Atomic Metron Beta 5 / B5 (2005)

Dear Mr. West: 
 
I enjoyed your review on the Metron B5. I have recently tested the M11, but not the B5, and I am not yet sure which ones would be better for me. I liked the M11 a lot since they behaved very well in all types of terrain, including big steep moguls. I teach at the Canyons, Park City, Utah, and I teach in bumps and steep crud prevalently. I wonder whether you had the chance to ski the B5 in bumps, and, if so, if you have an opinion on their behavior there, compared to the M11. May they be too stiff? I would really care about your input. 
 
Thank you very much, 
 
Mauro C. Dal Canto

Hi Mauro, 
Thanks for the feedback re my review of the Metron B5. You might have also detected that I've not done one before! 
Up until now I've not known much about Atomic skis although I did have a pair about 10 years ago, so I'm not really one to compare one Atomic with another. I dare say that these days one 'top of the range ski' is not likely to be hugely different from the next until they are on the feet of people like yourself - that is someone who can feel those minor things that are all-important. 
In St Anton at Easter there were no significant bumps to tackle really, and because it was late season, once formed, they soon became easily manageable heaps of slush - or at least they seemed easy to handle on the Metrons!! There is a black run (The Fang) down to the Nasserein lift which is has heavy traffic at the end of the day - many people trying to negotiate the very watery snow, mostly at snails' pace. I have to say that I found them a treat - usual stability, but good at spreading the weight and because they are shorter they are so much easier to manoeuvre and aim at the right point on the bump. They also don't suffer from shovel twist - therefore keeping the front edge at a good cutting angle. I have to say I'm not a bumps expert and would need to spend more time in them on these skis to give a more accurate feedback. 
A Swiss friend of mine, who is also a Swiss Ski Instructor, was in St Anton for a day with us and at first he was a little sceptical about the Metrons - he thought they might have been a little soft, too. But later in the day we saw a pair in a shop in Lech and after giving them the usual bending and twisting tests he was much more convinced about their versatility. 
Also, the technician I originally spoke to pointed out the twin chrome torsion rods located in front of the binding. He went on to say that power generated by being tucked when in the bumps is transferred more directly to the front edges of the ski!!! Or something like that???? 
OK - I hope all that helps! 
 
Great to see that u r in Utah because we are planning to ski The Canyons Christmas/New Year 2004/05. Just looking at prices and accommodation at the moment. It would be great to keep in touch - maybe meet up when we get there? 
 
Regards and Best Wishes 
 
Chris West

Thanks Chris. What you are saying is actually quite helpful, but, as you say, the best thing would be to find a demo pair at the beginning of next season in order to make a "same feet" comparison with the M11 on Utah bumps! Sure, it would be great to meet in Utah. Unfortunately I get there after the Christmas/New Year period (generally around the 4th of January), therefore, unless you plan to come back later, our paths would not cross. If you can make it after that period, it would be very easy to find me: just go the the Ski School at the Canyons and ask for Mauro. Also, I have a place there, where I spend the winter, and my telephone number there is 435-615-1173. I am writing this from Chicago where I spend most of the year.

Until last season I was teaching at Killington, Vt. This comming season I'll be teaching at the Canyons. 
 
I managed to get a B5 and an M11 in early february from a large distributor who is a good friend. 
 
Both skis were tried by me for about two weeks in Killington, and then a Week in The Canyons, UT. 
 
Both the B5 and M11 have tenacious edge grip in Vermont "packed powder" (please read see through ice). 
 
The M11 is more bump/soft snow friendly, without sacrificing performance. True that some claim that the B5 is more solid at hyper speeds, I have not noticed the difference. (Maybe you have to faster than 45MPH, which is out of my confort zone). 
 
In Bumps, soft snow, and general skiing, the M11 is more user friendly and forgiving...  
 
Don't get me wrong, the M11 will require you to be well centered or it'll laugh at you as you smash your tush, but in general terms, if you are a good skier, this animal will be good to you. 
 
I decided for the M11 hands down. 
 
The M11 is definetely the most versatile and fun ski I ever owned. 
 
Regards, 
 
Orlando

I also tested the B5 in Lech/St. Anton last Easter. I can agree on many of the comments above. This is a fun and versatile ski. But nobody mentions the WEIGHT. It weighs no less than a 2 meter + GS ski from the 70´s. What is happening in modern ski design? Many of the modern mid fats are heavy as hell. These are not the skis to take to the summits, on your shoulder, although they can cope with all situations on the way down. Very few producers even mention the weight in their websites or brochures. 
 

I spent a weekend at the end of last season comparing the M:11 with my Volkl sixstars. The conditions were boilerplate in the morning and slush by affternoon. Short answer:I've sold the 6stars and the M:11's are on the way. They were equally stable with the Volkls as fast as I could ski them, softer and more forgiving hitting the slush moguls and WAY more fun laying down big carves.

Would anyone like to comment on the B5's rebound energy and short turn radius ability?

I'm seriously considering this ski, however, Im unsure which size to purchase. I've heard rumor that they should be sized even shorter than other shaped skis. I'm 5'10 and weigh 180 lbs. What size do you recommend? 162 or 172?

162 is the one. 
 
Check the Metron size finder if you have any doubts

I like shorter cause I like to carve. 
 
Spent the last 10 years in Whistler BC,moved to Quebec but it won't last. 
 
I need the soft stuff and lots of it. 
 
I love to carve but looking for a ski that can handle pow, crud and slush. 
 
On paper this ski looks like the hot ticket, I"ll demo a pair this winter at Tremblant and will see how they feel underfoot. If they are as good as I think they will be, I'll grab a pair at discount at the end of the year. 
 
Good snow to all

I read a review of the Metron B5 in "Fall-line Skiing" and the verdict was not impressive!  
It went like this ... 
..... Bit of a weird one this, with wide geometry and a super-carvey side cut. ( whatever that means) It's supposed to do it all, but testers found it a little hard to get along with and heavy. Good idea in theory. 
 
Overall: If you like a cravey go-anywhere all-rounder then it's OK 
 
Don't bother if you want something light! 
 
In 3 weeks time I'll be on mine in Les Arcs - then we'll see!!!! 
 
Regards to you all  
Chris West

 
 
A very interesting ski, very different feel from any other ski I have ever been on. Despite its short length (162) this ski was smooth and stable and quicker edge to edge than its massive width would indicate. These skis are extremely heavy, so leave them on the snow. No lifting, tipping turning etc. Just leave them on the snow and arc both feet. Hang on; have faith; and let them run. I you do this it will be alright. They will rip and will carry you anywhere. They don't seem to respond well to a lot of steering or "foot work". They just need to arc and carve so leave them on the snow and let them go. I haven't really decided If I would want them for my own everyday ski, but they were a blast to fool around with. Did I mention how heavy they are? 
 

