2023 Head Kore 111

If there were a mid-fat division within the fat ski division, I suppose the 2023 Head Kore 111 would be on that list. This is an interesting ski, and we were stoked to get on it last year, and even more excited to see the minor changes that follow it into this year. Built with a wood core consisting of poplar and karuba, these skis get two laminates of carbon, with the upper layer following the chamfered curve of the ski. This 3-dimensional application of carbon stiffens the ski quite a bit, making it well-suited for advanced and expert skiers who know how to drive a ski. The rocker profile and taper shape are fitting of a ski this width, and complement nicely the stiffer flex and lighter weight. One of the surprising aspects of the ski is the on-trail application in that you can get it up on a high edge angle and the stiffness of the ski will stay true to the snow. In the 184, we do see a relatively longer turn shape of 21.1-meters, but it feels a lot more agile than that. New for 2023, we see an actual topsheet rather than the polyester layer that was a bit fond of chipping and peeling. This new topsheet seems more durable, and provides a bit more damping properties than in years past.

On the 184, Reuben Jalbert thought the length was right on and gave his top score of 5 out of 5 for flotation. 4’s were given for stability, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. For a 111 mm underfoot ski without metal, these 4’s really stand out as being on the high end for us, and we’re all about it. He did have a low score of 2 out of 5 for versatility, showing the 111’s preference for soft snow, and that goes well with his 5 for flotation. Reuben calls the 111 a “Big, light, fatty. It feels a bit too stiff in the tips and tails for the type of snow it's meant for. But I enjoyed how agile it was, which would definitely come in handy trying to piece down a big, technical line on an epic type of day. This ski is meant for expert big-mountain skiers who spend a lot of time in deep powder.” Agility is a big plus of this ski, and that combination of construction materials definitely makes a lot of sense for this ski. Also on the 184, Harrison Gorham noted it was a good length for him, and gave a similarly high score of 5 out of 5 for flotation. 4’s for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold also mirror Reuben’s experience, showing a consistent performance for the Kore 111. Harrison states that it’s a “Good pow stick. Not good on crust. A little catchy when there wasn't soft snow.” Sometimes that stiffness grabs the firmer stuff, and if the ski is on the wide side, it’s not quite as welcoming as either softer snow, or if the shape were thinner (which we certainly do get in the Kore line).

Marcus Shakun would normally be on a longer ski of this width, but did note that his 184 cm test length would be “good for most days.” He also gave the ski a top score of 5 out of 5 for flotation, so that’s a clean-sweep for our testers in that category. Marcus also gave scores of 4 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression, so that’s a good number of high scores, especially for a ski at 111 mm wide. “Light Hard Charger, ideal for an Expert aggressive skier seeking deep turns or a plow on other days. For such a big ski I found its lightness makes it a bit more maneuverable. Stable at speed and blasts through soft and variable snow with ease. This is a long turn ski and really likes to stick to that, and shines at speed too. That being said not very versatile as not a short turn ski and not a fan of hard snow.” A place and time for everything, I suppose, and Marcus feels that this ski deserves to be used in its intended application.

Equally at home being used as a snow day ski for those who ski mainly in lower snow zones or as a daily driver for the lucky skiers who encounter deeper and softer conditions more frequently than not. If you’re looking for a blend of light weight, stiffness, and width-appropriate rocker, the Kore 111 is a fantastic choice.