K2 Backup Skis 2013

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Got to tele on these bad boys during a dealer demo day at Jay Peak last year. I was the only telemark skier to show up, so I got to keep them out all day!

Conditions were late season hardpack, with mashed potatoes in a few spots later in the day.

Being someone who prefers a more traditional camber, I was a little unsure about the "Speed Rocker" at first... but I soon proved myself wrong.
These skis cut through the crud all day long. Super edgy and responsive, even on the slickest, fastest runs. I found myself wanting to push them harder and harder... which actually tired me out by the end of the day! Forgiving enough for a beginnner, but they certainly hold their own for the more advanced skier.
The only drawback I've found is that they are a bit heavier than my G3 Barons, though still fairly light. I just placed an order for the 167 length. I plan on making these my full-time resort ski, whilst moving the Barons to backcountry-only duty.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

With my 5 & 8 year old children I as looking for a ski that would perform well at a downhill ski area great for Alpine touring. This ski has nailed it. Love how they float in the powder. On hard packed days they pop unbelievably hard out of both long and short carves. Skinning back to the top is a joy with the K2 Backup 181.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

I was little worried about how these puppies would work in bounds and they really surpised me. Really light and responsive in the powder and on groomed. I am very happy with these bad boys and how they are adapted for my touring set up.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Great one quiver ski. I used to patrol for one season. Overall they handle well and turn quick. Good in the moguls. Handles eastern powder (aka ice) moderately well. The primary con I found was some chatter at speeds.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

I have these skis mounted with Rottefella Freedom telemark bindings. Compared to my wider waisted skis, they don't feel as stable or float as well, but I love their light weight feel, especially on backcountry adventures. At resorts, they are very quick edge to edge for fast tele turn transitions. They have a surgical, precise feel when it comes to edging. The big sidecut makes them easy to turn and the widish tip allow them to float pretty well in powder.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

These hold almost as well on ice as the narrow skis I own and better than the other mid fats. They bust through crud better than the narrows and make a better quiver of one than the other 2.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

I used this ski not very long time. However, couple of days of skiing gave my pleasure. Ski are good and in front and in back position. What will be in future-show the time.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Good back country skis, light weight, 82mm waiste good for touring, ski well for downhill.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

My son floated down the hills on these skies this year. He loves them.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

love the ski's

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Primarily resort skiing in Pennsylvania. Floats nice in spring corn. Has worked well for all of the conditionis that I have encountered so far. No big powder days yet, so I can't comment on that. Nice and light. My new favorite ski. These were blems (some misalignment of graphicst that do not effect performance). Overall I am thrilled that I have these. They are my go to skis these days.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Light weight touring skis that perform nicely as all-mountain/all-condition skis. A good choice if you only want to buy one pair of skis or need to decide which pair to take on a cross-country trip.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

These skis are very light and responsive, great for skinning up to that bowl full of powder.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Use mainly with climbing skins. Nice and light going up but could have more power on the way back down.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Very similar to the Mt Baker except it comes around quicker with Speed Rocker tip. Hooks up and holds an edge . Ski can really be driven through the turn. I recommend it highly

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Good everyday, no-brainer grab these today skiis. Work in all conditions up to about a foot of powder.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Very nice tourer. Turns great in tight spaces - really shines in trees and moguls. Too soft to carve big downhill turns. With this flex, I might have preferred a wider waist for more float.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

I mounted classic Voille Hardwires to these boards. In a word they are awesome! On groomers they carve like a dream. The lightweight and responsiveness of them make smashing moguls a blast. The flotation in powder made them a pleasure to hit deep back country snow also. I'll admit I have ski'd on better powder skis but I have not ever ski'd on better all mountain skis. In addition my powder skis are much heavier and bulkier than these making these my top choice for skinning into back country. These are my go to skis at this point.

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Waiting for NTN Freedome binding to come in so I can mount these bad boys

Comments about K2 Backup Skis 2013:

Great ski, great value, equally happy on front or back side, good grip on firm, nice float on back, quick turns in trees and moguls, holds up to fast GS turns, responsive to precise technical turns. If you are looking for a single all-purpose tele ski, this is best choice on market. Exceptional value too. Thank you, K2!