Model: Atomic AFT Sugar Daddy
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 153/? 163/? 173/28 183/?
Sidecut : 124-99-118
Length tested: ?
Manufacturer’s Description:
"The lightest powder ski on the market, the sugar daddy boats beta 4 construction to rip on crud and packed transitions too. Now anyone can ski powder like a pro!"
Ski-Review’s verdict:
I am a 43 year old male, 5’10" tall and weigh-in at 165 lbs. I have been skiing for a few decades. I consider myself to be a somewhat less than expert, go pretty much everywhere and make it out alive type of skier. I don’t get out nearly enough and ever since "the incident" have traded my 198 Rossi 7S’s for a short pair (188) of the same.
Late last season I finally decided to switch from my old straight slalom skis to something more shapely. Mostly because my trusty steed’s have lost their spring and need to be put out of their misery. There will be a wake.
I tried some Atomic R:11’s, wow do they ever rock your socks on the icy front side, but not so hot where I love to play; in the bumps, trees, pow, generally off-piste, big mountain steeps.
Tried the highly recommended and much bally-hoed Rossi B2’s, yeah well that’s nice, yawn :o, perhaps it’s the huge sweet spot that put me to sleep. They’re OK I guess, but a little less than awe inspiring. You could almost say that they are lazy.
Then, just as a lark, I tried a pair of Sugar Daddy’s. The demo dude did not have "my" length, whatever that is these days, so I took a pair of 163’s for a ride. What an absolute blast! I went places with them and did things I haven’t been able to do for years, and probably shouldn’t ever have done. Maybe it was a function of the short length, but they were light, responsive and just plain fun. In the bumps, through steep tree’s and over chopped-up spring crud, they had me smiling the whole day. At warp speed down the Men’s Downhill boiler-plate at Louise, not so hot, but then that’s not what they are for, is it. I only wish we had some fresh powder to try them in.
So now I’m thinking of a more Rubenesque* rather than shapely ski and am itching the try some of the other voluptuous models out there.
Just as soon as we get a decent dump I plan to be trying out some Rossi B3’s, Elan 888’s, Stockli Snake, perhap’s the Atomic Stomp’s or Rossi Scratch BC’s for kicks, or maybe even Volkl T-Rock’s if the local dealer will let some out for a day. Dyanstar’s, Fischer’s, choices, choices; where to start or rather where to end up.
I can’t justify a whole quiver of skis. I still need a decent enough all-round ski so I’ll avoid the super fats. As you can see I don’t shop often so whatever I get will have to last.
I think my biggest issue will be nailing down the length, the testing will be the fun part. Any recommendations on skis and length are welcome; I’m thinking 173?
Whatever happen’s I’ll try to post a review of each ski as I can.
* Thank’s to SKI.
Real time prices for the Atomic AFT Sugar Daddy 2005, or similar ski products:
Written by Ski Review Guest on 01/25
I have skied for decades am an expert skier but only skis one week out west (this year Alta). Have skied Volant Chubbs 190 cms but want a lighter shorter ski for out west trips and when it dumps at my little area, Jiminy Peak (skied 8”“- 10” fresh this weekend on Atomic 918’s and had fun.) How would this ski be? what length? I am 6’ 1” and 183 lbs. I am 63 but strong and ski some bumps etc…when not cruising.
Thanks, EPM
Written by Ski Review Guest on 03/26
I’ve been big-line/backcountry skiing on a pair of 191 10EX’s for four years now ... LOVE EM !! (first day on ‘em was a waist deep day heli-drop on the ‘Clam’ near Kicking Horse). On the strength of those I just purchased a pair of Pimp Daddies on which will go a pair of Naxo randonees ... I KNOW with the turned up tail (A bit softer than 10EX’s) and width and length they’ll be ideal for big mountain,powder, back country touring and bushwacking all together ... so there!!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 12/16
has anyone out there put a tele set up on a pair of Sugar Daddy’s ??? I’m about to buy a pair and would love some insight.
Written by Ski Review Guest on 12/20
Why not tele on this ski? There’s no plate….the bindings will go right on!
Written by Ski Review Guest on 12/20
if you want a tele ski (I don’t know why you would) get the tele daddy (04).
Written by Ski Review Guest on 01/13
I must say I am the proud owner of a set of Sugar Daddy’s and can’t say enough about the ski.
They are a second set that I bought specifically for Powder and Big Crud days at Fernie, Castle and Cat Skiing. I’ve now got about a dozen days of Cat Skiing in everything from ankle deep to bottomless with another half dozen in Resort crud on these skis and can honestly say I can’t see there being a better ski for what I want. It’s wide enough to give great float yet not so wide that you’re completely removed from the snow like some of the bigger boards. It is incredibly sweet turning and provides outstanding feel and stability in the turn.
I’m 6’2”, 185lbs. and mid 40’s, on a good day I’m an All Mountain Expert, more typically I am a strong Advanced skier, primarily due to the fact that I average only about 10 or 12 days a year on the snow, used to be much better and skied more before family, career, etc. entered the picture.
I would recommend this ski to anyone who is a strong Intermediate to Expert for Crud and Powder, can be used for All Around but really best as a specialty ski. BTW - I ski on last years 184’s.