I skied them in the Australian winter in the 172. I found them great through crud and on the groomers. I didn't have a chance to ski it in any deep fresh snow , so I can't comment on that. Stable as hell at any speed. However, I am 191lbs and 6ft and I found the 172 to be a very beefy ski and too large , especially in tight and big, sometimes irregular bumps. I demoed the B5 in 162 and found it more responsive and quicker from edge to edge. If you like just bombing big GS turns , 172cm is OK. But I like the versatility of the 162 through tighter spots ie trees and tight chutes. I am still carrying my Elan 777 to Fernie & Kicking Horse when the Pow is fresh and deep ie knee deep plus and when we go backcountry becauase I am not lugging those B5 around. Plus they are fairly heavy to do Pedal turns in.

Oh no..! Now I don't know what to go for this year. I hire and the ski I always go back to is the Rossi xx at 184. I found this does all things well. I want a ski that is helpful in the bumps and one that you can get up and around in steep stuff. As I pick my skis up a lot I wondered if the weight of the B5 would be too sapping. We like to get stuck into gullies but the snow is not always so helpful so I want a good allrounder for a 6 footer, 180 lbs guy who has skied a lot for 20 years but still needs a bit of help in tricky stuff. I am thinking this ski sounds good as does the Head monster 70. I tried a Rossi B2 in 182 and found them slow in the turn and planky at that size. Also, of interest is the Dynastar 4800/6200. 
 
Any suggestions from anyone who has tried these skis would be appreciated. 
Thanks

I just demo'd a pair of B5's yesterday at one of the pimples that go for ski hills in Ontario. I'm 6'3" and 225lbs and I found that the 162cm length a blast to ski. Conditions were 10cm of fresh, wet snow that rapidly turned into crud with icy patches in between - the B5's didn't care, they went through/over top of everything like they had 4 wheel drive. As for the weight, I currently ski Rossi 9X's in a 174cm length and the weight is comperable. I tried the B5's in the 172cm length and didn't find them as quick to turn and since I already have a GS type ski, I'd go with the shorter (162cm) length. A blast to ski - hopefully I can score a demo pair before the season is out. 

Demoed both today. Both are great in powder but the M11's were much better on icy patches and just as awesome in the powder. Plus they are much more alive all'round. I'm 200 lbs 6ft expert and M11's are the best skis I've ever used. I'm also considering Volkls, Rossis and Salomons. Another astonishing feature is they keep you from falling backwards even in roughest runs. The only drawback is they make you work hard in moguls but that's part of the fun I guess.

I'm 5'6 and 150 pounds. I have skiied for many years as a kid and had to quit for a few years while I was in grad school. I have never skied on shaped skis but I used to be able to do anything on the mountains here. I would consider myself an "old expert" but I"m 27 yrs old. Expert trails here become extermely icey and full of bumps which is what I end up skiing in. Don't care about speed as much as a ski that can keep me stable in the bumps. Can you give me a few options or somewhere I can go for some options?  
 
Looking to be under $800 for skiis only. 
 
Also, what am I looking for in a boot? 
 
You can email me (chris77@gmail.com) or AIM me at Jankiac. 
 
Thanks very much. 
 
The guy at my store is recommending Nordica SUV12s. 

I owned a pair of 6 stars, loved them and convinced my friends to get them as well. At the end of last season purchased the M11'S as a soft snow ski and now the 6 Stars stay in the garage. The M11's rip on hard snow and have a great feel which I hadn't felt anywhere else. 
 
Demo'd the B5's in a 162 at Jackson Hole for three days a week ago and now planning to switch. If you like big carves, tight, short arcs and two feet steering-grab 'em! They plowed through crud and heavy snow and laid big trenches-when I wasn't flipping slalom turns in the fall line. I owned Atomic 9/16 slalom skis and these were almost as quick and definitely more fun. 
 
Start doing those arm curls as he weight factor is indeed evident. The lifties got a huge chuckle from the short skis with the beefy attitude. 
 
They were right!

After all the comments I seem to be much closer to answering my biggest question: can they really handle boilerplate? If I buy they will be my only pair and much as I like off piste and unprepared I will never stop getting a rush of adrenaline at the sight of proper hard packed course (and maybe a few training gates).  
 
Any thoughts? 
 
Pawel

I've been skiing for 30 yrs and I still have my 1998 Atomic SL...time to change. 
I never beleived in hybrids, however I've been reading very good reviews on new skis. 
I'm looking for a ski which would deliver in the slopes, ice, bumps and also be very friendly in deep snow. 
I rwad about the B5 (out of the question due to wieght) and the M11. What about the M:EX? 
Anything to compare with? Bandid, 2or 3? 
Would appreciate a guidance. 
Thanks 
Fred

Just returned from 8 days in the Alps (Les Arcs and Flumserberg) with a big smile! The B5s are everything I thought they were when I tested them in St Anton. Stable, quick if you want them to be from edge to edge and almost arrogant in anything rough. A dream in the powder - and I was so pleased with their performance I didn't once think about their weight - although I did have to carry my wife's pair on occasion. 
The lifties were always interested and we had a lot of interest from other skiers. In Flumserberg - a very Swiss resort, we happened to see another pair, but missed the chance to speak to the guy. Lots of fun off-piste here after a fresh fall, through the trees and down some craggy bits too. 
Ok - so more to do in February - back in Switzerland, and then a finish to this year in St Anton over Easter. 
Life's a bitch! 
 
Keep on enjoying the B5s. 
Chris West

Jan. 2nd, 2005: I just demoed the EX @ 165 at Jackson Hole. I had never skied anything this short. I am 6' 1", 195lb and an advanced skier.  
 
We had 20" of fresh pow and this ski had incredible float and response in the glades. On Black moguls, my transitions from edge to edge required far less effort than I can ever remember.  
 
On groomers, large radius turns at speed were smooth and chatter-free... the edge hug was awesome, I guess thanks to the Ti pulsers that seem to push the edges down on all terrain. The weight of this ski was not an issue and may be helpful: they blasted through crud without being diverted. 
 
I think the add'l. 8mm of waist make the EX the way to go in the West, instead of the B5. The demo guy also said that the B5 has such a wide, massive shovel/short turn radius that it is more tentative and jerky at speed.  
 
My Volkls will soon be benched in favor of this radical and highly effective ski. I can't wait until my partially torn MCL heals so I can get back out there (not the ski's fault... an unexpected jump off a large rock/small cliff!) 
 
