2021-2022 Head Kore 97 W

[Editor’s Note: In the interest of getting you information sooner on some of the products we’re reviewing, we’re posting here some of our measured specs and manufacturer details, and will update in the future. Take a look, and let us know in the Comments Section below what questions you’d like us to answer.]

What Head says about the Kore 97 W

“Buttery light with a strong backbone, the KORE 97 W’s lightweight construction means more energy for all-mountain adventures. A blend of materials reduce weight without sacrificing performance such as light Graphene fused into the rockered tip and tail for a feathery swing weight. 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.”

What we said about the Kore 97 W in our 21/22 Winter Buyer’s Guide

“The new Kore 97 W is extremely similar to last year’s Kore 99 W (they have nearly identical measured dimensions), but this new ski is even lighter. The Kore 97 W is ideal for advanced and expert skiers who appreciate precision and power, but don’t like sluggish skis. It excels on groomers and other smooth conditions, but it can serve as a capable off-piste ski since skiers with good technique will find it easy to shut down / pivot. It can also be really fun in chalk and slush, allowing both small and large turns, and feeling quite stable for its weight. The Kore 97 W, like the Kore 91 W, lacks the pop at the end of each turn that is characteristic of the Nordica Santa Ana skis, and the new Kore skis are also notably less stable in chop and firm crud. But if you like to ski hard with a dynamic light-on-your-feet style, the strong and nimble Kore 97 W could be your ski.”

Flex Pattern

Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Kore 97 W:

Tips: 8.5-9
Shovels: 9.5
In Front of Toe Piece: 9.5-10
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 10-9.5
Tails: 9-8.5