Atomic Bent Chetler Ski

They work well on groomed groomers. At Squaw last weekend, for instance, Thurs--big snow=Bents, Fri-big snow=Bents, Sat-snow stopped, Bents in the morning for a few runs, then my 85width ski for the rest of the day. But it floats in the pow sweetly. (Also makes it real easy to rescue snowboarders stuck in the pow).

pretty wide for groomers, but they are a freeride ski so they should have ample hard snow preformance

Hi, I have 2009 obsethed and this year at Alta skied the bent chetlers. Did not notice a lot of difference in the wide open bowls in powder, but in the trees the bent chetlers rocked, very easy turn initation and great control in tight lines. I have given away my obserthed and am getting some bents

I want to add that they are 2011 Obsethed

Bents = Boss!

they are really bad at rails and they will feel sluggish on everything else compared to a real park ski, but if you just need them occasionally in the park they will get the job done. they are still very fun and you probably wont notice if your not a serious park skier.

They're designed for big mountain powder days. If you're a park rat, get something lighter and narrower.

There isnt any long lengths of any of the big powder skis around where I live anymore. The AK JJ is one of my options for next year along with the Bents, Atomic Automatic, etc.. Weight is a factor for me so wanting a light setup for the big wide skis.

If you're 185cm JJ's are too short, why go for a 183? The JJ and BentChetler are pretty similar skis. If you're a tall, "expert" skier; I'd go for a ski that's atleast 190cm. Have you tried the AKJJ?

way better than JJ's, and yes they will be amazing 3-6 inches. they rock in anything but ice. I take them out on days when it hasn't snowed recently and they are super fun.

The Bents are great for firm, groomer, crud, and all the powder. I've had fantastic days with just a couple of inches of pow. They rock, so much fun. Nice and stiff for all the other conditions as well. It's not just a Powder ski.

not the greatest on icy or steep but anything else they can carve to pieces.

They can haul on the groomers, I've been quite impressed

They can haul on the groomers, I've been quite impressed

By all accounts, these should do the trick for you. Not gonna carve icy steeps, but they will carve and be controllable on medium, flat groomers.

The Bent's are softer than the JJ's which means that they'll give you a bit less tip dive. I love the JJ's for everything but the deepest and for that I really like the Bent. Hard to gauge the lengths but if you're > 170lbs/6' I wouldn't think twice about the longer length.

I'm just about your size and absolutely love the 183. This ski is supposed to be playful and nimble. If you want a ski that only is going to be taken out on big steep faces or open bowls then yea go for the 192. But if you want to experience all the things these skis can offer you then stick to the 183, you won't be disappointed.

5'8 125 girl here. rode the 183's in some awesome powder on big mountain, tight trees, and some crud and bumps. I loved them! they ride a little shorter because of the rocker, I'd say like a 177 or so. I set the binding to -1 back and it was good. I don't know if you're looking to do any switch or just all big mountain powder but if you are i'd keep them center mounted or maybe -1.

I'd say definitely go with the 192. They ski short with the rockered tips and tails, plus with the close to center mount the tips are short.
But get advice from others. I'm 5'6" 145 and love the 183.

Oh I'm 6' and 195 pounds. Thanks very much

OK

Hey Tanner,

I'm 6'1" 180lbs and went with the 192's. I would suggest the same for you. If you're worried about the extra length keeping you from quick turns, buttering, spinning, I'd say that's a none issue. Plenty of leverage with our height and they're so nimble. They ski super short and they'll spin on ground just by throwing your arms. They're a really fun ski, easy to turn over edge to edge, and I haven't even gotten to their performance in the deep....genious.

Get others opinions as well. But I think the 183 with the rockered tips would be way too small for you. I'm 5'7" and 145 and they 183 feel great. They ski small with the close to center mount.

I'd imagine you'd still have the playful feel and tight turns with the 192, but don't just take my word.

What will you be using these for? If you are looking for a pure powder ski (and will continue skiing the Rossi S3's for non powder, chunky, icy, groomers, anything non powder) then get the Pon2oons. From my friends and others the Pon2oons suck on ice, groomers, or skied out conditions. Just had this conversation last night, when skiing the Pon2oons in powder it's awesome, but when having to ski the groomer on the run to the lift, IT's AWFUL!

If you are looking for more of a 1 quiver ski/daily driver, then the Bent Chetlers would be your choice. They love powder,chunk, ice, groomers......

Just determine what you want the ski for!

Remount them. I'm 215 and skied bents for a couple years. I really loved them. Back then they only had 183 and I think that's too short. Mounted standard I had a little problem with them "wheelying" but not diving. The most playful ski I've ever been on! Stick with them!

Salomon Rocker 2's are anything but playful, absolute tank boards.. If you like the Chetler dont stray away from it. I ride the 192 Chetler mounted Team and its the perfect setting! The Bibby's are sweet also but definitely not as "playfull" that would be my 2nd choice of the skis you mentioned and I have rode all the above at this years demo day in 6" of fresh. Hope that helps!

