Binding/System Info
Over the past 3 seasons K2 has worked exclusively with Marker Bindings to develop and create three K2 specific Ski/Binding systems that enhance the performance characteristics of our entire line of All-mountain skis. In general K2's all-mountain skis have become increasingly wider over the past decade. K2 skis have gone wider, so has the distance between the boot/binding and the edge of the ski. With a standard binding, that increased distance makes it more difficult to apply the energy from the boot/binding to the edge; in effect making it more difficult to make a turn. The K2/MX, K2/M1 and K2/M2 Binding systems make it much easier and quicker to get a wider ski up on edge, adding control and making the ski more responsive.
To maximize the intended ski flex design and consistent arc in each ski, the K2/MX, K2/M1 and K2/M2 systems all use a floating toe and fixed heel Marker binding approach. This type of ski/binding system drives the forces on a binding down and forward to maximize performance.
Integrated Hub Technology
The K2/M1 and K2/MX Ski/Binding Systems incorporate Titanium hubs that are imbedded in the core of the ski. Rather than using a plate to transfer power, the use of the hubs allows a direct contact between the binding and ski. The primary contact and power transfer between the binding and the ski is along the rails of these hubs. The secondary contact is between the surface of the ski and the binding itself, this is an even wider point of contact than the hubs and provides a more efficient delivery of power. The K2/M1 is 30% wider and the K2 MX is 40% wider than the contact points of a standard binding system. As our skis get wider, so do the binding contact points with our skis for a more efficient delivery of power.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apache Specific Tech
Men's specific MOD Structure
The shape of the secondary elastomeric core has been sculpted to distribute mass in ways that ensure the smoothest ride. Overall the MOD is thickest toward the center of the ski to insulate the skier from vibrations and tapers toward the tip and tail to minimize weight making the skis easier to maneuver. The optimum location and thickness of mass differs from men to women reflected in the different MOD shapes for our Apache and T:Nine series of skis. The new men’s MOD structure distributes the mass of the secondary core increasing torsional rigidity through its X shape MOD design and perimeter mass for increased edge hold.
Men's specific MOD Monic
Although the precise location of the MOD Monic's strategic mass dampening is consistent between our men and women's models, the amount of focused mass is different. Through extensive testing with member of our Apache test team, we have determined the optimal MOD Monic mass of 25 grams on our Apache series helps quiet and calm the ski for a smoother ride. The redesigned men's MOD Monic also has a new X shape that further compliments the x shaped MOD structure.
K2/MX System- Highest Performance K2 Ski/Marker Binding System
This entirely new binding system offers the most direct transmission of power to the ski for unmatched precision and control used exclusively on our high end Apaches skis. The K2/MX maximizes the performance of the ski/binding interaction by offering a wider contact to ski for the best delivery of power to the edge. The K2/MX does this in three ways. First, the MX system uses Marker's new Inter-Pivot Heel technology that has a wider footprint extending its contact point closer to the edge of the ski. Second, the system hubs are functionally wider with a 50mm footprint which further decreases the distance between the binding and the edge of the ski for added performance. Finally, the MX system has tighter tolerances between the binding and the surface of the secondary ski core for a more precise feel.
The K2/MX system uses a Marker Biometric toe in combination with the inter pivot heal. This toe is used on the new system for the additional backward releasing safety benefits that are adjusted in conjunction with the DIN setting. The Biometric toe also includes a stainless steel AFT in conjunction with a 4 linkage design for increased centered performance and safety.
K2/M2 System – Performance K2 Ski/Plate/Marker Binding System
The K2/M2 is the ultimate ski/plate/ binding system designed for performance and recreational skiers alike, utilizing a floating toe and a fixed heel design to generate more power, precision and quickness underfoot. The K2/M2 systems’ sleek design is graphically integrated into the look of the Apache series skis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T:Nine Specific Tech
Bioflex Core
Working with the Alliance Team to further develop our line of women-specific skis has lead to the Bioflex core, a breakthrough multi-wood core technology. Used exclusively on our T:Nine series of skis, the combination of two distinctly different woods, fir and spruce, provides a blend of stability and forgiveness in our women’s skis. Not just different layers of wood, but completely different cores fused together at the tip and tail. Spruce, a light, soft wood is used in the extremities of the tip and tail and fir, a more solid, dense wood is used underfoot. The Spruce provides easy turn initiation, lightweight characteristics, and overall ease that T9 skis have come to be known for. The Fir underfoot provides a new level of confidence inspiring control, predictability and stability. The 2008/09 core incorporates a bamboo stringer that runs down the center of the entire core for added toughness.
