Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
EVEN MORE HARD KORE
Head’s Kore series of skis was a hit last year when it debuted in three sizes, 93, 105 and 115. The freeride-inspired construction is lightweight, floaty and intended for ripping groomers. This winter Head is filling the hole in the line with the versatile 99mm width. And it threatens to be the best of the bunch—an all-mountain machine that’s light enough to use as a touring ski. ($824; head.com)
HEAD KORE 99
$824 * BEST FOR: One-ski quiver for hard-charging western skiers.
LENGTHS: 162, 171, 180, 189 * RADIUS: 17@180 * SIDECUT: 134/99/120
The Kore skis were unanimously loved last year, but the three available widths (93, 105, 115) left many wanting for something in the middle. Head responded with the 99. It retains all the unique build characteristics of the rest of the Kore family, like Koroyd core, graphene-fused tip and tail, triple weave carbon layer and blended sidewall top cap construction. Long story short, it’s impressively lightweight. But all that goes out the window when you get on this ski, said James Jamieson: “What you will notice is that it’s fun, no matter what terrain you’re riding on. It sticks to the groomers and loves being up on edge. Also has a smooth sweet spot that makes for great butter turns in the trees.” Add some pressure and give in to the fall line and it comes alive. “This ski is fast, really fast,” said Anne Terwiel. “A true ‘send it’ kind of ski. I could just keep amping up the speed and performance and this ski would just keep on matching me.” The new size fills two gaps: a larger-waisted all-mountain option and a powdery ski for technical skiers.
