2023 Head Kore 97 W

For pure all-mountain skiing performance, the 2023 Head Kore 97 W is a fantastic choice. Light, stiff, and incredibly responsive, the Kore 97 W has a well-rounded and balanced personality to it. We might say this is the most versatile of the Kores, as it has the ability to carve clean turns on the groomers and hard pack as well as float through the powder and trees. Surely, the 91 and 85 will have better torsional stiffness and edge grip, but it’s hard to say if they’re more well-rounded. Built with a blend of poplar and karuba wood, the Kore 97 W also gets two sheets of carbon to stiffen and stabilize the ski. The lower layer of carbon sits below the wood while the upper laminate follows the curve of the chamfered edge. This makes that upper layer even stiffer, since any time carbon is bent or angled, it stiffens the flex pattern. The big benefit here is that Head is able to do this without adding weight. In the 170 cm reference length, the skis generate a 15.3-meter turn radius, so they do like to be on edge. That’s great news for skiers who like to, and are able to, get this thing up on a higher edge angle to truly make it bend and come alive. They are stiff, so that does sometimes require more of an advanced or expert skier’s touch to make it happen. Conversely, you don’t have to have all the skills in order to enjoy this ski, the light weight makes it totally accessible for intermediates who are just out there looking for an easy and agile stick.

Alix Klein skied the 170 and said it felt great. She gave top marks of 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability, with 4’s for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, forgiveness, playfulness, stability, and flotation. We see a lone 3 for versatility, but still a high-range of scores overall from Alix, who states that “This ski is made to roll over and turn on a dime, which it does well, but is also smooth in a larger radius turn. It is stable and damp making it great in variable conditions.” That shorter arc combined with the stiff flex allows strong and technical skiers like Alix the ability to access that sidecut, generating those tight turns and precise carves.

Louise Lintilhac skied the 170 as well, noting the trueness to size, and a good length for her. Lots of 5’s and a couple of 4’s out of 5 for Louise on these skis, showing a very high range and average of scores. The only 4’s were given for flotation and playfulness, while the rest of the card had all 5’s. Very impressive, to say the least, and it sounds like the Kore 97 W was a winner in Louise’s experience. “This ski is the cat’s pajamas. It can do it all: high speed, low speed, big turns, small turns. The only limitation is your imagination. The Kore 97 shines in a variety of conditions as well. This ski is great for advanced skiers who don’t want a ski with limitations. This is your quiver of one—frontside to side country. If you want a ski that charges, this ski is for you.” The range of ability is pretty impressive for these skis, and we say it over and over, the weight is what stands out the most.

It’s great to see these strong skiers and their fondness for this ski. It can be a bit intimidating for some, mostly due to the stiffness, but when you get on it and tip it over, it kind of all makes sense. The fact that the 97 W has more versatility in terms of soft snow versus other skis in the range is just icing on the cake.