We got to test Atomic's D2 Vario Cut in a time when we thought that Atomic already presented all of its drawcards for the season. They launched a completely new and very radical technology in the last moment to catch up with the 08/09 season. The real reason of such a move is not quite clear. However, it is clear that D2 skis represent a revolutionary technology that makes them different from all the other Atomic's models. The WC race models are already equipped with the doubledeck technology. So far, it is obviously working well.

According to its features, the tested Vario Cut belongs to upper-advanced carving ski class which flirts with the race class. D2 Vario Cut OR D2 doubledeck Vario Cut models are designed using two decks, lower and upper, which can simply be described as one ski on the top of the other. However, it seems that we're actually speaking of a large plate that is fixed to the (lower) ski with the clear reason of controlling it. The connection between the decks is flexible and made using a special rubber structure that is stiffer in tough and softer in less tough models. With the Vario cut, it ensures controlled widening and narrowing of the lower deck's tip and tail. As opposed to Vario Flex, which also supports flexion of the upper deck regardless of the lower deck, the flexion with Vario Cut is strictly lateral, and not longitudinal.

Here is how it works: when pressure is exerted on the ski, the lower deck, which is split at the tip and tail of the ski, opens up through the flexible rubber connection. This means that the radius varies according to the skiing situation. The greater the pressure applied to the ski, the wider the ski becomes at the front and rear. The radius becomes smaller, making shorter turns possible. When less pressure is applied, the separation of the lower ski is reduced. This results in a larger radius for longer turns. Soft plastic material is embedded in the divide in the lower deck, so the tail and tip flex, they open and close up like an accordion (be careful, it can pinch your fingers, author's remark)

The skis come in two variants, according to the width of their waist: D2 Vario Cut 72 is available in 160, 170 and 180 cm sizes, and D2 Vario Cut 82 is available in 162, 172 i 182 cm sizes. The radii vary from 10 to 16 m (Vario Cut 72, size 160 cm), or even from relatively large 12 to 28 m (Vario Cut 82, size 182 cm)

In reality, skiing on the Vario cut looks like this - if you ski faster, or if you're somewhat more weighted, the "cut-up" part on the tip widens, allowing thus shorter radius turns. During slower ride, the ski is at the same time calm and very maneuverable in wider turns, primarily due to slight widening of its tip and tail.

To make things clear, the Vario Cut is aimed primarily at groomers. Occasional off-piste outings may result in the ski's unexpected behavior, which could lead to your great surprise and reassessing your ski technique. In such circumstances, you can sometimes make a kind of a turn you didn't wish for, that is, the ski will give you feedback that you're not used to seeing. In order to avoid it, you should get well acquainted with the D2 and ski the (hard packed) groomers. In this case, it will pay you back more than double.

The difference between the Vario Cut and "normal" skis is obvious from the first turn. The Vario Cut is very lightweight for its class and it won't tire you out, which was one of the producer's mail goals. This easily maneuverable ski will react more precisely in turns at higher speeds, and the energy you'll need for such a reaction is the same as in lower speeds.

The D2 Vario Cut can be categorized as an upper advanced ski which flirts with the race models. It is intended primarily for skiers who are polishing their carving technique. The ski won't tire you out, it is extremely comfortable on hard packed runs and resistant to torsion flexing at higher speeds on steep runs.

If you cannot quite turn this ski onto its edges, don't worry; it will do the most of the job for you. One cannot estimate the resistance of the 'cut-up' parts at the ski's tip and tail - the time will show it. But one thing can be said for sure: this ski is everything but ordinary and it marks a revolution in the ski industry. Try it out and see for yourself.