Charlie

Hi ! 
 
I'm interested in purchasing a pair of Atomics.  
Just wondering which is the best way to go: B5 or EX? 
It appears that for deep powder the EX is more prefered 
 
any comments? 
 
Sincerely, 
Ed

I am 200lbs, expert skier, about the same amount of time front side and back side, my usual skis are Volkl 5 stars in 168, and Volkl P40 GS in 188. I tested the B5 (162) at Pitztal a couple of weeks ago, together with a pair of GS11's (176). The piste was perfect corduroy, offpiste variable, with some windlown powder, some breakable crust, and also icy sections. 
 
I found the B5 to be a real jack of all trades, but the ski just did not excel at ANYTHING. Piste performance was only just ok, with edge to edge taking an age compared to the 5 stars and the GS 11, edge hold was also poorest of the three. Worst of all, they really did not like going fast (maybe a factor of the short length).  
 
Nevermind, thought I, they will really shine in the rough - WRONG. They just couldn't come to grips with the variable conditions, wanted to be skied slow, and felt jittery when I tried to make them go as fast as I needed to break up the crud. They bounced over the top rather than slice through. Edge hold was not confidence inspiring in icy chutes. Admittedly they were better than the GS 11 in the rough, but by a surprisingly slim margin. the 5 stars were better in every situation. Considering the price, I really do not think that they are a good buy. If you buy last year models, you could have a top GS ski AND a decent mid fat (e.g. Monster 85) for the same money and get massively better performace bonth front and back. Just my two pennies.

This past month, I demo'ed practically every all-mountain ski out there. I'm 5'4" and I need a ski that can do it all. I LOVE the B-5's. I tried them in deep, wet snow; soft bumps; corduroy; crunchy crud; AND on bullet-proof ice (thanks to the crazy temp. fluctuations we've had in the east this season). They were wonderful on everything!!! I didn't get to try them in deep powder but I bought them anyway.  
 
I didn't like the M-11's at all (I might have loved them if I hadn't tried the B-5's first), the M-10's were just okay, the Rossignol Bandits didn't compare, the Salomon pilots weren't that great etc. etc. I also compared the B-5's to the Head Monsters, Volkl Six Stars and various Dynastar All Mountain skis and nothing even came close to beating this ski. I would have liked to compare them to the EX but the Atomic rep. didn't have any EX's. 
 
Obviously, everyone skis differently so the B-5 may not suit your style of skiing. I spoke to a guy who likes to do tiny little zipper turns down the sides of groomed trails and he HATED the B-5's. And they are definitely heavy, I'm searching for a pack I can strap them to IF I decide to hike with them.  
 
I can attest that they hold REALLY WELL on ice. Now, if I could only find some powder..... 

I am an expert skier living in the Austrian Mountains. I had the pleasure of demoing the B5’s last week looking for an all mountain expert ski, first impressions were great, they ski like a slalom ski and love short tight turns. Then once I had warmed up I decided to open them up but to my disappointment once above about 60 kmph in long turns they were reluctant to lock on to their edges and required constant edge adjustment to hold and edge. Next I am going to try the Volkl 724 EXP and Superspeed Motion AT.

I live in Park City and ski a lot. I'm 5/7", 175lbs. and currently ride the Volkl Motion in 184. I am a very experienced skier but my knees are beat. One of the best aspects of the Metrons is how easy they are to ski and how nice they eat up shock, ride like Cadillacs. The best all around of the group is definitely the M10. The M9 is a little too soft if you're a strong skier and the M11 is a little twitchy. The 162/164 length is perfect for me. 
The B5 is a ski that gives what it gets; if you are a strong skier, it does everything well. I skied the 162 this week in everything from hardpack to fresh powder to crud to wind-blown crust and it's a riot. I skied it very fast and it is very stable. Remember, I'm used to my 184 Volkls) 
I'm definitely going to buy a pair but I'm torn between the M10 and B5, leaning towards the B5. My only hesitation is that I know it will be tougher on my beat up old knees, but damn does it turn, rips the hardpack like a race ski! Yet floats and turns in the pow like nothing I've ever skied. I think I just made my decision... 

I'm 5'10", 190# and ski mainly in Stratton,Vermont. I demo'd these in 172 and loved EVERYTHING about it. I demo'd the 162 and really disliked them. It didn't even resemble the 172's. Too loose and squirelly for my taste. With the 172, which I bought, I can take the sweetest, biggest GS turns at high speed, with equal stability and confidence, over boilerplate, powder, and crud. Great dampness, so I felt no rattling over the real bumpy sections. I even felt quite comfortable going high speed through a field of New England death cookies. I could also do real quick slalom turns too. 
 
I've tried many, many skis. None have improved my skiing ability to the extent that these have. 
 
You absolutely cannot do step/ stem christy type turns. The weight of these skis are too much with such a technique. You have to use a modern roll of the ankle technique. You won't notice the weight this way. 
 
These are difficult skis to walk with. Besides the heavy weight, when you put them on your shoulder and wrap your hand around the front of the ski to hold it, there won't be much of a wrap since these tips are really fat. The edges will start to cut into the fingers of your gloves and the skis will start to separate, making you look quite uncool. 
 
These are upper intermediate to advanced skis. Most important is to gert these in the correct length. 
 
APF

Just wondering about tip stiffness and ease of initiation on the B5's. I demo'd them on the best ballistic Calabogie blue ice two weeks ago and they were stable and edge grip was an 8/10 But I need a ski for western conditions, and the sad fact is, that the lower on the mountain one goes, the wetter the snow, and the less jam is left in the legs, so I really need a ski that isn't difficult to muscle around in wet snow and crud. I've found that a softer tip and snappy tail do the trick. Has anyone flex'ed these puppies?? I didn't get a chance on my demo days (hungover and stupid).

I demo'd a pair of 172s, liked them so much I bought a pair of 172s that evening after skiing. They are a great all round ski, absolutely love them. I didn't learn about this sizing chart until recently and it has me as a 152 (I weigh 135lbs). Never tried the 152 or 162, but the Atomic Metron Beta5 172 is the best ski I've ever skied on. It handles anything that Whistler can throw at it. Now if only they could make it rock proof!

had a chance to demo the B5 at Crystal Mt before all the snow melted; there was 2 inches of new with hardpack exposed by midmorning. the 172's were solid, and would bust through crud nicely. the first thing I noticed about them was how heavy they were on the chair up; much heavier than my Bandit XX 184's. the second thing I noticed was the titanium Ping that reminds me of my golf Driver. Not bad in any way, just a pingy sound over hardpack, compared to the rossis. 
Then i demoed the B5 162s. they were like completely different skis; they are still heavy, but are so short that the swing weight didn't feel heavy on the snow. they felt quick, with great edge grip. I found myself looking for steep bumps. My concern was whether they would be stble at speed in that length. I bought the 184 XX because the 177 XX are just more chattery at speed. Not so with the 162 B5. though they do like to turn, I was able to straight and fast (35-40mph), withouth chatter. I think this is an amazing ski. I plan on demoing the K2 Recon and maybe the Head IM75 at whjistler next month, but it's hard to imagine a more versatile and fun game improvement ski for advanced and expert skiers.

