2022 K2 Reckoner 102

What a blend of a lot of different things in a ski! We were very impressed when we first got on the Reckoner 102 last year, and with just a graphics upgrade for 2022, we’re stoked to get back on them again this year. Built with a blend of fir and aspen in the wood core, these skis have the energy and the ability to tackle a whole lot of different terrain and snow conditions, as well as being able to stand up to a variety of skier types as well. They’re neither the lightest nor the heaviest skis out there, so they do have a pretty decent amount of stability, and that’s only boosted when K2 adds their carbon laminates to the mix. The Carbon Spectral Braiding is a tighter weave in the central and underfoot portion of the ski that loosens out to the tips and tails and makes this ski behave like more of a twin tip both in terms of shape and flex. The twin tip shape has obvious influence in the freestyle world, so it’s really up to the user to dictate where and how this ski should be used, and for the most part, the answer is yes. Just get on this ski and enjoy the ride—it makes clean and round turns and loves to make high edge angles, especially when on the feet of advanced and expert skiers who know how to hold that edge even in a softer-flexing ski.

Noah Labow was on the 177 and noted that it was the perfect length for him. Quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression all earned a coveted 5 out of 5 on the scorecard, with 4’s given for flotation, torsional stiffness, and edge hold right on their heels. These are some very consistent scores, and we love to see it out of the 102’s without metal, as these just always seem to be right in the middle of the fun-zone for blurring the line between all-mountain and freeride skis, even teetering into the freestyle aspect. There’s a lot to digest there, the bottom line remains the same—just get on these and enjoy them. Noah states that “I love the ski I would see it as my every day ski. Light and even flexing, very forgiving and they lay a nice edge and hold great carve turns. Quick edge to edge and versatile tool for everyday!” For someone like Noah, who splits his time pretty evenly between being a freestyle coach and a ripping all-mountain skier, this is a great compliment for the Reckoner 102.

Brad Schauerman was also on the appropriately-sized 177, and he gave top marks of 4 out of 5 for all categories on the card, save for 3’s out of 5 for torsional stiffness and edge hold. At the end of the day, it’s still got a long way to go to be considered stiff, and the stiffness is really what contributes to grip, so it’s going to take a considerable amount of engineering to get a non-metal ski to accomplish the same feat. Brad calls the Reckoner 102 a “Super fun ski! Probably going to have to add this to my quiver. Very fun and playful easy to make quick turns but still holds am edge for a nice GS turn....very fun off trail in a variety of conditions. Good all mountain ski for a whole lot of conditions and terrain.” Brad noted, more often than once, that he was a really big fan of these skis, and since he spends a lot of time in the woods here at Stowe, I think it would make a great every day ski for him as well.

If you’re looking to make some of the deepest and roundest turns on the corduroy, as well as blast through the fresh snow after a dump, in addition to taking park laps and strutting your stuff in the pipe, the K2 Reckoner 102 is the right tool for the job. Much more toy than tool, however, the fun levels of this ski are just off the charts.