once they try it. For shorter skiers, a 173 is the perfect match. It’s only offered in two sizes, and thanks to the unique adjustment, those two lengths really do fit everyone (with different flexes available to suit weight differences).
• Redesigned Camber and Flex
  • The ski compresses more easily underfoot, giving you a more efficient push and a smoother stride. That means less wasted energy – and a ski that feels more responsive with every kick.

So… Is It a Race Ski?

It is – but it’s not only for racing.

The Redster S9 Gen S was originally developed with elite athletes, and you’ll still see it in action on the World Cup – especially on courses with lots of turns or hard-packed conditions, where its agility and edge grip make a real difference.

But it’s not the automatic choice for every race. In softer, fresh, or heavy snow, many athletes still lean toward traditional skate skis, which are lighter and tend to pick up less snow on the surface. That’s why World Cup racers often switch between models depending on the course and conditions. For most skiers outside the race circuit, though, the Gen S delivers reliable performance across all conditions – making it a versatile option wherever you ski.

Who’s It For?

What makes the Redster S9 Gen S unique is how it blends race-proven performance with a smooth, intuitive feel – making it relevant for more than just elite racers.

• Competitive racers: The Gen S is a valuable addition to any fleet, especially for sprints, technical courses, or icy conditions. Its sidecut and shorter length mean faster transitions and more precise control when the course gets tricky.
• Advanced skiers: For those with experience on skate skis, Gen S is a noticeable upgrade. The shorter length makes it easier to handle, the stability builds confidence on descents, and the construction brings an element of playfulness to training. Many skiers even describe it as a “comfort race ski” – fast and responsive, but not as demanding as traditional race models.
• Multi-sport athletes: Think cyclists, runners, or anyone who trains with intention and values quality gear. You might not be racing, but you still care about skiing fast –and skiing well. The Gen S offers a rare mix of speed and control, even if your technique isn’t perfect. Depending on your level and how much you want to invest, you could choose the Redster S9 Gen S or the Redster S7 Gen S, the second model in the Redster range.
• Beginners and recreational skiers looking for support and control: Beginners, we’ve got you covered too. The Pro Skate Gen S carries over the same design philosophy, but in a slightly more stable package – with a wider sidecut, double groove, and shorter lengths. It’s easier to handle and helps build confidence, so you can focus on enjoying the ski instead of worrying about balance.

Why You Should Try It

The real story of the Gen S isn’t just in the design; it’s in how it feels on snow. Skiers consistently describe the same reaction: they didn’t expect it to feel this good.

Compared to traditional race skis, the Gen S gives you more control in turns and smoother transitions between strides.

As Atomic athlete Mika Vermeulen put it after his first podium on the Gen S: “This ski just works. It’s fast, but it gives you confidence to really push.”

If you’re curious about the next evolution of Nordic skis – or just want a skate ski that helps you ski better – the Redster S9 Gen S is well worth a test. It may have started as a race ski, but don’t let that label stop you.

Sometimes the best performance comes when you feel in control. And that’s exactly what Gen S is built for.