Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL Review: A Cross-Country Classic Ski to Get You Started and Grow With You

Mohair skin classic skis are gaining popularity for their versatility and ease of maintenance. The Atomic Pro C3 Skintec (W) + Shift CL ($430) is no exception. These skis are ready to tackle any winter snow conditions. From icy spring mornings to pristine midwinter snow, these were my go-to classic skis this winter.

Though more expensive than other classic skis on the market, this pair of skis is a great choice for beginner and intermediate skiers to learn with and improve with. They’re also an equally great choice for advanced skiers looking for a ski that can keep up and help you push the boundaries.

In short: I loved the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec. These skis excelled across a range of snow temperatures and conditions, and they were fun for skiers of all levels with varying goals.

Compare the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec with all the other best cross-country skis we tested.

Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL

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Specifications

• Sizes: 174 cm (99 lbs.) – 209 cm (198 lbs.)
• Sidecut dimensions (tip/waist/tail width): 43/44/44 mm
• Grip: Skin
• Weight (pair): 3 lbs., 1 oz.
• Included bindings: Prolink Shift Pro
• Binding compatibility: NNN Boots
• Intended use: Classic skiing in groomed track
• Intended skill: Beginner to advanced

Pros

• Great glide
• Easily interchangeable skins
• Women’s specific model available
• Suitable for skiers of all skill levels

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than fish scale grip
• Expensive

Kylie Collins

Atomic Pro C3 Skintec + Shift CL Review

Classic skiing is often seen as the more approachable cross-country skiing technique. The forward and backward walking movement is familiar and requires less aerobic output to get going than its cousin, skate skiing.

However, the classic technique is so much harder to truly master. A good pair of skis rewards good technique and aids in skill progression. These are the skis to help you get going and push your technique to the next level.

The mohair skin under foot allows for great gliding. These skis come stock with a universal skin. For more advanced skiers, a speed skin is available for enhanced glide. Skins are easily interchangeable at home. Other non-waxable classic skis use two narrower skins or fish scale bases for traction.

I prefer the single wider skin, like the one used on the Atomic Pro C3. The wider skin base gives me confidence in my kick zone without sizing up in ski length. Fish scales are still a great option, and definitely beginner-friendly, but the interchangeable Atomic skin creates room to grow with the ski or replace after wear and damage. Bonus: They are quieter on the snow than fish scale bases.

If you’re new to classic skiing, these skis will require a little fine-tuning for ability and conditions. On icy spring mornings, I found that moving the bindings forward improved kick and gave me more confidence on steeper hills both in and out of the track.

The Atomic Pro C3 Skintec is available in unisex and women’s-specific sizing. Construction across gender models remains the same, but additional weight corridors allow better sizing for lighter skiers. The women’s-specific model is offered in 174, 181, 188, and 195 lengths, while the unisex model is offered in 188, 195, 202, and 209 lengths.

Speaking of construction, the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec comes with a race grind for speed and carbon laminate top and bottom sheets sandwiched around a Densolite core. This translates to a lightweight, dynamic, and speedy ski.

Conclusion

The Atomic Pro C3 Skintec is marketed by Atomic as the “every-session skin ski for all conditions.” This rings true. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or looking to get serious about classic skiing, I highly recommend the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec. I often trend toward skate skiing when picking a discipline, and these skis had me electing to classic ski more than skate this winter.

Classic skiing appears straightforward, but the technique takes a lifetime to master. These are the skis to get you out on the snow every day and the skis to help you improve. If you’re on a budget, there are more affordable classic ski options to consider. If you can spend a little extra, you won’t regret purchasing the Atomic Pro C3 Skintec.

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