2022 Head Kore 117

Quick, fun, and incredibly light, the Head Kore 117 represents the widest ski in the Kore line, and does so with authority. Built with a mix of Karuba and poplar wood, the skis also get Head's full carbon layup and a graphene-infused tip and tail. This ski uses carbon very efficiently and effectively in the ski, and these new 2022 versions have a bit more energy and compliance than the Kore 117's of yesteryear. This makes for a slightly more flexible and playful energy to the ski, and makes it float a bit better as it can bend more effectively with the snow as you float and plow through the fresh. Also available in different sizes, these Kore 117's are going to hit a new market and make a lot of powder seekers quite happy as they search and destroy some of the deepest snow that the planet has to offer.

On the 184, Jeff Neagle loved the length for the width, noting that it skis a bit short due to the lighter weight. He scored it 4's out of 5 for torsional stiffness and edge hold, with a 5 for flotation. All other scores were 3's, showing a pretty well-rounded score card for such a one-dimensional ski. Jeff, however, noted that it has a surprising versatility to it, and also couldn't help noticing similarities with the new Kore 111 as well. "I think this ski bookends the Kore series quite well, and the new build makes it just a bit more well-rounded and better-suited to more than just straight powder. Now with the 111, the 117 allows for that strong powder performance and a whole lot of fun. With more taper and rocker than the 111, the true powder junkies still have a ski that they can call their own, and while we don't always have that type of snow here in Vermont, there's a whole lot of places that this ski is very useful."

Also on the 184, Bob St.Pierre noted that while it skis true to size, he'd prefer the 191. "I just feel with all of these Kore skis that I like the longer length." At 6'3" and 225 pounds, that's not a crazy thing to ask for, especially due to the light weight of the ski. "As per usual, the Kore skis deliver some of the strongest strength to weight ratios of any ski on the planet, and this 117 is no different. I love the grip and the energy, as those two attributes are usually not found in skis of this width. Way quicker than other 117(ish) skis, and quite a bit grippier as well. If you're looking for a ski that is light, maneuverable, floaty, and precise, it's hard to do better than the new Kore 117."

Freeride and big mountain skiers will definitely gravitate to skis of this shape and size, and in that realm, the Kore 117 stands out due to its light weight and stiff flex. While most of the skis in this class have similar rocker profiles and taper shapes, the Kore 117 definitely has the most to offer in terms of that precision. When you put the ski over, the stiffness and response really stand out, and it makes it easy and fun to rip around the pow with confidence and aggression.