2012-13 Ski Preview: K2

2012-13 Ski Preview: K2

M's Bolt w/ MX 14.0 Binding , $1,380 & W's SuperGlide w/ ERS 11.0 TC Binding, $1,000

www.k2skis.com


Men’s Bolt
Ski dimensions: 125/72/99
Available length of skis: 172, 179, 186


Target market with the featured skis: Expert level skiers who crave the most speed possible on the firmest and steepest runs at the resort.


Two-sentence description of featured skis:
K2 is proud to introduce the highest performance hard snow ski to date, forever changing hard snow ski design. As the flagship model for K2’s new ROX Technology, the Bolt is the ultimate carving instrument available for medium to long radios GS turns with rock solid stability and hold at mach speed.


Women’s SuperGlide
Ski dimensions: 127/80/109
Available length of skis: 146, 153, 160, 167


Target market with the featured skis: Expert level women skiers who split their time between firm snow and soft at the resort.


Two-sentence description of featured skis:
An all-new model in the women’s collection, the SuperGlide has been developed for expert skiers who split their time between firm snow and soft. The ski’s versatility stems from its All-Terrain Rocker profile and a lightweight yet responsive design mixed with an optimum waist width for a wide variety of conditions and pitches.


What’s on the horizon for next year’s skis?
For 12-13, K2 will introduce an all-new hard-snow specific technology for skiers who demand the utmost performance and precision in a carving instrument. K2 will also unveil two brand new pro model skis for athletes Seth Morrison and Sean Pettit, along with 11 other new constructions throughout the men’s, women’s and children’s collections. All of this, in conjunction with K2’s 50th Anniversary and a full line of commemorative 50-year retro products adds up to a very exciting and fun time to be on K2 skis.

Andrew Thomas

What are three of the biggest forces shaping the changes and developments you’ve made?
K2 continues to apply Baseline Technology, a blend of camber with varying amounts of rocker, to its entire 12-13 collection of skis. This technology has allowed K2 to develop skis for every condition and skier, from first timer to seasoned pro. K2 is also stoked to celebrate 50 years of serious fun with a collection of products give a nod to the brand’s unexpected origins and unconventional culture.


Any completely new models (including pro models)?
The Bolt, Velocity, SideSeth (Seth Morrison Pro Model), BackDrop, Pettitor (Sean Pettit Pro Model), Iron Maiden are all new on the men’s side. The women’s side will see the SuperGlide, Empress, and a new 179cm length in the MissDirected. Kids will enjoy the all-new Bolt Jr.


Any disappearing?
Obsethed.


Any new materials or construction technologies?
ROX Technology:  Until RoX, high performance hard snow skis were designed stiff and robust for unshakable hold on the firmest snow conditions. Consequently, the additional stiffness results in a ski that is unforgiving and difficult to initiate into a turn. By focusing specifically on the advantages of K2’s Speed Rocker in combination with a specific MOD shape and Carbon Web placement, K2 has developed RoX Technology, a new standard for hard snow ski design, creating skis with unshakable hold on the firmest conditions with the added benefit of effortless turn initiation.


How much emphasis are you putting on rocker?
K2 will once again incorporate Rocker into every ski in its collection.


What about sidecountry/backcountry?
K2 will continue to focus on exploring the side and backcountry with efficiency and multi-functionality incorporated into all of its Backside skis, skins and tools for adventure.

Thanks to  Ryan Dionne at Skiing Business