I need to decide whether to get the salomon scream limited's or the metron m:10's. I mostly ski on ice-hardpack snow. somebody please suggest one or the other.

Go with the B5's, best bet for you on ice. The Screams can't touch anything in the Atomic Metron line for torsional stiffness and carving. I'd go for a slalom sidecut as in the B5's or the M11's. The M11's are not as stiff as the B5's but still carve well.

I would classify myself as an intermediate skier and after trying the M:10s this weekend up in Sun Peaks (164 length and I am 6.1 225lbs) , I though I had found the ultimate ski. For me, they carved really well in all conditions (ice, crud, etc). I liked they way the floated over the crud and I always felt in control. I also did my first black run and I don’t believe that I would have been as successful had I been on my Volkl AX2 (170s). 
 
After reading everyone’s comments on the B5, M:EX and M:11, could some please outline the big difference between them? Further, how different is the M:9 because it seems to have the same dimensions. 
 
After Skiing on a 164, how different would the 171 feel? 
 
Thanks in advance 

I am not very advanced skier, but ski ok in smooth conditions. (185lp, 5.5" or 182sm). I rented M10 going Big Bear, South CA. Ski were increadable. Nice sharp turns, performed with no tense at all. My best tried skies are Volkl p60, Fischer RX8. I did not notice any stability problems with M10 comparing these skiies with racing models. Probably athlet's speed makes all the difference, but I am going fast enought comparing with others amateurs. It is extreamly easy to perform carve turns on M10. It gets icy when son goes down here in south CA. That day was relativly cold and was not much of ice at eavning time, but even on frozen pack M10 wre stable form me. Going off piste was enjoyable. They float well and still turny in soft powder in the woods. 
Problems: I had to adjust myself to be not so agressive going on high speed. It is easy to overcontrol M10 because they are increadably responsive. Sometimes they were shoting from side to side on high speed with a lot of energy. You have to keep it under control. I realy do find this as a big problem. 
Overall: Liked very much. I want to try B5 to compare

I tried the 162s and they were great! That was their shortest length. I'm 5'9 180 lbs and wonder what would it be like with the 152s.  
 
Anybody try the shorties?

I am an intermediate skier that will venture onto Black Diamonds on occasions. I ski mostly in the East Coast but will venture out to the West on occasions. I am 5'6" and 150 lbs and was looking at purchasing the M11 162s. Is this ski too much for a person in my skill level? 
 
Thanks

I have a pair of 174 Pocket Rockets for powder, love em. I wanted an all mountain ski. I have a pair of Crossmax, worked ok. I demoed a pair of M10 171's. What a great ski, solid, great on the groomers, and crud. Grips well on the little ice that I have been on. They also work well in tthe deeps. They are heavy, but a great ski. I bought a pair and after a month I still love-em.

I demoed the M11's last year at Alta. I compared them against my old Beta 8:10 and there was no comparswion --- more control, stability and easy turns. 
 
I demoed the 172's and bought a pair in November. 
 
Just finishing a week at Steamboat and I am very happy with the M11's. We had 12" of powder on Tuesday and the M11's just kept on going --- point them downhill and hang on for a great ride. I also learned that you should not try to oversteer them --- they are extremely responsive so just let it rip. 
 

what will work best for me for skis and bindings from Atomic? I am 6'4", 235 pounds, 57 years old, ski California, advanced, ski fast, usually groomed diamond runs, moguls are okay although I will shy away from beaten up mogul fields with big bumps, sometimes like to go off piste through light snow/powder and the trees. I get on smooth runs and just let them run to their heart's content. 
I would like some input.

I was at windham mountain NY after they had approx 4" of fresh snow. My first 2 runs were murder with my 168 cm volkl 6 stars. My legs were toast! I normally have no problem skiing the 6 stars all day long, but not today. I rented a pair of atomic metron B5 skis. These skis saved the day! I did not realize they were a size 172 until I went to return them. Now I want to buy a pair, but not sure if I want to go down in size to a 162? I am 5' 11" and weigh 175 lbs. The 172's handled perfectly for me in changing snow conditions. 
 
-Mike

I own a pair of 162 B5's and for fun, last weekend, demoed a pair of 172's. For reference, I am 5'11, 170-175 lbs, expert skier and have several pairs of skis. The 172's felt very similar to the 162's but as expected, it took more effort (not a lot) to crank out similar slalom like turns. At higher speeds and through broken crud the 172's felt slightly more stable, but the 162's are very stable anyway, so this difference really didn't mean much. At the end of the day I felt that the 162's were a little more versatile and less work at the expense of the some stability. Both lengths worked well There isn't that much difference between them. If I didn't have a choice I would be happy with either.

I spent over $1,100 on my new k2 pro and Atomic Beta race boots. The problem is that the boots hurt my feet so bad, I can barely ski in them. I am 5'11" @ 198 lbs. I ski Southern Calif. mountains and I can do black diamond, but not pretty. I want to be able to ski these mountains and the black diamonds good, which boots and skiis does anybody recommend? I want to be able to handle the medium size moguls smoothly on the steeper hills.

