K2 ski reviews 2012

K2 has done more to further the rocker revolution ignited by Volant than other companies and this year there isn't an old-school ski in the line. As always, K2 fans loved the new skis. Purists may quibble, but it is clear that rocker technology makes skiing easier for many and K2 is at the front of the wave.

Check the drop-down list on the right for a list of 2012 models reviewed on our subscription site: more information here

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Charger

The Charger, which supplanted the Crossfire in 2011, was a hit with many of our skiers. As always with K2, people seem either to love this ski, or not so much. Aggressive high edge angle techno-philes may want to look elsewhere, but for many skiers the Charger hits the spot.

"Rocker does make the ski quicker than last year's (Crossfire). Stable yet responsive, good edge hold at speed."

"Tip rocker does not affect turn initiation" vs. "Rocker ruins edge hold" (This from one top level hard snow skier)

More representative analysis: "Nice carving ski, turns easy, quick and responsive. Not a Supershape (but what is?)"

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Superburnin'

Replaces the Burnin' Luv. In fact, Supers all replace Luvs one way or another.

"Turns quick but has lost some stability with the new construction."

"For the advanced to expert skiers who wants a quick turner for hard pack and ice."

"Solid carving ski. A good ski, but it didn't wow me."

"Easy to turn but washes out a bit on actual ice. Still, a lot of fun."

We received a surprising number of negative comments on graphics, of which our favorite is: "I'm so over 60's retro graphics, especially the jewels!"

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Domain

Park and pow winner.

"Symmetrical sidecut and jib rocker made it a ski I didn't want to give up at the end of the day."

"Held up fine in 1 foot of fresh, felt more like a 115 than a 90. Have never felt a rocker that gripped so well on groomers.""

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Rictor

In place of the venerable Recon, K2 introduced the Rictor. Save for a few diehard Recon fans, most of our skiers found the new ski to be more versatile, less demanding and more appropriate for more skiers.

"This was my pick of the show! I wasn't a fan of the Recon; what a difference this year!"

"Lively, snappy, fun!"

One tester went this far: "For everyone!"

One wag commented, "9.6 on the Rictor scale!

"Out skis the Recon. Not a plain Jane K2; this ski has some kick."

In short, dozens of positive comments.

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Impact

"What a surprise! A fun and stable recreational ski, even without the metal."

"Easy to turn but unstable at high speed."

"Much lighter feel than the Rictor."

"Great bargain at this price point."

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Pon2oon

"A welcome change for the good, much improved. Actually rails a turn on the groomed, but stay away from actual ice. Still much calmer on firm snow than the old one."

"Pow ski to a 'T '! Too much fun!"

"Better than Pontoon for more skiers."

"Not at home in powder? Try this!"

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