The 2019 K2 Pinnacle 85 is a friendly ski that is best suited for beginner to intermediate level skiers. We are careful to not label skis like this as designated beginner skis, because they can do a lot more. K2 filters their technology down through the line and the 85 gets all the design and construction techniques that are used on higher-end models. By no stretch of the imagination is this a ski to overlook. For the less experienced skier, the Pinnacle 85 will be a great first purchase or a jumping off ski that can take you to the next level. It has a lot of good things going for it such as a wood core, sidewall construction, tip and tail rocker, and a long and low tip rocker. As a result, the skis are very user-friendly and approachable. Heavier intermediate skiers will most likely overpower the Pinnacle 85, but all other target audiences should be challenged properly. The tip and tail rocker allow for appropriate and easy turn initiation and completion. They will not hook up and lock you in the turn like a more advanced on-trail ski will. At 85 mm underfoot, they are a great middle-ground shape that will float on the softer snow and carve on the firmer surfaces. Our testers did find that the Pinnacle 85 had a speed limit, but other than that restriction, they were overall quite pleased with the fact that the skis could handle quite a bit more than was advertised. The idea that a ski like the Pinnacle 85 has a fairly high top-end speaks volumes about what K2 is up to these days in their product development and construction.
Michael Carroll-Sherwin skied the 177 cm length and was amazed at how quick the ski was. He scored it 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability. Additionally, playfulness garnered 4 out of 5. These scores could be used for a true beginners ski, but they mean more than that to us. They mean that the ski is able to perform at a higher level than advertised, and will thus satisfy a broader range of individuals. Top-end skis can only satisfy top-end skiers, but middle of the road skis can accommodate a huge array. “This ski is an unbelievable introduction to skiing. The turn radius is easy to initiate and exit, but high speed turns make the skis a little less comfortable. My advice is to buy longer than you think, given the tip rocker, in order to practice edge to edge transitioning.” If you advance past the limits of the Pinnacle 85, there’s always the 88 and 95 if you want.
Also skiing the 177, Dave Marryat scored it 5 out of 5 for forgiveness. Most of his other scores were 4’s except flotation and stability, which received 3’s. These are not shocking scores, as an 85 mm underfoot ski is not expected to float particularly well, as is a non-metal ski supposed to handle speed on hard pack as well as a race ski. His score of 4 for versatility is telling of the fact that a lot of different ability level skiers will find something that the ski does well. Dave calls the K2 Pinnacle 85 a “great first ski or tweener ski. They are lightweight and snappy; certainly a good ski to build skills on. A stronger skier should bump up to the K2 Pinnacle 88. The Pinnacle 85 is easy to shift edge to edge and it’s a decent carver.”
That’s some great information from our testers on this particular model. We’re not trying to steer skiers towards or away from particular products, only to show them what’s available and who among us likes it and why. The K2 Pinnacle 85 has a certain audience, and if you are part of it, you’ve got a great ski for you.