I spent 5 days in Colorado (Vail,Breck,A-Basin,Copper), this Jan., and demo'd lot's of skis. I'm a 5'10" 185, ex-racer, who likes hard snow and fast speed. What I was really interested in, for this last trip, was total mountain skiing. For me, that meant more moguls and more powder. The Dynastar 4800 168 is a great ski at speed and not bad in the moguls, either. It didn't have the float I was looking for in the powder. With the same size boots, I traded my buddy for a few runs in the Rossi B2's. This was a heavier ski for me but better in the powder. It was a little sluggish on fast hardpack and moguls were so-so. Then I clicked into another buddy's Solomon Pocket Rocket 175's and oh man! Now, we had a min. of 5" new everyday for 5 days, so this ski had perfect conditions. What shocked me was this ski's mogul performance: excellent. I made the most memorable turn of my life at Copper: with 13" of fresh, I was going too fast at the bottom of one run and suddenly was headed at some 6' tall, partially-buried evergreen tree tops. I banked those Pocket Rockets, hit a miracle mound of powder, launched into the air and whistled through the very tips of those trees- landing softly in even more powder. What a ski. BUT on hardpack? That 90mm waist felt as if I was trying to carve with water skis! THEN I clicked into the Atomic Metron m:11's (172). Did they float? Oh yeah. -Especially when banked agressively. At the high traffic bottom of those Copper runs where the powder was pushed away and the icy hardstuff appeared: no problem (they felt like ice skates - what did you expect from Atomics). I read one review where someone wrote that his B5's or m:11's were tossed around by crud. You've got to be kidding me! My biggest concern was moguls: the bain of my skiing existence. But the Pocket Rockets gave me confidence. So I really pushed the m:11's in the bumps and they really responded. I did have to stay much more centered. But the control arms didn't stop them from flexing. I didn't demo the B5's - but it sounds like they're designed to be a bit more stiff - and less bump friendly. I was sold. I'm thoroughly convinced that I've seen the future of skiing in the m:11: 129-76-110. Its the one ski quiver for me. And if more women had this Selma Hayek shape, I wouldn't care as much about skiing! ....................... but if anyone knows of some Pocket Rockets for $300 or less, well, that's what I'd pay for powder perfection (while still living in Michigan!)

I would be interested in hearing what anybody thinks of these skis in this length. Please state your weight for comparitive purpose. I am looking for skis for a 150 lb, level 8+ woman and am wondering whether the 152's or 162's would be better as an all-around hard-pack ski? She already has fat skis for powder and soft-pack days.

I know many will dissagree but for me it's still better to have a set of skis for varying styles if you are looking for max performance in different situations. 
 
I demod the B5 for a week and it performs as expected and my findings pretty much match the consenus of opinion and reviews here. But it did not really excel at anything in particular and after a while I found it hard to really push the skis like I am used to. The B5 is not overly unstable at speed but not very responsive either and you need a lot of energy input at Mach3.  
 
After the novelty wore off I found myself wanting more but it just wasn't there. Then again I was never sold on the one-ski quiver idea. 

I am 5'5" and I'd rather not state my weight...let's leave it that I weigh a few pounds more than 150. The 152's are plenty long enough. I demoe'd the 162 but bought the 152 (at the recommendation of the atomic rep). The first weekend, I felt like I had made a mistake - they were so short. After skiing them for 2 months, I can't imagine being back on the 162's. I love the 152's - esp. in moguls and trees. You didn't say how tall you are but I highly recommend the 152's over the 162's for any woman shorter than 6'. Good luck!

Reading the above reviews it is apparent that old schoolers (feet together, think a skided turn is a carved turn ), should stick to less radical ski or should be prepared to take a lesson and learn to rip.

After demo of this ski for a day on groomed terrain at Killington my take is the B6 seems to be just another high-end carver that makes inititation easier on varied terrain. 
 
It's a versatile ski but it likes to turn and turn(did I mention turn?)/It really isn't that stable at speed and with a large shovel the tips like to wander and flop when moving fast in a straight line. 
 
Ski it on the edge and its awesome, firm grip, easy turning and quite nimble given its weight. 
 
You can do a lot of ripping as long as you throw down some high speed turns. This ski is not good for ski-cross or anything above 25-30 in a straight line. 
 
Different strokes for different folks. It's not for me though. It seems too one-dimensional actually and the versatility is in the type of terrain that it can conquer. 
 
Kind of overrated IMO. Then again maybe I was expecting too much. 

I've demoed several pair of skis this season, Fisher RX 8's & RX 9's, Atomic M11's, Atomic supercross, Atomic 9-12's, Solomon Pilots. The best skis I've ever skiied are the Atomic Metron B5's. I'm an instructor and spend alot of time testing different skis. The B5's are incredible in all conditions, incredible edge grip in soft or hard snow. Carve like you're on a roller coaster. Set em on edge two footed and hang on. Most awe inspiring ski I've been on. Just ordered a pair of 162's

I demo'd both. for reference I am 6'0" 225lbs. First I tried the M11s@172 in 9" of fresh pow, excellent ski, kept me afloat all day long, no problem. My concern was how these skis would do on groomers. Since it was snowing all day, there were no groomers to be found. The following week I tried them on groomers, presently I ski on K2 Axis XTs, my hope was that these skis would be at least close to the XTs. They surpassed the XTs in performance on the groomers. I fell in love with these ski instantly. I had 2 hours left in the day and decided to try the B5s@172. I took them down a nice straight intermediate slope. First Run down the feeling was unbeliavable. I skied through groomed snow, patches of ice, and mounds of soft snow down that one run at full speed with out ever worrying about loosing control. These skis are remarkable. The next day I decided to try the B5s in a 162. The 162s had no problem with my weight, skied all day on groomers, corn, soft April snow, handled everything without trouble. However in the end I decided on the M11s due to their softness and price, they are less expensive then the B5s. Maybe next season I'll get the B5s for my collection. In both cases, it was one hell of an experience!

What size should I get? 162 or 152cm? I wasn't able to demo them this season but have the option to get either size at a very good price. I ski a Volkl Carver Motion in 170 right now, should I go as small as 152cm???

(Note to self: don't press 'enter' after typing the title!) 
 
Everyone here seems to rate the M10s over the M9s but I'm quite a lot smaller than all of you (5ft2 and 125lbs). Has anyone little struggled with the M9s being too soft?

I'm the same size 6' 230, and plan on a demo of both M11 and B5 over the holidays . My question is did you go with the 172 or 162 M11. I 'm not expert but an advanced intermediate and am interested in short turn performance ie trees and moguls

Anybody comapare the M5 or M11 to the Rossi Z9? I did and think I like the Z9s better. They were lighter and quicker but carved similarly. The Z9s seemed better in the bumps but less stable at super high speeds. Anybody making the same comparisions for this season?

Just purchased a season pass in Utah (senior discount – I’m retired sowhatelseamIgoingtodo) and I wanted to update my skis. I am ex-collegiate racer who worships good corduroy but still spends 20-30% of my time off-piste tracking up the pow.  
Has anyone compared the Rossi Z9 to the Atomic B5? If so, I would love to get your thoughts.

 
Hi, I'm thinking of getting new skies. How will the B5 compare with the Big Daddy and Sugar Daddy Skies?  
 
I'm an expert/advanced skier and looking for powder performance. However sometimes you end up in the slopes anyway and then I like having fun there too, meaning high speed carving or down hill. Tough combo, though... 
 
Thanks for any advise!

Can't decide which. Like to rip down harpack, short radsius, bumps , powdere and trees... 
Recommend???

