Stats
Size: 170 cm
Dimensions: 131 / 97 / 115
Radius: 15.3 m @ 170
Weight: 1640 grams
Skier Profile
Skier Size: 5’2, 123 lb
Skier Type: Steep and deeps, Type 3 skier
Ski Review
Intro: What do you get when a ski company with a strong race history meets freeride? Introducing the Head Kore series. The Head Kore 97 W is a light, powerful, speed demon. 97 w is the sister ski to the men's Head Kore 99. Ladies who rip, meet the light and poppy charger of the 97 W.
What Head Says: “Buttery light with a strong backbone, the KORE 97 W's lightweight construction means great touring capability and more energy for all-mountain adventures. A blend of materials reduces weight without sacrificing performance such as light Graphene fused into the rockered tip and tail. Light but stiff Karuba wood in the core is sandwiched by triaxle woven carbon adding responsiveness, while a new durable topsheet shape rounds out the KORE 97 W's offering as a one-ski quiver for the adventurous freeride skier.”
Top Sheet of Head Kore 97 W
Review: If you haven't had a chance to ride a Head Kore 97 W, this all-mountain ski has a rare personality of her own (in an amazing poppy powerhouse, kind of a way). At a 97 mm waist (170cm and above), the Head Kore 97 W is a great option for a daily driver and all-mountain ski. The Head used their own Graphene to create stability, this enables the ski to keep light. That stands apart from most skis in the all-mountain ski category.
The 97 W had some unique ski characteristics that we haven’t felt in other skis. Making it a great choice for some ladies who prefer a blend of power and speed with a large dash of pop and play.
Carving: Head Kore 97 W is rather light to other skis in the same category. We knew that the Kore 97 W would prefer long sweeping turns, considering its long turn radius. With that being said, we would be lying if we didn't admit that we were unsure how the 97 W would fare in craving on icy patches / firmer snow. We were quick to put that question to rest. With the KARUBA-POPLAR Light Weight Wood Core, getting on edge quickly between turns is not a problem, ensuring you'll dance you're way down, especially when you find yourself not in the mood to straight line. The edge control gripped quickly making sure there were no slide-outs when things get a little firm. Once locked in, the 97 W shines and enables you to make these wide-sweeping turns.
One characteristic that stood out to us, was the unstoppable stability. When we hit 55 mph+ it was impressive with the lack of chatter that the 97 W had. It left us in awe. Due to Head's SUPERLITE CARBON SANDWICH CAP CONSTRUCTION, helps create that lightweight stability that we keep going on about.
Bumps: When we got on the 97 W it was prime spring ski conditions aka: bumps are out to play. Being so light enables you to pop between moguls even in the wider 97 mm waist. We noticed that the 97 W performed better on softer moguls ( spring slush ) than the harder pack bumps. Don't worry about getting into a mogul minefield, your legs won't be fatigued again by the weight.
Again, the Head Kore 97 W has a turning radius of 15.3 meters (170 cm) rewarding longer turns.
All Mountain / Big Mountain: With the intent of the 97 W being 60% off-piste, 40 % on the ski performed as predicted when it comes to terrain standards set by Head. While the 97 W was a good time on the groomers, the real fun begins when you take her off and you begin to roam. Whether you're skiing, chop, slush, or crud the 97 W handles her own impressively without blinking an eye. Prime-time spring skiing conditions left us with lots of soft snow. Blasting through the slush, the 97 W is a blast.
This ski requires a stronger skier (beginners, see Head Easy Joy or Elan Wildcat 76). The 97 W rewards strong skiers who drive the ski on edge with an aggressive stance. Those who are unconcerned about higher speeds while turning, regardless of the terrain beneath them. Be prepared to feel as if you are floating down vs say the K2 Mindbender 99 Ti (review here) w which feels more like a tank. Directional yet quick and smooth is how we found the Head Kore 97 W.
Overall Take Away: For the ladies who are strong riders who are looking for a ski that is fast, chargey, and light and knows how to ride a ski vs letting it ride you this is an excellent choice. For the shredders who are looking for a ski in their quiver that is directional yet stable take note. A great daily driver for those who have the luxury of softer snow more often than not. Something to note shorter sizes (156 cm, 163 cm) the ski waist is 93 mm in width.
For you shredders who are interested in a more narrow waist, check out the 93 W for a more narrow option.
Where To Buy: Check out their local shop finder at:
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