So you are looking at buying a pair of K2 skis but you don\’t know how to choose the right model, let alone understand the technology. I was so confused by all the choice that K2 offers so I want to give you a step by step guide on K2 skis technology so you can make the most informed choice.
If you have read any articles on skiing you will see that all the talk right now is about Rockers, so what the hell are they? Traditionally skis have been built so that if you run your hand across the bottom the ski is not actually flat, in fact the ski bends slightly upwards in the middle (away from the snow) this is known as a Camber. However recently the industry has favoured creating a reverse Camber, otherwise known as a Rocker. The ski bends downwards in the middle towards the ground. This concept is simple, by creating more downward pressure in the middle of the ski each end of the ski is forced upwards much earlier in the ski than in Camber skis. This allows skiers greater manoeuvrability and the ability to float over powder much more easily.
Suprisingly rockers are fantastic for skiers of all levels, they make skiing off piste a breeze and their turning technology makes learning to ski that much easier. In order to help the consumer, K2 have created five different categories of Rocker skis based on ability and skiing preferences. They are, All Terrain, Catch Free, JIB, Powder and Speed. It is important to learn more about these categories as rocker technology is generally considered to be the future of skiing.
Catch free are the best choice for beginners, they are light and easy to control meaning they are a great way to learn how to carve. All-Terrain rockers are the standard and should be used by most skiers who want to take advantage of rocking technology, they perform well both on and off groomed runs however lack the specialisation that the other models have. JIB are for those who are interested in tricks and jump skiing, only for the hard core terrain park skiers. The powder models are for those who spend all of their time skiing off the beaten track, deep powder and narrow canyons are the go to place for this type of ski. As its name suggests the speed category is for those who plan to get down the mountain as quickly as possible, these are best used on firm snow.
Remember, powder and speed skis should only be used by those who consider themselves expert skiers! If you are an intermediate or advanced skier I highly recommend going straight for the all-terrain rockers. One example of a great pair of all-terrain skis are Rictors.
Looking to find the best deal on K2 skis, then visit www.k2skis.org to find the best advice on K2 Skis for you.
K2 Skis Technology: Understanding How it Works