Also Check the 192 Salomon Rocker 2. Also a really fun and easy ski

dude do yourself a favor and get rid of those things and forget about all those other skis you mentioned and buy yourself a pair of Liberty Genomes you won't regret it!!!! super light super quick easy to turn tips will never dive and plus they are environmentally friendly and AMERICAN!!!!!

You could remount them and see if it helps but this will decrease their re-sale value. I am assuming you are in the financial position to buy new skis since you say you go cat and heli skiing. That being said. Do not buy the s7 they are not very fun because they are so heavy. The 192 'chet would suit you needs well but if you don't need a ski for fast aggressive skiing look at the ak jj: very ninmble and fun ski. The bibby's are also a great ski but if you want playful, the ak jj or 192 bentchetler is a great place to look. If you want to save money remount but ebay is your best bet for playfulness.

I'm 215 so the 183s were too short. I think 183 would be the right length for 140 lbs. When I sold my bent chetlers I bought some 190 cm Bibby Pros. I like the Bibbys better but might just be because the length suits me better. They are quite a bit stiffer too so that worked for me. Be careful, I believe Bibbys have different flex patterns for different lengths. The one thing I liked more about the bents is the tighter radius. You can have fun in powder then rip around on the groomers.

Jim - I have the Bent's in 183 and yes they ski short, unless you are going to ride switch consider mounting them back a bit, I mounted center and the tips dive when I try to drive the ski. I'm 6' and 190# so should have bought the 192. But a great ski.

I'm your exact size and weight. Can't help give good advice as I haven't skied on the Bent Chetlers yet, but I did just buy the 183's. I was worried about the size, just like you going from a 170 Black Diamond Verdict, but all the research and reviews pointed to the same thing, the Bent's ski increadibly short because of the rockered tips.

And they ski short because they have a close to center mount, I actually freaked out a bit after getting them mounted because the front of the ski seemed so short. But that's how they are meant to be skied.

From everything I've heard when comparing to other skis, you can't go wrong with the Bents!!!! Great for pow, relatively stiff so they are great for the skied out crud, and even hold a good edge on the groomers. I can't wait to try them out.

192 man, you're a big boy.

The 183 will work fine and be more versatile for you, plus it would be a shock to the system to jump from 178 to 192. Stability will not be an issue.

night trains for sure

you will probably be happy with either ski, as for length the rational is to go longer with rockered skis due to the shorter contact length on groomed snow and better flotation in the deep! as for the marker dukes I would avoid them, they are heavy, stiff(keep your powder fatties from bending correctly) and because of their height you loose feel for the ski and terrain! however if you really want the dukes I have a hardly used pair for sale, going cheap!

Hey Robert,
I am 6' 190 had the jj and sent back love the bent 183. I ski north ca. 50% resort 50% sc and bc nothing grommed or park. The jj felt squirlly to me and the bents are awsome in any terrain I have come across. Best ski yet.

At your size and weight the 183 will be WAY too short. This is a super quick and playful ski, it will not feel as long as you think. I have the 183 and am kicking myself for not buying the 192s.

With the rocker on the Chet i think you will find the 192 a lot shorter than you would think. Rocker shortens up how a ski turns in tight areas. There is only 1 M difference in its turn radius between the 183 and the 192. Which is one of the shortest i've seen on ski's 9 CM apart. I am not sure why the stiffness would be any different between the 183 and the 192 it may have something to do with the core design weather that intentional or not i'm not sure. The 192 will also give you more surface area which gives you more float especially with your size you are going to need all the float you can get to keep your skis from diving. 192 is the way too go.

The 192 shouldn't be a problem for you. The Armada AK JJ might be a little better, though, as it is stiffer, and a bit longer.

I have been trying to make the same decision. From what ive heard the Chetlers are more of a backcountry jib ski than the Bibbys. I also read that the Bibbys are slightly better in the chop. Hope this helps

Hey, the tail is super slugish when mounted forward or (jib guy center) if your doing jump turns. I had these mounted both jib center and traditional with dukes and by and far liked them mounted traditional!!

I am getting mine mounted at the Team Center as we speak. Kept hearing from people that because they are so big (and I'm small) it really doesn't matter.

I'm putting the Marker Barrons, just don't huck many big cliffs.

I would go with the BentChetlers. They are less floppy and more versatile than the Opus. The Opus is softer and more soft snow specific. It isn't as versatile. If you like Line skis and are looking for something to do it all, try the Sir Francis Bacon. If you like Atomic, the BentChetler is a sick ski. The camber underfoot and the 19m turn radius lets you carve up the hardpack, and the rocker and wide dimensions allow awesome floatation in the pow. Another great ski to check out is the Moment Bibby Pro.

I've got a pair of 10/11 192's that I mounted tele with Axles. I mounted them boot center on the team line (-2.5cm, I think). I drive them with T-Race's. They are a great tele stick...by far the best ski I've ever skied in deep snow. With the amount of tip and tail rocker, it skis more like a 182-185cm ski. It's fun to have such a playful and versatile ski whether noodling through trees or maching down a bowl.

