K2 SKIS is the freeski brand that continues to lead the freeskiing scene. Let's take a look at the lineup for 2021 while exploring the secrets behind the new lineup that keeps appearing one after another
The secret behind the constant creation of new lineups
K2 is a ski and snowboard brand founded in 1962 in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington. It has shaped the freeskiing scene by producing many pioneering riders, including Glenn Plake, Seth Morrison, and Shane McConkey. Its
extensive lineup, covering categories like freeride and backcountry, goes without saying, and is known for its impressive track record in freestyle skiing. In addition to skiing gear like skis, boots, and poles, the brand also offers a wide range of helmets, backpacks, and apparel.
In recent years, in order to further expand, they have established their own development factory, ARC (Advanced Resource Collective), near Seattle International Airport. This facility has a dedicated prototype factory separate from the manufacturing plant, allowing them to focus on developing new products without worrying about manufacturing processes or delivery dates. Taking advantage of the location, which is about four hours from Timberline, the only ski resort in North America with a year-round lift, they have an excellent environment for production, where when they come up with a new idea or product, they can create a prototype and test it on the snow right away. Below is an image video of ARC
topA bird's-eye view of the K2 SKIS lineup
The lineup for the 2021 season is shown above
- <Speed performance> <Piste performance> Specialized for speeding down packed snow slopes
- MINDBENDER: The key point is the torsional strength that supports hard riding regardless of the conditions. It is intended for use mainly in freeride scenes
- TOURING skis. Lightweight yet with metal for enhanced edge grip
- RECKONER: Directional twin tip design. For those who enjoy freestyle riding on the slopes
- FACTORY TEAM: For park and street skiers and those looking for a ski that doesn't fit into categories 1-4
While models such as ②③④⑤, which are aimed at freeskiing and freeride, account for two-thirds of the total, the new trend for the 2021 season is an increased emphasis on ①〈speed performance〉 and 〈PISTE performance〉
Let's take a quick look at each category
MINDBENDER: Focus on the comfort of turns, from packed snow to powder
The MINDBENDER series, which aims to provide the pleasure of turning regardless of the skiing conditions, consists of 12 models. The common feature of all models is high stability and control in all snow conditions. To achieve this, K2 focused on torsion. The torsion at the tip and center of the ski is stiffer, and it becomes gentler towards the tail. This makes the skis easy to control, whether carving or sliding, depending on the situation
In addition to this torsional property, the three key features that bring out the ski's gliding performance are the Titanal Y Beam, Spectacle Blade Technology, and Power Wall
The men's MINDBENDER comes in six models, 116C, 108ti, 99Ti, 90Ti, 90C, and 85, ordered in order of waist width. The C after the number stands for carbon and features "Spectacle Blade Technology," while Ti stands for titanium and features "Titanal Y Beam." Only the 116C features "Powder Rocker," which has a high, long nose rocker and a long, gentle tail rocker. The other models feature "All-Terrain Rocker," which combines nose rocker with a low, short tail rocker
The women's MINDBENDER comes in the ALLIANCE name and comes in six models, the same as the men's: 115C, 106C, 98Ti, 88Ti, 90C, and 85. However, the shape, such as waist width, and the ratio of titanium to carbon are slightly different from the men's model
Lightweight model for backcountry skiing〈TOURING〉
The TOURING series is designed for backcountry skiing, combining lightness with excellent gliding performance. It consists of seven models: five men's "WAYBACK" models and three women's "TALKBACK" models.
While the name refers to touring, K2 prioritizes performance, so almost all models feature laminated titanium metal in the center of the ski, just like piste and freeride skis.
While lightweight, the design still provides stability and vibration absorption, essential for skiing. The WAYBACK 80, in particular, uses a special Balsa/Paulounia Tour Ultralight Core core, achieving a weight of just 967g for a 170cm ski.
Inheriting the freestyle mind〈RECKONER〉
The RECKONER series, a complete departure from the asymmetrical nose and tail of the Catamaran and Marksman models available until the 2019-20 season, is now available in a new category: RECKONER. This series allows for freestyle maneuvers like jumping, slashing, carving, pressing, and buttering, regardless of the conditions. It comes in three waist widths: 122, 112, and 102, all with directional twin-tip construction.
The 122 model features a high, long rocker in the nose and tail for free movement and buoyancy in powder. The other two models feature a versatile all-terrain rocker.
All three models feature a core of fir on the edges and poplar in the center, providing excellent edge grip and stability. The carbon stringers that run from tip to tail and the lattice fiber that covers the entire ski, also used in the MINDBENDER, allow the skis to respond responsively to tricks in various positions
The Face of K2〈FACTORY TEAM〉
From street to big mountain to competition, the FACTORY TEAM lineup is packed with K2-inspired freestyle skis, including the Shane McConkey-designed PON2OON with a tapered 132mm waist, the 244 mogul ski with its loyal following, and the POACHER, designed for both park and street skiers
A new approach to speed performance and skiing on packed snow slopes
Lastly, we will introduce the "Speed Performance" and "Piste Performance" categories, which are part of the "Disruption" series, newly launched by K2 in the 2021 season. Named after skis that break existing concepts, this category was created for skiers who love speed and carving, regardless of competition
Please see the link below for the full K2 lineup