K2 Darkside Skis (Skis Only)

Reference: DARKSIDE

Manufacturer: K2

Model Year: 2011

Product Description
K2 is concentrating on Its Baseline Technology this season and has re-mastered its entire range to push the boundaries of ski performance. With K2's baseline Technology they have combined camber with varying degrees of rocker, proving benefits of each to create a range of superior skis. This allows the camber to supply the edge hold, control and rebound, while rocker provides a greater degree of versatility, ease of use and an increased sweet spot.


As the name suggests, the Darkside excels on steep, shady north faces and in couloirs whose walls protect the snow from the sun's powder-killing radiation. This year, the rocker starts just in front of the binding - further back than any other ski in thier collection - and turns the tail into both a brake and accelerator. Pressure the shovel to quickly and easily pivot the ski and scrub speed with the normal cambered tail, or pressure the tail for added power and acceleration.

Features of the Darkside include:

Powder Rocker: Powder Rocker is designed for deep snow. The tip has the most elevation and longest measurement of rocker and offers skiers a "surfy" feel with enhanced soft-snow performance. The camber region still exists to ensure edge-hold on firmer conditions..

Progressive Sidecut: This is a combination of two different sidecuts that enhances the versatility of wider waisted skis. Previously sidecut theory is based using a single radius, however this becomes overpowering on wider skis. The use of a progressive sidecut guarantees improved turn initiation and hard snow performance.

Hybritech: Hybritech is a unique blend of sidewall and cap construction. The construction combines the accuracy and power performance of sidewall underfoot with the lightweight characteristics and smooth turn initiation of cap construction.

Triaxial Braiding: This consists of braiding fibreglass around a wood core to provide torsional rigidity for added control. This Unique, patented method produces skis with great torsional strength, while maintaining the lively flex patterns of the wood core.

Plates and Rivets: K2 tip and tail rivets have evolved to allow the addition of a pre-cut climbing skin onto the ski for all your backcountry access needs. This translates to greater efficiency with less fatigue.


Our Opinion
These are advertised as '90% Soft Snow' and although they perform on piste, with 128mm underfoot when you take them into the powder you will never want to go near a lift again. The Powder Rocker keeps your tips up no matter what technique you have and even if you have attached the pre-cut skins and hiked for the majority of the day, that end run will have you talking about your run and your skis late into the night.


Specification
Specifications: 156 / 128 / 144 25 metre turn radius (174 cm)
Construction: Hybritech Sidewall.
Core: Wood - Aspen / Paulownia mix
Bindings: NOT SUPPLIED
Weight: 2100g @ 174
Features: 12/11 Progressive powder sidecut, powder tip, tip and tail attachment holes, flat notched tail, triaxail braiding.


Is This For Me?
This ski is for a specific type of skier. Those of you who enjoy playing around on-piste need not apply. These are ideally suited for those of you who already have a pair of piste skis and are looking for a second pair of real powder skis, or for those of you who own a chalet in the moutains and want these to sit at the back of the garage while you wait for those few special days a season or for those who own a helicopter, or are lucky enough to be going on a helisking holiday.




PLEASE NOTE: When we sell skis and snowboards, we book them into our workshop for a full clean and wax before shipping. The wax supplied on new boards and skis is NOT suitable for long term use. By waxing properly before use, the life of your new skis or board will be prolonged, and it will simply perform better! We offer this service free of charge.

For skis, we will also send you an email asking you to confirm your weight, height, ski ability and the length of your ski boot, which is stamped on the heel of your boot normally.

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