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I had the chance to demo a pair of these in the GS form last year and was pleasantly surprised. Atomic have excelled in making a lighter ski without comprising on stability or grip, with only a few exceptions.
The Atomic SL.11 is the bigger brother of the Atomic SL.9. Both look identical, but while the SL:9 is tuned and excels in 99% of areas, the SL:11 does the same with a dirty great supercharger bolted on for good measure.
Model: Atomic SL:11 (SL11)
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 150/11 157/12 164/13 171/14
Sidecut: 107-63-95 / 108-63-96 / 109-63-97 / 110-63-98
Manufacturer's Description:
"The World Cup SL System. Top racers and aggressive carvers, opinion leaders."
Ski-Review's Verdict:
Visually and in tech ‘tech speak’ terms, the SL:11 has not changed much from its previous forms. Slightly tweaked visuals, the same ‘golf ball’ influenced top sheet, and of course the carbon power channels still remain.
First thing to note, is the versatility of these skis. Normally a designated race specification slalom ski will perform in one place and one place only; on the groomed hard pack of the piste or the race course. These skis however steer the review away from an article about how they handle through the poles, to one about how this skis can be taken just about anywhere, especially if you choose a slightly longer length than the sub circa 160 cm length which now seems standard (to all but those male FIS participants of course). A very large footprint thanks largely to very wide tips and tails ensure that the thin 63mm waists do not make powder a chore.
In a growing number of modern skis the Atomic SL:11 also have invisible ‘Easy’ & ‘Hard’ settings. The SL:11 will become a monster if you work them, and will behave in a much more docile manner if you take things easy. The latter still requires skill and good technique however, although the same is not as true for the Atomic SL:9.
One minor annoyance which could make the decision between purchasing are the bindings. You have two choices: 1. Purchase the Atomic SL:11 with Atomic bindings, or 2. Do not purchase them at all.
Due to the construction of the SL:11 you must use specific Atomic bindings. Choice of binding therefore is limited, however you do get the ease of moving the bindings should you need to set them for a different boot case size. I am a big fan of Look, and therefore have no option to use my favorite pair with these skis. That said it is a minor gripe and the ‘matched’ pair typically bundled with the SL:11 and even the SL:9 are more than capable.
Conclusion?
The SL:11 is a more than capable ski to service all your desires if you only want to carry one pair of skis around and are more prone to the piste or indeed the race course than elsewhere. A fantastically responsive pair of skis which will not break the bank and lend themselves to other disciplines very well.
If they are too stiff, plump for the SL:9 instead.
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not to stiff
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-02-24 14:17:50
they are not to stiff they have the best amount of pop when you come out of a turn when you actually race in a sl race | ps
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-02-24 14:19:09
dont get caught back seat it kinda hurts | Incredibly versatile for slalom ski
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-02-24 16:33:16
I didn't believe Atomic rep. when he was telling me this, but this ski really does it all, especially at 171cm, quite amazing actually.
It's not too stiff at all, definitely not the most forgiving ski, but really, it's not ski for beginers anyway.
Too bad they don't make them in the same length any more. I hope Atomic changes their mind and does the same as Rossignol with their "oversize" version of slalom ski | Undecided
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-03-22 06:44:39
I'm thinking of either getting these or Rossi 9S. Any thoughts? | wow
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-03-28 23:42:39
i bought these the other day, and used them for the day, and i must say i am really impressed. using the 160s, they pop right out of turns and make clean sharp turns. i highly reccomend them! | Great
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-05-17 21:42:23
I've had these skis for a few years, and have raced on them for two. They are an amazing ski compared to many others I have had the chance to test. They are powerful, graceful, and have great pop. I've got the 157s, and they rip. With a nice sharp edge, I use a 1:3, they slice through ice like butter. They are also my favorite ski to use when I'm freeskiing. You can rip the turns on harpack and I you hit a nice patch of nice, no problem. If you can find a pair of these skis on a rack full of last years half price stuff, pick them up, you won't go wrong. The only problem with the ski is that if you even think about getting back, you are on you ass. This however is a race ski that is not inteded to be forgiving. In the course or out on the hill, this ski rips. | price?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-11-16 20:03:07
how much are these skis please? i can't find a price. also does that include bindings? | Sorry My Friend
Written by duncanmills on 2005-11-16 20:04:39
We do not sell skis, the idea here is to help you chose what skis you buy. | stop crying
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-12-05 18:31:41
the skis are great i think u guys just don't know how to handle them | price
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-12-05 18:32:16
the skis are around with bindings 1000 dollars new | Just bought SL's
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2005-12-06 02:00:58
yeh i just bought these skis yesterday... im usin it 4 racing i hope i made the rite decision, cuz i didn't look around too much for other options | Which Ski
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-02-11 21:35:11
I live in Switzerland and ski most weekends. I am an intermediate skier using an atomic C11,16 ski which I like. However I want a shorter lighter ski which I can have fun with making lots of turns. Can anyone give me a reason not to buy these skis and if so offer an alternative | all around capability?
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-02-15 00:41:03
I just lucked into these as a phat b-day present. I'm still in the caveman days, missing my Rossi S9, straight edge skis; however, my days of hard core racing are long gone and I need the all around ski, with that SL racing feel (for ripping short turns down the mtn, bumps, maybe some racing, and my big concern....deep snow). So here is my question (as I am extremely stoked to use and handle these skis); are they usable deep powder on occasion....perhaps even a full day? I can't wait to put these to the full test! | my ski for 3 years
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-03-06 12:19:09
in 157cm. very good performances on and offpiste also in deep powder you keep fully controll because of its wide tip.
i'm sad to give it away this year but i am hot for one of the new fisher backcountry twintip-things.
| To Which Ski
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-03-26 05:38:07
If you are concerned about the SL-11, get the SL-9. They are really great too and more forgiving. I use the 170 length | buying atomic 9.12. I am 6ft is 150 to s
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-04-06 00:29:36
I am 6ft is 150 atomic 9.12 too short for me. I am an aggressive skier.
Have skied 160's and love it ... | The best
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2006-10-27 17:44:32
The best slalom skis ever but very demanding and technical. You cannot ski "cool" with them - you have to push on the sidecuts all the time. | Lew Says these Rock
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-11-25 12:27:41
Lew gaskell, pro racer and film star loves these skis.. So thats all you need to know - buy them now! | Need sizing help!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-11-27 17:53:06
Looking to pick these up, 5'9", 160lbs... any suggestion on what size I should using here with this ski?
Thanks! | Written by Ski Review Guest on 2007-12-08 01:59:54
i would say a 160-165 if you are racing SL and also GS44054 |
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