I have never heard of it but I don't see why not. This is a light ski and I think it would work great as a bigger tele ski. The rocker will definitely help. I say go for it.

For a better powder experience go with the 192. If you would rather play around, throw some gnarly tricks go 183. This ski is meant to be played with in the powder so personally I would go maybe a little shorter. You won't lose any float. You will just be sacrificing the ability to really open it up and charge hard.

I would say go with the 192 cm. Glen Plake said it best "Long skis truck, short skis suck!!!", The Bent Chentler is stiff enough but not too stiff to make the whole mountain your amusement perk.

It really depends on what type of skiing you want to do. Keep it shorter for a lot of tree skiing or backcountry jibbing, or if you really like to open it up then stay bigger with the 192. The ski is going to ski shorter with the rockered tip and tail, so the 183 will feel a lot shorter and the 192 will probably feel normal to what you're used to.

look pivots are sick and would be good, they're the same as Rossignol fks 180. The look Px bindings are good as well. i got a pair for pretty cheap, about $120. they are super solid bindings

i did -3 cm from dead center. It is far enough back to give you ample float, but if you like switch things its great. Seems decently centered in the sidecut and the ski carved unbelievably. With a lot of early rise it did ski a bit shorter than expected, but it was really nimble.

If you like to play around in the powder go 183. I am 5'10" 150lbs and there is no doubt that I would go 183. This ski is made to be playful. Its not supposed to be a big mountain type ski. This ski is more for the playful skier. But like will said. 192 is a better all around powder ski.

183. Unless you are only charging big lines you are limiting the versatility that you'd get with the 183. I'm a bit heavier than you but the same height and the 183 is my daily driver, super playful yet still stable when opening up on bigger lines.

192. You could get the 183 but the 192 is more stable and has better floatation.

Practically the same ski. Both are used for the same type of skiing. Both have comparable stiffness. I like the chet cuz its a little wider, but you can't go wrong with either ski.

Similar skis. Flex is comparible, and both skis are very light. My son has the chets so i would have to guess they float a little better based on width. Can't go wrong here, i would say the chet for pow, the jj if ur looking more all mountain. My favorite thing about the jj's is they float well but are stiff enough to charge anything.

The Chets are great but you may feel more comfortable on the jj or the bibby's if this is your everyday ski. The bibby is a really great ski that floats and carves well to. The Bibby's are stiffer and a little more versitle than the bentchetler. The bibby is more of a freeride ski then the chets but still pop and spin well plus they aren't as scarry on ice or skiing small bumps at super high speeds.

Alright, I gotcha that I need a 190 + ski...Now for another question...I'm looking for a one ski quiver (front rocker, camber underfoot) that will float on powder days but can still charge groomers at high speeds and remain stable. I want a ski that will hold an edge on hard pack, yet playful in soft...Is the Chetler my answer? I've heard talk of moment bibby, JJs, and icelantic keepers...thoughts?

You want the 192 for sure Matt. I ski the 183, I am 5'11'' and weigh 165 lbs. You are going to be stoked on the 192. They are light skis, making the tree skiing all good. ENJOY.

they honestly carve better than my park skis.

Yes. As long as the snow stays kinda soft they should do alright. If it's hard icy groomers than they're probably less than ideal. I'm 6'2"/195 and demoed the 192's last year on a soft day a.k.a. powder day and they were amazing do whatever you want in the snow nimble. But your not buying these for the groomers. I Have a friend in his 50's that thought the opposite about the groomers but we are also on the opposite ends of the skiing spectrum, he skis lots of groomers and I try to avoid them. I did find some sun baked ice in my adventures and they at least held an edge like most skis do. I think this ski should do just fine in the PNW.

how far down ?

Thats a bit excessive unless you are pushin 200lbs which I highly doubt... Size down

192

192

192

def the 192

192

Awesome touring ski. I used them in the Wasatch last winter. Definitely on the heavier side for long tours. I would stay away from the tracker. I am using the Dynafits on them. Enjoy!

Mount them wherever you want...

Thanks Connor. Bought them yesterday, can't wait for it to start snowing!!!!

I havent skied the Bent's but with the rockered tips and tails the ski won't handle like a 183. It will handle like a shorter ski, but then you'll have the extra length on bluebird pow days. I think you'll be fine on the 183.

Bibby in 174

5 foot 3 1/2''

I'm 5'5" and ski the 183. These ski short esp with the forward mount & rockered tip/tail

Brennan, you shouldn't even be afraid about the size... I am 5'11" and the 183 are nearly too short... The roccker in tip and tails makes it ski way shorter than what you may think. And the longer the better in the deep!

What size ski do you normally use? This ski has quite a bit of rocker so you should size up about 7-10 cm. It is also a really soft and playful ski with a tight turning radius, so it is not hard to ski or throw around at all. As a matter of fact most people were so upset this ski was so small that Atomic made a 192 version. I honestly wouldn't be afraid of sizing up and going with the 183.