Atlas 80 by Renoun: Who Are They?
A few years back I reviewed the Renoun Citadel skis and I was absolutely blown away by how they performed on every type of terrain, despite looking like a pure big mountain ski. So I was glad to be working with Renoun again to look at some other skis in their collection.
Founded in 2015, Renoun is located over two countries with a head office in Burlington, Vermont USA just a stone’s throw from the mountains, whilst the ski factory where all the skis are made by hand, is located just over the border in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. Renoun is the world’s first carbon-neutral ski producer, offsetting all emissions related to the business.
Renoun only works directly with the consumer, so you will not find them in shops, this happened because the skis can be quite expensive to make due to the quality and price of the materials, so this way they can keep the costs down for the consumer.
Renoun Technology used in the Atlas 80
The secret behind Renoun skis was uncovered by the original founder of Renoun, Cyrus Schenck during his studies in Aeronautical Engineering: an advanced material developed for NASA, known as Anti-vibration Hyper Damping Technology (HDT), or VibeStop™. This innovative, non-Newtonian polymer exhibits a remarkable response to vibrations; when subjected to them, the polymer hardens, actively dampening the ski and allowing it to adapt instantly to varying snow conditions and skiing styles.
As speed and intensity increase, the polymer becomes increasingly “activated,” resulting in a reduction of chatter and vibrations by over 300% and the ski acts like a stiffer ski. Essentially, the faster and harder you ski, the more stable and calm your skis become, whilst if skiing power or soft snow the skis relax and gently ride through the snow. This Polymer is lighter than the wood used in the core, so the skis can be lighter than your usual ski.
Many skiers with knee problems have reported not requiring painkillers when they ski due to the Vibestop dampening the vibrations sent up the leg! The polymer is also making its way onto basketball courts and gymnasium flooring, and allegedly boat hulls too due to its characteristics of lightweight nature and strength as and when required.
This polymer replaces a portion of the wood core, leading to skis that are 50% lighter while also being three times more stable and controlled in rough, aggressive conditions. This design is grounded in scientific data rather than subjective opinions, ensuring that the performance benefits are both measurable and significant. With this technology, skiers can experience enhanced stability and control, making every run more enjoyable and confident.
Renoun Atlas 80: Pure Carving Excellence
The Renoun Atlas 80 skis are the epitome of precision engineering designed exclusively for piste skiing. Tailored for those who seek the thrill of carving down groomed runs, these skis are designed to deliver a smooth and responsive experience on hard-packed snow. With an 80mm waist, the Atlas 80 aims for a balance between quick edge-to-edge transitions whilst maintaining stability at speed.
What sets the Atlas 80 apart is its innovative construction. Featuring a maple wood core to give the ski ‘pop’, these skis provide a lively feel underfoot without sacrificing strength or durability. In essence, the Renoun Atlas 80 skis are engineered for the passionate intermediate to expert piste skier.
Initially, I was not sure of the ski when I first set off; it took me a little time to get used to the Atlas 80s, but I soon realised that they needed a little oomph to really capture the energy out of the turn. It helped when I slightly de-tuned the very tips and tails of the skis to stop them from catching now and again.
They delivered an exhilarating carving experience once I stepped up to the plate. The addition of Renoun’s Vibestop technology significantly enhanced the skiing experience by dampening vibrations as well as remaining stable and forgiving, the Vibestop seems to work when required, making the ski react differently in each terrain/condition. The Atlas 80 are fast skis, they really want to go down the mountain as fast as they can.
I had a few comments from local guides/instructors, they thought the Atlas 80 were all-mountain skis due to the width underfoot, compared to more mainstream carving piste skis with 65-70mm underfoot; and to be honest the 80mm underfoot did mean that it could ride through some of the more uneven terrain and shallow powder that thinner skis might not appreciate so much; but I would love to see how a Renoun Atlas 65 would be like.
Renoun Guarantee: Confidence in Your Purchase
Renoun sets itself apart from competitors with a guarantee that reflects its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Each pair of Renoun skis comes with a two-year warranty, ensuring that any manufacturing defects are covered, which allows skiers to invest in their gear with confidence.
Beyond the warranty, Renoun also provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. This means that if for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your skis within the first month of purchase, you can return them for a full refund. This policy is a clear indicator of Renoun’s confidence in its products and its dedication to ensuring that every customer finds the perfect fit for their skiing needs.
This commitment to customer care goes beyond mere policies. Renoun seeks to build a loyal community of skiers who trust in the brand’s integrity and craftsmanship. Their guarantee is not just a safety net; it embodies the core values of the company, prioritizing quality and customer experience above all.
Renoun and Sustainability
Renoun is not only committed to performance but also deeply invested in sustainability. The company recognises the environmental impact of the ski industry and actively seeks to minimize its footprint through thoughtful design and production practices. Their manufacturing process prioritises the use of eco-friendly materials, ensuring that skis are built with sustainability in mind. For instance, Renoun incorporates sustainably sourced wood in their ski cores, which not only enhances performance but also reduces reliance on non-renewable materials.
Moreover, Renoun emphasises longevity in their products, designing skis that withstand the test of time rather than contributing to the cycle of fast fashion often seen in the sports industry. By creating durable products, they encourage skiers to invest in equipment that will last for years, thereby reducing waste.
For more information visit Renoun.
