replacing my beloved Atomic Access skis

[Dan Nicholson]

Hi there,
I recently upgraded all my tele gear (when did these NTN bindings come out!? Where the hell have I been?) and with my new boots and bindings decided it was time to sell my Atomic Access skis. I was talked into a pair of Rustler 10s, but I am so disappointed in them! I love laying out big GS turns followed by some quick turns along the trees at the edge of the run and the Access skis handled it all. Any suggestions on a good replacement for my Access skis? I realize they are kind of ancient now... I found a post saying the Atomic Automatic 102s replaced the Access, but I can't find a pair of those anywhere, either. TIA Dan

[Woodserson]

Hi there,
I recently upgraded all my tele gear (when did these NTN bindings come out!? Where the hell have I been?) and with my new boots and bindings decided it was time to sell my Atomic Access skis. I was talked into a pair of Rustler 10s, but I am so disappointed in them! I love laying out big GS turns followed by some quick turns along the trees at the edge of the run and the Access skis handled it all. Any suggestions on a good replacement for my Access skis? I realize they are kind of ancient now... I found a post saying the Atomic Automatic 102s replaced the Access, but I can't find a pair of those anywhere, either. TIA Dan

Be more specific on why you don't like the Rustler 10.

How many days have you been on them? You are unlocking a lot of new gear all at once it sounds like.

Tell us more!

[Dan Nicholson]

Three consecutive days on them. I've been skiing Scarpa boots since the unveiling of the original and life changing T1s, but the NTN bindings were new to me, admittedly. The Rustlers seemed to get pretty shaky before I got any real speed and transferring edges felt awkward. I've been telemarking for over 30 years and have always been able to dial in to a new pair of skis, but I just couldn't get it this time...

[Woodserson]

Three consecutive days on them. I've been skiing Scarpa boots since the unveiling of the original and life changing T1s, but the NTN bindings were new to me, admittedly. The Rustlers seemed to get pretty shaky before I got any real speed and transferring edges felt awkward. I've been telemarking for over 30 years and have always been able to dial in to a new pair of skis, but I just couldn't get it this time...

That's fair. I find skis with rocker right out of the factory are squirrelly, especially with tele. Did you de-tune the tips and tails? I usually round off the edge from an inch after the rocker ends (skis flat together), going forward and back. I get aggressive with it, but you can go progressively and see how it goes. I'm a big proponent of detuning the rockerized portion and then some, but this is highly personal and YMMV.

I'm hoping MT ST Alum checks in, he's on the Rustlers, NTN, and loves them.

The market is super hot right now. You'll be able to dump the skis, but will you find something else to replace?

@Montana St Alum

[Montana St Alum]

I'm on a pair of 172cm Rustler 10's that are from the year before they added more metal, so there may be some differences between them and the ones you are on. As Woods observed, it sounds like you've changed up boots, bindings and skis at the same time. If that is the case, it could be that it's not just the skis.

The 172 R10 has a turn radius pretty close to the Atomics you had (16m Vs. 18m, I think, at the same length) and similar rocker profile and width, based on my research. I'm guessing it's the new boots/bindings. I think you might break the code after a few more days.

I can empathize if it's a combination of new gear. The first time I got out on the Freeride NTN at the beginning of the season when they first came out, I literally thought I would hurt myself getting off the lift at Brighton! And no, I'm not exagerating....it was embarrassing and alarming! It took me about 6 days to get to the point where I was starting to get used to them.

Where and in what conditions do you ski?
Did you mount the bindings at the same place as on the Atomics?
IME, boot center over recommended on a ski like this is best.
I would say hang on for a bit, to get used to all the new inputs.

If you are not primarily interested in bumps, enjoy up to about 10" over groomed (who doesn't?), want a ski that's quick edge to edge and can carve well on hard pack or icier conditions, you might be best off with something around 88-92mm underfoot.

I'm inclined to say, stick with them for at least 5 or 6 more days, anyway.

[joeatomictoad]

If the edges are feeling catchy or twitchy, I also agree with detuning a bit further before you write-off the skis as a total loss. Can use a gummi stone, file, stick, or rock... something to round off the edge off a bit.

I had exact same issue with catchy edges earlier this season with a new set of Nordica Enforcer 93's, and I was amazed with the results of detuning more cm's. Having heard your symptoms, I am beginning to wonder if there's something to do with these Austrian double-cambered sticks that makes extended detuning more necessary for telemark rigs than alpine rigs.

If you still don't like them, then should be able to recoup a good %. Good luck.

[Dan Nicholson]

thanks for the advice, Joe; I will give detuning a try!

[Montana St Alum]

Some Rustler 10 porn.
8" of fresh at DV. My tracks on the left are run #3 on the Blizzards.