Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
HIGHER PINNACLE
The Pinnacle series is K2’s well-liked all-mountain rippers. Debuted in various widths over the last couple of years, these skis are versatile tools that happily transition from powder to bumps, hardpack and back again. This year K2 continues to fine-tune the winning line. To give the Pinnacle 88 Ti a little more hard-snow grip, K2 swapped the core from Firnanolite to fir and aspen and added a bit of Titanal. ($599; k2skis.com)
K2 PINNACLE 88 Ti
$599 * BEST FOR: An all-mountain weapon for the East or Rockies.
LENGTHS: 163, 170, 177, 184 * RADIUS: 15@177 * SIDECUT: 128/88/110
To amp up the performance of its versatile Pinnacle 88 all-mountain ski, K2 added sheets of Titanal. The rest of the ski’s sandwich construction remains the same: a mix of fir and aspen at the core with triaxial fibreglass and composite materials, and most of the ski’s mass is pushed over the edges, which helps with carving. Last year, we found the Pinnacle 88 to prefer smearing to finishing turns. The addition of the Titanal refines the ski’s performance and broadens its appeal to technical skiers. “A lot of strength within this ski allows the skier to take it all over the mountain, including the groomers and firm snow without any compromise in stability or grip,” found Paul Cunnius. “At 88 underfoot it turns surprisingly fast in shorter turns, but can also cruise when desired.” Yet, despite the metal, it remains friendly. A more lithe-bodied Iain MacMillan sized up in length from what he’s used to but still had a blast. “It felt light and easy to stay focused in changing terrain,” he said. Happiest on firm snow, but with enough rocker to float in powder, testers figure it’s a good choice for advanced skiers looking to progress.
