By Brand

K2 Apache Sidewinder w/Marker MX 12 Skis

The Sidewinder is an updated version of the Stryker which has been around for a bit. This year’s ski is a nice improvement over the prior years. It has the new Mod structure which reduces weight somewhat and the new MX heelpiece which produces a tighter boot/binding coupling. The 'winder gives us a 90/10 ski with a softer flex and more damp ride than some of the more aggressive models in the category. The result is a very capable cruiser with reasonable edge grip and a superbly comfortable and forgiving ride. The great dampening of all K2’s allows the skier to have an easy going ski that feels quieter and more stable than one would think from a softer flexed ski. Among the higher end 90/10 skis the 'winder is by far the easiest in moguls and it is very credible in softer snow considering its narrowish waist width. This ski could well be the definitive 90/10 "cruiser" ski for the skier that samples the mountain from within the looking glass of mostly groomed runs and an occasional pass through the bumps. An average sized skier would like this ski in the 170 length. A heavier skier like me (195 lbs) would probably go for the 177 if there was much speed on the agenda.