Skiing magazine: AT:"Thanks to a smooth flex and strong torsional rigidity, the RT86's responsiveness is almost scary - it dives into turns effortlessly and grips tenaciously. Gripes: Don't doze at the wheel. The 86 needs constant attention. Props: 'Inspired confidence' at all speeds, claimed several testers."
Tele: "With a deep sidecut, Atomic's new all-mountain model tips on edge with a vengeance - and holds tight when the conditions ice up. High-speed groomers? Get 'em. Bumps? Oh yeah. Gripes: Make sure your dental insurance is up to date - maching down hardpack will rattle your teeth. Props: Agile, easily switches from turn to turn."

Backcountry magazine: "RT stands for randonnee/telemark, and this new lightweight (the fattest of the two newbie's) embodies a new Torsion Flex Control construction with elastomer 'sectors' that are said to compress and release to smooth out turns and add torsional hold to a wide, soft-flexing ski. best at medium-radius turns, the 86 got bi-coastal kudos. 'Responsive, sharp, precise edging. Stable in any condition, any speed. Fast edge to edge,' said a Western tester. As for the East, this veteran's comment pretty much summed it up: 'Lively and fun, easy turn initiation. Enters bumps easily and absorbs terrain...gives you a little pop with its responsiveness.'"