Atomic’s freeski line-up expands this year with the introduction of the Bent Family: a new seven-ski series under the creative supervision of Chris Benchetler.
Built around the success of Benchetler’s existing pro models with Atomic—the popular Bent 100 and Bent 120 skis—the new Bent Family runs the gamut from junior to park to powder, offering waist widths and ski profiles to appeal to every kind of rider.
Atomic´s new Creative Director at Large, Chris Benchetler.
It’s been 14 years since Chris Benchetler’s first pro model ski, the Bent Chetler, debuted with Atomic. Since then, the formerly fringe backcountry freestyle platform has gained a cult following, then mainstream appeal, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved skis in the “playful powder” department. In 2018 the line expanded with the introduction of the Bent 100, a slimmer version of the Bent Chetler that's enjoyed similar success. Now Atomic, and Chris, are ready for the next step: a complete ski family all built in the same beloved Bent Chetler mold.
From the graphics to the design details, each ski in the Bent Family carries Chris´s touch.
“These last 13 years have been a dream come true,” says Benchetler, who now holds the title of Creative Director at Large at Atomic. “I didn’t have a crystal ball that told me how long this was going to last, or what it would turn into. Building these relationships with the Atomic family and the athletes, designers, engineers and everyone thats made this ski possible has far exceeded my expectations.”
“Thinking about the future, I hope that momentum continues and I hope we can continue to evolve together and keep creating,” he adds. “I’m not going to stop as an artist. I just like to get involved on every level I can.”
Check out Atomic's introduction video to the Bent Family, then read on for a full overview of the new line.
Atomic Bent Family 2022 (YouTube)
Unchanged from the previous year's model, the Bent Chetler 120 remains the flagship of the Bent Family, built for the deepest days and the biggest backcountry stomps.
Built to bridge the gap between the 120 and 100 models, the Bent 110 might be the most anticipated ski in the line-up. It's intended to offer that "sweet spot" width that can hold its own on the deep days, while still being capable of holding an edge on the hardpack.
"We’ve been kind of missing something in a symmetrical feel with a waist width in between the 120 and the 100," says team rider Nick McNutt. "This thing is gonna fit the bill perfectly for the resort day, maybe skied-out pow, maybe an East Coast pow ski or an everyday ski for a lot of people."
Also unchanged from the previous year, the Bent 100 remains the little brother to the 120—a narrower ski with the same shape and design features, built for all-round performance in all snow conditions. Team rider Dennis Ranalter calls it "the perfect all-rounder."
"It's super light and playful, and it's versatile for all types of terrain: in the backcountry hitting cliffs and skiing lines, or in bounds riding groomers or hitting park jumps," says team rider Kai Jones.
Moving into the sub-100 range, the Bent 90 offers a platform more suitable for all-mountain and park riders. It's the ski of choice for Nico and Miguel Porteous, who call it "the Swiss Army knife" of skis.
"This is my go-to ski in the park," says Nico. "It's got a real good flex point in the tip and tail, which allows for playful butters and a really maneuverable ski."
At the narrow end of the adult range, the Bent 85 offers a versatile price-point option intended for park and everyday cruising.
“The Bent 85 an amazing ski for the intermediate skier who's looking for the perfect ski for all mountain skiing, whether that's in the park on a slushy day or just ripping turns on the groomers," says Nico Porteous.
Built to the same specs as its big daddy the Bent Chetler 120, the Bent Chetler Mini offers a size-appropriate platform for the little groms with big backcountry dreams. This ski offers young powder-minded Padawans the right entry into the Bent Family.
What the Bent Chetler Mini is to the 120, the Bent JR is to the 100: a pint-sized version made for all-mountain shredding. Equally capable in the powder or the park, the Bent JR is a capable platform for the budding all-around talent.
Learn more about the Bent Family at atomic.com.