Drive 11:
The Drive
11 Carbon is the top ski with extraordinary smoothness for groomed
slopes.
The
transmitters consist of super-light carbon in combination with the extra
long aluminum stabilizer that gives excellent gliding characteristics.
The shape
is perfectly tuned to the performance oriented prepared run skier.
An
experience you have yet to discover.
Drive (General
Information):
Atomic
has prepared new line of skis for 2008/09 season - four models from
their new Drive line will satisfy the needs of recreational skiers
seeking reliable companion on groomed slopes. The only problem you could
encounter with these skis is how to identify them, because Atomic's
recreational line has been constantly changing over the past few
seasons. The C line was replaced with a very good Izor line that was on
the market for only a short period and stopped producing last year,
which left recreational skiers and beginners no option but to seek
softer models among other lines of skis.
Now, they have Drive to ease their problems concerning selection, and
what is more, to ease problems they may have on the slopes. We got to
test the top model - Drive 11 Carbon. Nice and unobtrusive design is
coupled with technologic novelty called U-Turn, whose task is to
eliminate the vibration in the ski. To explain; elastic implant at the
critical place in front of the binding absorbs the vibrations and sends
them back to ski edges through carbon U-shaped senders. The result is a
calmer ski and better grasping edges.
On groomed slopes, the ski proves very obedient: it is calm and
responsive, forgiving even some major mistakes. The tested size of 16.5
m radius seems an optimum choice because it is a good compromise for
skiers who want to enjoy longer, and occasionally short turns. For the
latter, you will have to use some force, but we're not speaking of
visiting-the-gym force. Although being the top model in the Drive line,
the ski is lacking muscles, which was not the case with its predecessor,
Izor 9:7. According to Atomic's classification, this model should spend
4/5 of its life on groomed slopes, which we totally support. As much as
it feels at home on groomed slopes, it does not like deeper and sodden,
wet snow, which is logical, considering its slender 70 mm waist.
However, with a bit of skill, you won't have problems with such
surfaces. As for "holding on ice", it poses no problems for Drive 11;
after all, Atomic is known for its quality edges.
The
bindings are moved slightly forward on all Drive models, which is yet
another benefit for the aimed group of skiers looking for more obedient
ski. Overall impression is that the ski is made for those who ski some
ten days per season and are in search of a forgiving model with which
they can safely cruise down the groomed slopes with moderate use of
physical strength. After all, skiing vacation is about enjoyment
Review:
Range
topping Drive ski, the Carbon II is technology crammed for the
smoothest, easiest and most flowing arcs on the mountain. This is a ski
with executive appeal, a Merc’ S-Class, powerful but refined, laden with
technology to make your life more comfortable and apt in virtually any
situation - other than a really boisterous one!
70 mm
underfoot is aimed more at stability than rapid edge changes, you roll
from edge to edge and the entire experience is kinda laid back and let
the ski do the work whilst you chill and soak in the environment.
With a
mid-radius profile the Carbon II swoops and glides as you would expect
of this executive machine, there are no fiery radical arcs here - go
smooth, keep on the groomers and have waft your way to lunch.
Atomic Neox
412 Bindings:
Neox
Features:
Twin Pivot
Snap Closing
Movable AFD
Click Together Brake Arms
Automatic Toe Height Adjustment
Backward Release
Removable Brake
Easy Mounting
