This is an entirely new model and width for K2 and fills the spot between the Recon and the Outlaw. The Apache Explorer adds 6mm of width over the Recon and is somewhat stiffer. The Explorer does not make the popular Recon obsolete by any means; it is really for a different skier. The Explorer is an ideal choice for the skier who is at a higher level of aggressiveness or has more of an appetite fo...

The Outlaw is yet another completely new ski from K2 this year. This new model is wider than in the past and has a fairly straight sidecut but like the Explorer, it is quicker turning than you might expect. This comes from the progressive sidecut which allows a pretty quick initiation at the tip but a more stable turn finish. The Outlaw also has an unusual tip shape that is a little more tapered ...

It is very difficult for a ski to stay at the top of the sales charts for a very long time. Yet, the K2 Apache Recon has managed to do just that. Each time I ski the Apache Recon, I am reminded of why this is. This is simply a high end ski that almost anyone can enjoy. The magic that makes this possible is a fairly soft flex to make the ski easy to turn, but it is combined with the patented "...

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 ...

For ’09 the Burnin’ Luv has gotten a major upgrade with the change to a sidewall/laminate construction. In years past, the BL has had a rap of not being stout enough for some very aggressive skiers or those who regularly deal with east coast ice. With this new build, that has all changed for the better. The new BL has more grip, more stability and more energy than in the past. For all those bonuse...

The Lotta (like the unisex Recon) has been the best selling women’s on road/off road ski for some years now. This is a crowd pleaser for many reasons. Lotta is smooth, stable and quiet on the roughest snow imaginable. The K2 Mod dampening system makes this ski the "Cadillac" of the skis in this category. The LL is softer than some other women’s expert skis in this category and that makes...

The One Luv is amazingly comfortable in a wide variety of snow conditions. The waist width @ 74mm is wide for the 90/10 category and when combined with the fairly soft flex makes this the easiest of the 90/10 skis in variable conditions. This, like all K2’s has a smooth, stable, and quiet ride over rough snow. While not as nimble as some lighter skis, the One Luv pays the skier back with an unflap...

The Tough Luv is K2’s 50/50 ski in the Women’s category. This one qualifies as a wide cruiser for a pretty aggressive skier. The TL is not terribly stiff, but it is wide and fairly heavy so nimbleness in bumps is not its forte’. However, those qualities make the TL stunningly stable in soft, deep, and especially broken snow. I felt that the progressive sidecut enabled the ski to come around quicke...

This is not another rebadge job on the old Rossi Bandit/B-series from years past. The width of the new SC80 falls right in between the old B2 and B3 models and it is a whole new build which features a new solid wood core. This is an entirely new ski and is a fantastic upgrade. While the Bandit series pleased a lot of skiers there were complaints from some skiers that the skis were not aggressive e...

Last season the Joyrider was one of Sierra Skis most popular womens skis. The Joyrider is a 70/30 ski with a waist width of 74mm. There is a common misconception about Roxy, that they are ski for teenagers this is simply not true. The Joyrider is a perfect example of how Roxy knows what to do to build a great ski, in 2008 it was ski of the year. With a great balance between high speed stability an...

The Opal is a new addition to the Origins lineup this year and is basically a women’s specific Tornado. The Opal uses the same shape and wood/isocell core of the Tornado but with a slightly softer flex and lighter weight. When I tested the Opal I knew immediately that this was a winner because the trademark Salomon "feel" (i.e.: light, nimble, and snappy) is right there in the Opal. This...

The Topaz returns from ’07-’08 with a new graphic but is unchanged otherwise. This is another ski that bears the Salomon family characteristics. Light, nimble, and energetic are the hallmarks of the Topaz. This is a 90/10 ski with a moderate shape and enough edge grip and stability for most skiers up to the solid advanced level. The Topaz has a fairly conservative sidecut and that makes it a great...

The Fury returns for ’09 with no significant changes other than graphic. I ski the Fury often and find that it is a great blend of groomer performance and grip with a nimble and compliant feel in the off trail and in softer snow. Among the 50/50 skis, this is one that can be a fit for a wide number of skiers. Edge grip is better than average for the 50/50 group and the deep sidecut makes the Fury ...

A couple of years ago, Salomon introduced the first generation X-Wing Fury. This was a very user friendly 50/50 ski that was rapidly embraced by skiers of varying ability levels. Since then, Salomon has moved on and the newer generation Fury, is stiffer, wider, and like most other 50/50 skis, is targeted for skiers of a pretty high aggressiveness level. Such skis, can sometimes make life tough for...