I demoed the B5, in 160 legnth at Windham on 11/27/05. In spring-like conditions (everything from crud to hardpack, to soft snow) they were not impressive. The wide tips got thrown around in the crud, which my Rossi Powerplate 9S skis just plowed right through. They gripped fine in the hardpack, but were just not much fun compared to a real high end carving ski. For me, they did not "do it all." In fact they did nothing particularly well at all. Perhaps I am not heavy enough (168 pounds) or skilled enough for them. But I would not buy them without demoing them.

Having demoed both, I was unimpressed with both. The M5 gripped hard snow better, but both were thrown around in crud, and were not particularly fast or fun. I'd demo, and not rely on what you read about them. The hype and reality on these skis just don't match up.

very very heavy! 
but very stable - could i say SUV-like? not super quick turning, but pretty good. you just sort of ride them and let them do the work. cut-up stuff? - they plow thru no problem with all that weight and high-tech engineering. 
 
i was only on them for 2 hours or so in soft, powdery conditions. no ice, nothing steep and gnarly open. as most everyone else observes, they are 'game improvement' tools. 
 
slinky, snappy, exciting, wonderful-feeling............. 
these are not adjectives that i can apply to the b5. 
i like a ski that has some of the above. 
 
i'll demo the b5's again soon in different conditions.

A Review by Jason 
 
An expert’s ski only (well, anyone could have fun on this but unless you're an expert it may not be the ski for you) 
 
This is a carving experts dream, if you don't like this ski you're probably not good enough to ski it plain and simple (sinister laugh) but seriously the B5 is one full on ski.  
 
Weight, weight, weight....most reviews comment on how heavy these skis are...THEY ARE NOT. Well, of course as in everything in life, its all relative. If you're already skiing on race stock or regular GS or SL skis then the weight of the B5 will hardly be noticed. I ski on Dynastar Omeglass 64 slalom skis with Look bindings..they are 1lb lighter then the 15.5lb weight of the B5. Having said that, once you take the B5 to snow the weight disappears. 
 
I intend to give my feedback over the season, this review is based on 2 hours of snow time: 
 
EDGE HOLD 
 
The Metron B5 will blow your mind -- it was my first day of the season on snow so it was a matter of getting my ski legs back as well as getting used to a new ski, or better said TRUSTING the ski not knowing how far I could push it. I could not believe how solid the edge hold was, despite my terrible technique...I certainly did not feel progressive in my turns and often caught myself “striking a pose” basically doing the things that would cause a ski to wash out and yet the B5 in 2 hours NEVER lost an edge (hard pack machined groomed). I have skied on Head, Atomic, Elan and Dynastar race stock and I can easily say the edge hold of the B5 is as good or better, especially if you’re trying to carve a circle! 
I will have more to say in days to come. 
 
SKI LENGTH 
 
I am 5’7” 160lbs with my suit on; I contemplated what length for a while and still would like to try longer versions to compare. However, for the sake of versatility I have no doubt the 152 is the right length. I was skiing on a 157 Dynastar SL race setup all of last season and so far the B5 is far more exciting and stable to ride. 
 
SKI WIDTH 
 
This is wonderful to see again and it hasn’t been since the Dynastar 4x4 of years gone by that I have seen a wide waist ski not meant for just powder (power skis just don’t perform on the groomers) My initial impression is that I would like some more lift on the B5 but so far I have not been able to hit my boots to the snow. The extra width underfoot definitely gives me more leverage, I’m excited about this and can’t wait to report more on this aspect. 
 
TURN SHAPE 
 
I will offer more reviews on this but so far short radius turns are no problem and the Metron B5 is lively and it seems like it returns more energy then I put in. In my short radius turns my body follows a straight line while my ski pivot/carve side to side to control speed. I can even manage my spiste turns quite well, leaving a uniform zig-zag down the hill. I ski in Ontario Canada and so far only skiing at Skyloft I could not find any instability speed-wise (check for my review after testing in Vail in two weeks). 
 
MOGULS/AIR 
 
I cannot wait to see how these skis do in the bumps -- my SL skis were amazing in the bumps but my previous HEAD XP100 skis felt too stiff for the bumps (although I’ve been reading the professional bump skiers are on very stiff skis, so it may have been the shape of the ski that was causing problems). 
 
REBOUND 
 
I did find as I really pushed the ski when carving that I had to make sure I was centered if not a little forward on the ski, if I was even a little bit back the ski would take off beneath me. This is no where near a negative for me, and yes so what if the ski is not so forgiving, if you have the skill then you’ll love it. If you’re looking for just a cruising ski the B5 is not it...certainly the B5 can be used for cruising, the caution is if you make a sudden movement pressure or on edge, the ski will react immediately and you had better be paying attention. 
 
RACE? 
 
I will certainly plan to race the B5 in SL and GS just to see what happens, I do have no doubt that the B5 could be competitive. I suspect that the specialized race skis would definitely have and edge (ha ha ha) but I just don’t have as much fun on race skis as I did on the B5 for just playing around. 
 
COSMETICS 
 
Okay, I can admit it, I’m vain and I love to take care of my gear and I hope the B5 will hold up well. I skied the Omeglass 64 quite hard last season and unless they are inspected up close, still look new (lots of mogul skiing too!) I do think the 2006 B5 looks a lot better than 2005. It was interesting that people immediately noticed the Atomic Metron B5 when they spoke with me. 
 
There so far is nothing that I dislike about the B5 and really am looking forward to report more on this ski. HAPPY SKIING!

I skied the B5 four straight days at Crested Butte, CO. (12/30/05-1/2/06) Conditions were ideal with new powder each day, crud and broken snow in the afternoon and groomers. There was also a bit of ice on some runs. The B5 performed flawlessly and ripped on every run including the double blacks of the north face, groomed blacks, blues and greens, totally chunked up powder and nasty bumps. Let them run and the B5's are fast! I had to stay on top of them and concentrate not to be in the back seat. You have to be awake to ski on these things. They carve like a surgeon’s scalpel on the soft snow, hardpack and ice. I spent as much time as possible in the powder and as long as my technique held up, they floated like Canada geese on steroids. Performed well in the bumps and quick turns in the glades were easy. They can be skied slow and at moderate speeds and they turn like silk at those speeds. The look hot, they ski hot. Negatives? I need to get better to take full advantage of the skis. Each ski weighs a little less than 8 lbs. I never noticed the weight except that they are heavier than my wife's K2 Lotta Luvs. If the weight is a problem for you, you are probably just weak and out of shape. My previous ski was the Volkl Vertigo G3 - also great, but not as versatile or quick as the B5. I am 6'0", 185. Final grade for the B5..."A"...GETEM.

