K2 had a plethora of skis at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market All Mountain Demo at Solitude. Some were old favorites with new designs and topsheets, like the Pontoon and Coomback. Others were brand new models that won’t be released until Fall 2011, and the K2 SideShow skis are among the newborns we can look forward to riding in the near future.
According to K2, the SideShow is a do everything, one-quiver ski. And they mean one quiver, as they can be used both in the resort (on frontside groomers and backside powder) as well as transform into a capable, lightweight touring setup for those sidecountry and backcountry escapades.
I skied the SideShows at Solitude on a 10-inch powder day, but by the time I grabbed a pair from K2’s demo tent, most of the new snow was cut up and choppy. However, those are perfect conditions for these skis as they are meant to slay hardpack and cut sharp turns on groomers with laminate sidewall construction and a progressive sidecut. The skis are surprisingly versatile with a generous sidecut for turns, but with K2’s All-Terrain Rocker tip for floating in the deep stuff when needed.
The K2 SideShow skis also feel quite stable and weren’t thrown around by choppy snow. Overall I had fun making whippy, quick turns on the K2 SideShow skis and I think they’ll be a great ski for anyone who mostly likes cruising groomers and hardpack, but enjoys the occasional powder day or backcountry tour as well.
Here are the technical details from K2:
Construction: Metal TNC, Hybitech Sidewall
Weight: 1850g
Sizes: 167, 174, 181, 188
Radius: 20m @ size 181
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