2022 Head Kore 99

The mid-range Kore, the 99, is likely the most versatile and well-rounded of the bunch, and that’s saying a whole lot for something sandwiched between a 93 and a 105. The 99, as I’ve found, is one of the better carvers, even when stacked up against the 87, just because with the lighter build, the more material does deliver more power. Refurbished for 2022, the Head Kore 99 ditches the Koroyd in favor of a more shaped top carbon laminate. Still built with the karuba and poplar wood core, these 99’s have two layers of carbon and two of fiberglass, allowing for an impressive amount of strength and energy to come out of the ski. That upper laminate of carbon extends over the top and down to the edges, so it has a 3-dimensional performance aspect to it that makes a whole lot of sense. The 99 actually has a very strong carving personality to it, and this allows skiers to utilize the on-trail capabilities to their fullest. While we like this 99 as an all-around and all-mountain ski, we can’t deny the on-trail and turning success of this model as well.

On the 177, Nate Gardner called it “short, and perhaps I’d even go up two sizes.” That means a 191 for Nate, as these skis have shortened the length gap, making the skis break every 7 cm versus 9 in the previous model. His top score of 5 out of 5 was given for flotation, with 4’s for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and overall impression. For a ski that’s 14 cm too short, these are some pretty impressive scores. Nate notes that “With the rocker and high radius this ski feels shorter than it is. That fat tip and tail challenge you to tip the ski up in a normal fashion. Be ready to use a lot of body english if you like a high edge angle.” When skis are on the lighter side, and on the wider side, in order to get them to carve properly, you do have to achieve that high edge angle to fully commit to the carve.

Brian Cooke was also too tall for the 177, as he’d likely be a lot more comfortable on the 184. His scores reflect that, with mostly 3’s out of 5 given for most categories. These reflect his experience on this particular ski on this particular day, so let’s all keep that in mind. “Okay, I didn't give it great scores because it just really isn't my ski. I can see how someone would like it if they wanted a stiff ski that was also light. But it doesn't flex a lot in the tips which wasn't that fun in the soft bumps and it also didn't plow right through the bumps like some of the beefier skis. It is pretty easy to throw around because of the weight, but I would rather a little more heft and a little more flex in the tips.” Some people like vanilla, and others like chocolate. Some even like strawberry, and that’s the whole fun of having multiple skis.

With a successful application of carbon, two strong sheets of glass fiber, and a light weight non-topsheet, the Head Kore 99 has a lot going on, and we’re all about it. As a totally biased observer and skier, the 99 is my personal favorite Kore, as I feel it has the right amount of material per width to accommodate a skier my size and ability. At 6’2 and 220 pounds, I normally can bend most skis with two sheets of metal, but I’m continuously impressed with how these skis handle the groomers mainly, with the maneuverability to take them anywhere.