Just spent 10 days in park City and Deer Valley (had 1 day in the Canyons but would prefer to forget it since the conditions and lifts were poor and my wife's metrons were stolen!) 
My B5s were awesome in the powder up at Jupiter and in Scott's bowl - effortless turning and holding ability in 5 feet of fresh stuff. Also did some off-piste -top-right off McConkeys through the trees. Very quick to respond and therefore avoid the trees. My son had tried some Dynastar Big Trouble that day and I tested them - they were a little long for me but I soon returned to my B5s!!!! 
Have fun!

I'm 6'2" and 185 lbs expert skier. I just demoed some 181cm Atomic B5s at Schweitzer. I took them off-piste, in the crud and heavy powder for half a day. These skis were sweet. Floating on the crud was effortless and turning was a breeze in the crud. I ski the Volkl G-3s, so it takes a lot to impress me. Needless to say, I was impressed. I would switch today if I had the bucks. My only regret is that I didn't keep the skis for the whole day. Check 'em out. Awesome!

Please advice, 
I am 1,95m and 90kg. As the metron index is just in between, I wonder which length would be the right 
Joe

Joe, It depends on how you ski. If you are a quick turning addict (like me) stick with the 162, otherwise the 172 will probably work well for you at 6'4" 
 
The only way to really know is to demo a pair at each length and see how they feel. 
JT

For reference out there, I am 5'5' and approx 150lbs and I would be considered an advanced skier. Skiing all mountains in the Canadian Rockies and all conditions. I spent the last month on a variety of demo skis including the Rossi B2, Z9, the Elan Mag12, the Dynastar 8800 as well as the M11's and M10. After much review, ski time and discussion with others, I am very excited to have just purchased a pair of M11's 162. The ski handles it all and the carving is unbelievable. Total fun. For anyone who has been skiing a GS ski in the past and want to get into the new line of skis, the M11 162 is it. Too much fun.

I have SL9 and it is perfect for ise or hard snow./only/ 
Did anybody swich from SL9/11 to B5. Is B5 are so good in short turn as SL. 
 
I am afraid to swich and to lost so big fun in short turn and funcarving? 
 

I bought the b5 at Whisler last weekend and skied there and cypress bowl. They are CHEATERS!! I had my best day in a long time. They turn ice into ice cream. I had previously demoed the m9 and m10. The b5 almost skis itself

I'm an intermediate skier and recently bought the M11's. After demoing Atomic ST11, Volkl supersport 5 star and Metron M11s, I wound up buying the M11's. I liked the ST11, but felt much more confident on the M11's. I was completely unable to deal with the Volkls - I couldn't stay forward on them, couldn't turn properly and generally did not like them (probably because they were beyond my ability, but oh well ...).  
 
For those who are intermediate skiers wondering if the M11 is beyond them, it definitely isn't - I'm 5'10", 160lb, and bought the M11s in 162cm together with Tecnica Diablo Fire boots (awesome boots, btw).

I just finished skiing the metron B5 for three days in all conditions is Kitzbuel Austria. I could not speak more highly of a ski. It is basically like that new porsche SUV(Chayanne) It does not come off its edge in the piste. It is simply fantastic at carving. But when you take it off piste you quickly get the feeling that the terrain simply does not matter anymore: you can go down anything. Terrain that previously was very difficult and undesirable to ski (heavy, already tracked powder) you simply blow through them. They are different from other skis in that, lay them on their side, and they will turn: no matter what you are turning through. Deep snow becomes almost too easy. Your legs find their direction and place naturally: all fear of deep snow or steep deep snow is gone. You just flow through it.  
There was this particular run that I did alot, half of it was very steep old crustly powder, and the other half was wide open piste: the ski just blew my mind in both.  
And as for the weight, never have I cared less than when sking them. Alll the weight is in the binding, so turning them is not a problem, and so they are heavy: if you don't have the legs to lift them, then you don't have the legs to use them properly anyway.  
They blew me away.

I am in Austria in Ladis-Fiss-Serfaus at the moment and for the last 2 weeks I have been testing Metron B5 in different lengths and also the SX B5. 
 
The SX B5 is not worth the price sticker. 
 
The difference between Metron B5 162 and 172 is huge. I simply don't have the same stability ....... today I got the Metron B5 172 cm. ski that I ordered last week ..... and I got the new 2007 model :) 
 
This ski is just as good, but the weight is less, I don't have a scale hear to weigh them, but they are definately not as heavy (after 2 weeks I got used to carry the heavy 2004/2005 model though) 
 
This is a fantastic ski, absolutely the best carving fun ski money can buy ..... you can carve down an extreme black piste if you want to ........ and be prepared to pay for it. When he handed me the new ski this morning he showed me a price of 950 Euro including Austrian VAT. I got the price down to 712 Euro and I did not pay for 2 weeks of renting ski, so I am pretty happy with my purchase. 
 
Tomorrow if the weather is good I will test the new B5 model some more - if the weight is different then they changed more than the colors (perhaps they still weigh the same, but they feel not as heavy - on the other hand, I don't have the rental binding on the new ski)

any thoughts out there about which would outshine which...

I skied on the M10 last year this Winter i went to my local ski dealer to buy a pair of M11...as luck would have it he did not have his stock in yet but did have a pair of last years B5s length 162...Ime 6 feet 210Lbs..the deal of a life time so i end up with a pair of B5 
I have skied them all winter in and around eastern canada...they are killer boards... heavy yes...can you relax no ...but they will take you down a hill with control in any conditions I have skied power and eastern ice they just keep getting better 
 
 
 

I used my recent bought 172 B5 (550€) last weekend in Hintertux. On saturday we got 30cm Powder. I still have a smile on my face. If you find, buy this ski. I tested before a lot, Z9, 9x, SL9, Head islchip, but these are definetly in each discipline supreme. 
Joe

Recently demo'd a pair of these while in Summit County. Ended up with them primarily because they were the only decent thing left in shop's demo dept that fit me. 
 
Thought about hiring to sherpa on my way out of the shop to carry these things! I've got bicycles that weigh less! 
 
Once I got them on my feet, I realized just how lucky I was and forgot about the weight! 
 
I currently live in Hawaii, but was born and raised in Colorado and have skied since I was 5 years old (pushing 40 now but still in good shape). I'm a very aggressive skier that enjoys a bit of everything.  
 
These literally tore up everything I tried. Since I live in HI and don't get more than 10 days/year in anymore, I haven't bothered buying new skis in years (but have great boots). I demo every year, which is nice since it allows me to pick a ski that suits the days' conditions.  
 