The beauty of the Bioflex core is that it produces a lighter weight core which translates into skis that are easier to maneuver and causes less fatigue than a comparable men’s size and model. The Bioflex core can also be tuned to the performance level of the ski. The Tough Luv and First Luv both share a Bioflex core but the flex and performance level differs dramatically.
Forward Mounting Position
All T:Nine skis are built with the midsole of the ski 2 cm forward than the standard point for a male. This accommodates the anatomical fact that the center of mass for a woman is generally much lower than that of a man. By moving the midsole forward, it places the center of mass of the average woman over the optimum area of the ski, allowing for more control and easier turn initiation.
Women's specific MOD Structure
The shape of the MOD structure is sculpted to distribute mass in ways that ensure the smoothest ride. In both men's and women's skis the MOD is thickest toward the center of the ski to insulate the skier from vibrations and tapers toward the tip and tail to minimize weight making the skis easier to maneuver. The optimum location and thickness of mass differs from men to women so we introduced different MOD shapes for our T:Nine skis. The aesthetic look of the MOD shape has also been customized with a softened, more shaped appearance that graphically ties into the design of the skis.
Women's specific MOD Monic
Although the location for this targeted mass dampening is consistent between our men's and women's models, the amount of focused mass is different between the two lines of skis. Through extensive testing with the members of our Alliance team, we have concluded the optimal MOD Monic mass of 15 grams on our T:Nine skis opposed to 25 grams in the men's models. The women’s MOD Monic is designed to accent the overall look without sacrificing function.
K2/M1 System – High Performance K2 Ski/Marker Binding System
A proven binding system developed with Marker that is exclusively used on the Alliance skis. With a floating toe, and fixed heel, this non-plated, fully integrated binding system provides women unparalleled quickness, precision, and the ultimate in all-mountain performance. The footprint of the K2/M1 ski/binding system is roughly 30% wider than a traditional binding or binding system. With a standard binding, when energy is applied to turn the ski, the pressure is applied closer to the middle of the ski, making it more difficult to transfer the energy to the edges of the skis. With the M1 system being wider, it is much easier and quicker to get a wider ski up on edge, and makes a wider waisted ski feel more nimble and agile.
K2/M2 System – Performance Ski/Plate/Binding System
The K2/M2 is a ski/plate/binding is designed for performance and recreational skiers alike, utilizing a floating toe and a fixed heel design to generate more power, precision and quickness underfoot. The M2 systems’ sleek design is graphically color coordinated into the look of the ski models in the T:Nine series.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Factory Team Specific Tech
Twin Tip Specific Ski Shapes
Unlike other skis in the line, these twin tip products are designed to ride forward and switch. As the trend toward switch skiing continues so does the demand for a product that performs increasingly well in both directions. K2 has developed unique taper angles that help maximize the bi-directional performance based on the intended terrain.
Directional Taper-Moderately wider tip than tail maximizes directional performance and helps the ski perform optimally in the forward direction. This means the ski makes a different arc when skiing switch.
Bi-directional Taper-The tip is still wider than the tail but the difference between the two is less than a directional ski. This enables the ski to still perform exceptionally while skiing in the forward direction but allows the skier to gain switch potential. This taper enables the skier to have better and more consistent switch riding that is more similar to the arc and performance in the forward direction.
Symmetrical Taper-Equal width of tip and tail. This ski is designed to ski forward and switch identically. A symmetrical ski has a switch arc that is equivalent to its forward arc. To maximize the performance these skis the mounting location is in the absolute center of the ski.
Twin Tips and Tails-When twin tips were first being developed, the tails were designed totally different than the tips. The tails were shorter, lower and often had an abrupt curvature. These tails worked for riding switch ever now and then but as switch riding becomes more common and skiers are attempting to ski any terrain backwards the demands have changed. The tails on our newest skis are balanced in the length, height and curvature of our tips for optimal riding in both directions.
Sidewall Construction
Sidewall skis offer the most precise performance with a direct transfer of power through the ski. As skiers have become more focused on hitting terrain park features, the abuse on skis has become more and more apparent. These skis generally tend to be more resistant to impact as well because the vertical sidewall supports and reinforce the edge from above.
ABS Sidewalls-ABS is a plastic material used in sidewall construction that primarily functions to keep the inner layers of the core protected. K2 uses ABS because of its dense characteristics that not only aid in the direct transmission of power but also make it very durable and resistant to moisture.
