2023 Head Kore 93

The 2023 Head Kore 93 gets a few tweaks for this year, including a more structural topsheet and a slight graphics recharge. The topsheet not only improves durability while limiting chipping and peeling, but it also improves dampness and stability. You could make a very strong argument for the Kore 93 being the most versatile for any conditions or terrain, and we’ve loved the ski since its inception all those years ago. For here in Vermont, the Kore 93 makes a great daily driver as it is narrow and responsive enough to carve sweet turns on the groomers while remaining wide and light enough to float through fresh and dance through trees. If you ski in snowier zones, the 93 might be a better option for a front side choice, while the wider 99, 105, or 111 would serve better as a daily choice. Any way you choose, the Kore 93 is a great ski that has a unique blend of attributes. Built with a blend of poplar and karuba wood, the Kore 93 also gets two sheets of carbon. The lower layer lies flat beneath the core while the upper laminate is curved to match the topsheet and chamfered edge of the ski. By placing this upper carbon sheet in a 3-dimensional format, it stiffens the ski, provides more responsiveness and feedback, all while keeping the weight to an absolute minimum. In the 177, the skis generate a 16.4-meter turn radius, which is on the short side for all-mountain these days, so it’s fair to say that the Kore 93 likes to be up on edge making clean and round turns. Conversely, it’s light and agile enough to rip short-swing turns at lower edge angles as well.

Dave Hatoff found his 177 cm test length to be just right, and he scored the ski 4’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. 3’s covered the rest of his card for forgiveness, playfulness, and flotation. Dave notes that the “New topsheet material made the 93 ski better than last year's version. More approachable, easier to initiate turns. Stable and quick edge to edge. A nice one-ski quiver for East.” Also on the 177, Marcus Shakun, at 6’5, found it to be short, but he gave it top scores of 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability. This isn’t that surprising given the weight of the ski and the shorter length. The rest of his scores were 4’s, showing a well-rounded and high-end spread. “Kore of Kore skis. Quick and lively for advanced to expert skiers. Better with more lively skiers that enjoy the quickness and playfulness. Stable in the thick corn…surprised it didn’t get bounced around in the short length. Was still stable for a light ski. Holds a good edge on the firmer snow as it dug its way through the corn. Weakness might be the stability at higher speeds especially in shorter the shorter length.” We always like it when testers are surprised at certain aspects of skis, and the stability is one of the good ones for this ski.

Dave Raybould also found the 177 to be a bit short, but that didn’t stop him from having consistently high scores as well. Other than a lone 3 for forgiveness, Dave had all 4’s the rest of the way. He calls it a “Versatile ski you could take most places in most conditions. Nice edge grip for a wider ski. Easy to make ripping carved turns and quickly change to short, skidded turns if you see some bumps off the side of the trail. After a few turns I was comfortable on this ski. Best for intermediate to advanced skiers.” Brad Schauerman liked his 177, noting that “This ski has improved tremendously over the previous models. Much damper and smoother than it used to be. Still super lightweight and playful but doesn't get thrown around as much as it used to. Fun lightweight and snappy ski. Way more fun than it used to be.”

It’s always great to see even minor changes having a big impact on the overall personality and character of a ski, and the Kore 93 for 2023 is no different. Just a topsheet difference, but it makes it just that much more stable and quieter. While a lot of skiers may have felt the skis were on the chattery side in the past, that has improved quite a bit for this year, making the Kore 93 a fantastic option for skiers who want a rare blend of light weight, responsiveness, stiffness, stability, and versatility.