2025 Atomic Bent Chetler 120 Skis Review
By: Jacob Smith, Vertical Brand Manager | Published: June 18th, 2024
The Lowdown
The all too familiar yet iconic Atomic Bent Chetler 120 leaves nothing on the table for 2025. Pushing freeride capabilities, the updated 120 boasts a lower impact designed core and profile that improves on the ski’s float, balance and overall playfulness in deeper snow. They also continue the custom topsheets designed by Chris Benchetler himself using more recycled materials to further drop the overall carbon footprint, it’s a win win.
New HRZN 3D tech in the tip and tail adds even more response and float in the ski while improving on its playful nature. With tip-to-tail upgrades, the biggest brother in the Bent family wants to slash and slarve around the mountain while keeping confidence levels high to hit the pillow or powder lines you’ve had your eye on all season.
Technical Details
There are a couple new features to note when looking at the 2025 Bent Chetler 120. At the tip and tail, new HRZN 3D tech is employed to increase surface area leading to better float and a more playful feel when out on the mountain. The lower impact design comes from its reimagined Poplar Light Woodcore. This optimizes the ski’s weight without sacrificing shock absorption or stability, this translates to a ski that is noticeably lightweight yet has a great balance between stability, control, and pure fun. More wood and less metal, fiberglass, and resin decrease the overall environmental impact during the production process and stays true to reducing the ski’s carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
The durability and strength of the ski get an update as well. Dura Cap sidewalls from base to top sheet create great edge-to-edge grip for a 120 waist ski and with durability coming from the sidewalls rounded profile. At the core of the ski, a new ash wood binding reinforcement band is added to increase strength by 10%, Chris’s favorite update.
| Sizes (cm) | 176, 184, [192] |
| Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) | 144 - 120 - 135 (192cm) |
| Turning Radius (m) | 20m (192cm) |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Powder Rocker (30% Tip / 40% Camber / 30% Tail) |
| Construction | Light Poplar Core + HRZN 3D Bent Tip/Tail + Dura Cap Sidewalls |
| Weight (g) | 1800g (184cm) |
Ride Impressions
Before we get into the weeds of the 2025 Atomic Bent Chetler 120, here is a little about me and my riding style for context: I like a ski that charges hard and usually gravitate towards a more traditional directional ski since I am not a steez master.
All-Mountain
My first impression of the Bent 120 was the weight of the ski. At 1800g, they are fairly light and I was intrigued to see how they would perform on steep terrain and through choppy conditions. First thing I noticed was how stable and confidence inspiring they felt, especially at speed. The skis want to pop off of every side hit or mogul and will be there when you take the landing a bit too deep and need to blast through a bunch of bumps. On firm snow, it does slide around like a 120mm underfoot ski does, but it they don’t entirely throw the turn away, I found I was able to get them on edge and lean into the ski a bit when riding back to the lift line.
Powder
These sticks sure do love deep snow. Their floaty, surfy nature opens the doors to every pillow line and untouched snowfield on the mountain. They really shine when the snow is deep and the angle is steep, since they float so well, I felt like I could drive the ski through deeper turns while having the reassurance the ski will react in the exact way I want it to. The weight of the ski helps to navigate through tight trees or down tight chutes and is easy to swing side to side, adding to the playful platform of the Bent 120s.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Pros
- Playful – New HRZN 3D increases float and playful attitude, these things want to spin, jump and jib around.
- Lightweight – At 1800g per ski, they have the potential to be a great hybrid touring ski or mounted with an ultralight pin binding for those big missions.
- Design – A lower impact designed ski reduces the carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
Cons
- Sizing - Only coming in at 3 sizes (176cm / 184cm / 192cm) may limit or push riders to a less than desired length.
- Flex – Those who are used to a stiffer ski, or demand more out of the ski may find the Bent’s a little soft in certain situations.
Who Are They For?
For those who like to surf and jib around the mountain on powder days but also want to push the limits down a line they have been staring at for the past five seasons. The 2025 Atomic Bent Chetler 120s want to go everywhere and will leave you with the confidence to keep exploring and progressing. Have a want or need to expand your arsenal for deeper days? Meet the Bent 120.
The Bottom Line
With the newest Bent Chetler 120s under your feet, you are that much closer to feeling like Chris Benchetler himself. The skis like to have a good time but can flip a switch and push big line freestyle performance. With a rad new top sheet, some playful new technology, and the reliability of the Bent Chetler lineage, these sticks will be your go-to on deep days.
Shop the Atomic Bent Chetler 120 Skis
About the Reviewer
Name: Jacob Smith
Age: 28
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 170 lbs
Size Reviewed: 192 cm
Location(s) & Conditions: Crystal, WA / Alpental, WA / Schweitzer, ID / Kicking Horse, BC
Mount Point: Factory Recommended
Bindings: Atomic Shift 2.0
Boots: Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 Professional / Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130
Riding Style &Ability Level: Experienced all-mountain freestyle skier who loves to go fast and big, whether its deep or firm groomers..