ABS/Urethane Hybrid Sidewalls-This sidewall construction uses a softer durometer urethane for shock absorption to lessen the impact of harsh landing and blows to the rider. The Urethane is only used under foot to maximize the dampening but ABS is used toward the tip and tail to maximize performance and control.
Transparent Sidewalls-This sidewalls material is an alternative to the standard ABS sidewall material used in most of our skis. It is slightly less dense than ABS material with similar characteristics that offers a great blend of forgiveness without affecting the overall performance.
3.5 mm Edges
Most of our Factory Series skis come with a thicker more durable steel edge to prolong the life of the ski. Normal thickness of an edge is around 2.5 mm whereas the Factory Series skis’ use a 3.5 mm edge to withstand the added abuse. This thicker edge is more resistant to cracking and grinding for a more durable ski.
Tip and Tail Plates and Rivets
K2 introduced tip and tail rivets nearly 6 years ago on the Factory Series skis. The rivets were functionally developed for additional protection to reinforcement in the tip and tail of the ski. Although function is still the primary purpose, K2 has evolved the rivets into plates that still reinforce the ski while giving it a unique aesthetic.
Rocker Design
This design is influenced by the surf industry, but functionally the wake world opened our eyes to how to make something float bi-directionally. Rocker design in a ski facilitates the skis’ ability to elevate and plane up to the surface while skiing deeper snow and makes landings in powder easier both forward and switch. We incorporate various amounts of rocker in our factory skis based on what conditions the skis are designed to handle. Skis with more rocker translate into better floatation and more of a surfy and forgiving feel. Skis with less rocker have a more traditional feel on firmer snow but get the added benefit of floatation in softer snow. We quantify Rocker with three specific characteristics.
1. The region where the rocker is located. Rocker in the tip is pretty intuitive as the additional elevation allows the tip to plane easier for additional floatation. Rocker in the tail works the same way while riding switch but functionally as the ski rides in a forward direction it also allows the tail of the ski to sit deeper in the snow allowing the tip to plane up easier than a traditionally cambered ski.
The HellBent, obSETHed and MissBehaved all have rocker in varying amounts based on the intended snow conditions. The HellBent is built entirely with soft snow in mind so it has a Tip and Tail 20/40 Rocker. The tip and tail are off the snow 20 mm and 40 cm toward the center of the ski for maximum float in soft snow. The obSETHed has a Tip and Tail 10/20 Rocker which means the tip and tail sit 10 mm off the snow and the ski contacts the snow 20 cm toward the middle of the ski while sitting flat. This rocker is half the height and length of a HellBent giving the ski better versatility in different snow conditions. The added tip elevation gives the ski better float than a traditional cambered ski in soft snow but still maximizes the effective edge on hard and variable conditions. The MissBehaved has a Tip and Tail 5/30 Rocker that gives the ski tip and tail less elevation off the snow at 5 mm but a gentle rise that starts 30 cm further toward the middle of the ski giving the ski a slightly more nimble feel in both firm and soft snow with the benefit of additional floatation primarily for softer snow conditions.
Factory Team Recommended Mounting Locations
With today’s twin tip skis riders are commonly mounting their skis forward from a traditional mounting point of our directional all-mountain skis. The main benefits from forward mounting are increased control when riding or landing switch, and a more neutral balance in the air and on rails. For this reason, all Factory Team skis have a mounting scale on the sidewall running from a traditional ski mark, to a 7.5cm forward core center marking. For 2008/09 K2 also has included a recommended mountain location for each ski where K2 suggests getting the best performance out of what each twin tip ski was designed to do. Following is a general guideline for how to mount these skis. If you are uncertain, the best bet is to go conservative if this is your first time mounting the ski forward.
0 – 2cm forward: All-mountain. If you plan on skiing mostly outside the park primarily in a forward direction, and want the ski to behave like a traditional ski, you should stay on the conservative side and mount traditionally.
3cm-5cm forward: 50% All-mountain, 50% Terrain Park. When mounting beyond 3 cm, you will lose a little of the traditional feel of length in front of the binding, but with more tail, you gain the control in the air and riding switch. Seth Morrison mounts his obSETHed and Hellbent skis at 5cm forward.
6cm-7.5 cm forward: If you bought the skis primarily for the terrain park, or are focused on riding switch in powder or in the backcountry, you may consider mounting your skis this far forward. While you may sacrifice forward directional float and stability, it’s made up for in the switch riding and landing stability and balance in the air. From 6.0cm to 7.5cm forward is where Chris Benchetler, Andy Mahre and Pep Fujas typically mount their skis.