As a result, I've skied just the lionshare of notable performance skis in the last couple of years.  
 
Well, for the first time in years, I'm considering actually buying a pair of skis again. Hate to think about lugging these bad boys around, but the thought of a day on the mountain with something less has me down.  
 
I'm just waiting for little less weight so next time I want to do some back country climbling/skiing I won't need to hire that sherpa.

I'm 6'0", 200 lbs, level 8 skier. I definitely preferred the smoothness and stability of the 172 Metron B:5's (2006 version). 
 
It's a remarkably versatile ski.  
 
I also own the M:EX's, and it's a different, and equally valuable, ski. 
 
M:EX's are a perfect Mt. Baker ski (where I live), for deep snow, crud and varied terrain. 
 
However, the M B:5's will also bulldoze through virtually anything. Recommened!

I'm a ski patroller and I've found the good comments to be true about the M11's. I'm 5'9" and 165# and these skis do everything well including running the gates and hauling toboggans. It's fun to be on edge and pass skiers going straight. Looks like a major change for 2007. Enjoy!

I recently tried both the B5 and M10s. The M10s for the first three days and the B5 for one. The ski shop insisted that I wouldn't like the B5, but I insisted on trying it.  
 
The B5s were amazing - very stable and versatile. Thanks to a late season snow storm, I encountered all conditions - powder, crud, ice and slush. They worked great in all of them. Their only fault: You can't cheat. To make the most of this ski, you need to have your weight properly aligned and you need to put your knees into the turns. If you follow that advice, these skis will take you all over. I found that properly ridden they gave me better control in all conditions than the M10s. I do agree that they are relatively heavy especially if you plan to hike for longer distances. 
 
The M10s were great as well. They were more flexible and required less effort to ski - they are very subtle. But they didn't feel as stable on icy conditions or at high speeds. At first, I thought they outperformed the B5s on moguls, but that was before I got used to the B5s. 
 
In the end I was torn between the two - the B5 is an awesome ski, if you put in the required effort, they are blast. The M10 is an effortless ski, great on most conditions (except ice) but not as much fun.  

Waddya think? Rossi's more forgiving? Advanced intermediate skier(is there such a thing) that likes the look/feel of the B5 Metrons over the Z9'...looking for opinions! 
Thanks

Hello, I found an amazing deal on new Metron 11 B5, or just 11, I cannot remember, with neon 412 bindings. I will be a ski instructor in Switzerland this winter, and was wondering if this skis would be good for me, not only to teach but to have all around mountain fun. 
 
The problem is that I am 6'5 or 196cm, and 84 kg or 185 pnds (which is light for the height), and the skis are 172 (but extremely wide). 
 
So, would it be ok for me? They are about 4 cm lower than my chin?  
 
Please help as quickly as you can. 
Thank you very much. 
Nikolai

I am 5 10, and 180 pounds, an expert skier who just bought a new pair of B5 (hope they are a blast). They are the 166cm, and I am wondering if they will be able to crank out GS turns, and be stable at high speeds? This is a huge concern for me because I also have a pair of SL11( GREAT SKI) and Volkl P150's. I was going to sell the P150, but I love to make huge GS turns and go very very fast. Do you think I shoiuld keep the P150 or can the B5 handle this job? Help me!

I have had a trusted pair of atomic 10:20s for 6 years, 170cm. I am 168cm and 75kg looking to replace these with something with even more of a penchant for powder but just as good a piste carver. I thought they were the heaviest skis in the world but maybe Atomic has made some even heavier? Any suggestions on B5/M11? Which length? Shona

For reference I am 5'10" 190 lbs, probably 200 with everything on. I have always like something on the shorter side in the 152-162cm range. However after I tried a pair of B5 172s I was immediately hooked. If you put in the effort they really handle better than the 162s. Of course they cant snap back and forth in between the trees as fast as the 162s but c'mon that's simple physics we're talking about. If I could have either I would definitely go with the 172s because they can handle the entire mountain at high speeds better than a shorter version.

I am 56 years old, 6', 230 lbs, reasonably fit, strong intermediate with tendency to overski my less than stellar technical abilities - more need for speed than good sense. Ski mainly Laurentians and New England w/lots of hard-pack and ice. Last couple of years my Atomic 9-18s, 172, were not up to the demand, especially at speed and in crud. Took a few real nasty falls, at speed and confidence in myself and skis was leaking away. In December bought Metron 11s, 162, with some concern they were too short. Fears groundless, skis are great, easy to carve and throw around, much more stable and confidence inspiring than 9-18s. Now have confidence to really rip on blues and handle blacks with greater ease and speed than ever before. I can push these skis without fear they will let me down. If I crash now, it will be all my fault. 
 
David, 
Ottawa

the B5s are ridiculously heavy. can't wait to change them.

I ski my 2-year-old M9s on-piste and off, mostly pretty fast. The ONLY problem I've had with these generally smooth, fast-turning, and predictable skis is this: 
When I'm blasting down a very steep, slick run at very high speed, if I finish my turn with a very hard heel edge ("Start the turn on your toe, finish on your heel"), they will chatter worse than any ski I've ever used. 
That chattering shoots the skis forward and down/outside, throwing me uphill and farther back. Meanwhile, I feel like my teeth are going to chatter out of my head! 
The only solution I've found is to keep my weight forward at the ends of turns (in those conditions) and jam the tips/shovels into the slope. As long as I remember to do that, they never chatter, and they handle the steep slicks just fine.

I'm 62 (but I still play competitive volleyball with 25-year-olds!), 180 pounds, and I ski mostly at Tremblant and (especially) Whistler.

6'4", age 60, ex instructor, ski 60+ days. 
Demo'd all types of skis. 
The B5 is fantastic, ski'd the 172's. One of the best. Great carver, better then my Rossi 9s Oversize. Stay forward or they will take you for a ride. But really an excellent ski.

Hi all, 
 
I have a chance to buy some Atomic Metrons with bindings for 500.00 dollars. I just re-entered skiing after visiting Smuggler's Notch in Feb. with my 8 yr. old and 5 yr. old. 
 
I'm a good athlete, 5'10, 190 and am an intermediate skier, who wants to grow into a ski. At 45 I'm not delusional and think that I'm Franz Klammer but I do want a ski that is a good all-terrain ski--I'll be skiing in the Northeast mostly. I also don't want a ski that I buy and then think I should've paid a bit more or looked at a better model as I improve. I ski mostly intermediate trails and a black if my chops..are up to it.  
 
The other ski they have are some Rossignol Zeniths. Any input would be really appreciated. Thanks all!

Ooops...forgot to add should I be looking at the Metron 5s...or other models given ability and description? Thanks,