2020 Head Kore 93

[SkiTalk Test Team]

Drahtguy Kevin: Super light both afoot and in hand, the Kore 93 is nimble yet stable and dependable in steep, bumped-out terrain. The tip made getting into turns easy no matter the snow type. The Kore’s even flex masks the stiffness and torsional rigidity that keep the ski from deflecting in dicey conditions. With a 16.4m radius, the Kore feels much narrower underfoot than it is. I could see this ski as a viable backcountry ride. Head has a winner in the new Kore series.

Insider tip: Don't let the weight fool you, this ski can be pushed.​

FairToMiddlin: The Kore series is the replacement for the Flight series, Head’s lightweight off-piste/touring ski. I admit, for riding the chair up the hill, I don’t get too excited about the manufacturers that are all wound up about adding lightness, and the Kore had me less than stoked, but I heard whispers of "whole ‘nother animal," and gave it a try.

Wow.

I got off the Kore 93 and scurried over to the Nordica tent to snatch a pair of 185 Enforcer 93s for a run or two, just to make sure I wasn’t out of my mind.

Nope, mind intact (well, mostly…). I am a fan of the Enforcer 93/100, have been since it was introduced, but for the things I would want out of a mid-90s ski, I would take the Kore.

Heresy! Nevertheless, Head has seemingly done what nobody else is truly nailing: a lighter ski that doesn’t sacrifice feel and communication. Its off-piste performance is fun and confident; back on the trail, it has a turn initiation and sidecut shape worthy of the Head name*. The Kore gets the Most Pleasant Surprise of the Year medal, no contest. I would have liked to try the Kore 105, but we didn’t have the soft snow for it. I sure do hope to get on it in the future, however.

*Weirdly, the really cool looking black topsheet offers no dimensions, and the reps awkwardly admitted they didn’t know the actual sidecut/dims. I’d put it in the realm of 16-18 m.

Insider tip: The 180 didn’t ski short; don’t feel like you need to size up as a default.​

Philpug: Nailed it. Head’s new Kore 93 is such a fun ski. Its lightweight construction and playful nature will make a lot of skiers very happy. There is a crispness here that is not found in many others skis in this class.

Insider tip: Sizing is scaled, "93" refers to just the reference size. Waist widths actually go down to 87mm for the smallest of size offerings.​

 

[sdcfish]

Hey all....new to the forum, but felt compelled to post a review on the Head Kore 93's I tested yesterday.....Totally blown away and maybe you all know more and would recommend a ski that would be similar I could be even more blown away if that's possible.

Ski'd Mammoth this mid-week and it was definitely a hard pack couple of days with the snow skiing very fast. We had a light dusting yesterday which definitely helped and gave us some better edge control.

Im an advanced skier, 205 lbs 5'11". I love skiing, and find a passion for technique and pushing the limits.

Wednesday I ski'd a pair of 2019 Blizzard Brahmas which I definitely liked, but they felt more 1 dimensional and wanting to be ski'd pretty straight down the hill. I like to make big carving turns using the ski's natural shape, but although I like the Brahma's edge control, and long edge feel in the snow, I was looking for something more versatile.

So with a light dust of snow on the ground, I pushed down the first run wearing the Kore 93's. They really did feel super light and easy to roll onto each edge. I loved the balance of the ski where you could ski a carving turn, but easily slide the tail out to slash or help make a speed check. The faster I went, the more control the ski seemed to have. By the end of the day, I literally could not find a max speed that these ski's didn't feel comfortable with. I could play with the ski's and make short quick turns keeping my upper body completely quiet. My legs never got tired, and although Im about 9 days of skiing into this season so far, I was feeling pretty good about my conditioning after a long day of high speed fun!

It's not often I get excited about a new pair of ski's, but I have to say these ski's feel like a new breakthrough and I like it! I told my buddy that my cheeks hurt from smiling so much!

If you know these ski's and have some other suggestions of ski's you also think I'd like, please mention them and I'll give them a go too! I do own a pair of Armada JJ's which are my 100% powder ski's, and I have a custom pair of Community Ski's I made in Mammoth that are carving beasts......so this all-mountain ski fits perfect into my quiver.

Thanks for reading....hope you enjoyed

 

[tch]

Those who've skied them...could you comment specifically on the dampness? I have old knees that want some suspension/smoothness, and when I hear about lightweight skis, I move on. But these reviews hint at a possibility that I've discounted the Kore series too quickly.
Thoughts?

 

[Ken_R]

Those who've skied them...could you comment specifically on the dampness? I have old knees that want some suspension/smoothness, and when I hear about lightweight skis, I move on. But these reviews hint at a possibility that I've discounted the Kore series too quickly.
Thoughts?

Of the lightweight skis in its category it is certainly the smoothest / dampest. Keep in mind my daily skis are 184cm Monster 88's. The 180cm Kore 93's felt really good. Of course, you cant overcome physics so heavier snow will push the Kore around compared to the Monsters. And in very firm roughed up groomers they dont feel as smooth as the Monsters but then again very few skis can.

 

[sdcfish]

Those who've skied them...could you comment specifically on the dampness? I have old knees that want some suspension/smoothness, and when I hear about lightweight skis, I move on. But these reviews hint at a possibility that I've discounted the Kore series too quickly.
Thoughts?

I actually felt very little chatter at all, and it was a very fast and hard packed day. No vibration under foot as well. Im 55 years old....but have good knees

 

[Big J]

Of the lightweight skis in its category it is certainly the smoothest / dampest. Keep in mind my daily skis are 184cm Monster 88's. The 180cm Kore 93's felt really good. Of course, you cant overcome physics so heavier snow will push the Kore around compared to the Monsters. And in very firm roughed up groomers they dont feel as smooth as the Monsters but then again very few skis can.

I also have the Monster 88 in the 184 length and really like them. I am also considering the Kore 93 and will look a bit closer after reading your review.