2023 Head Kore 99

For 2023, the Head Kore 99 gets a graphics refresh and a more structurally sound topsheet. The polyester top laminate of yesteryear was a bit prone to chipping and peeling, so the hope is that this new layer helps with that as well as providing a bit of damping to the ski. We’ve found so far that both of these hopes are true, and while the ski retains all of its performance and construction from years past, the new model is just a bit more sophisticated and quieter. Built with a blend of poplar and karuba wood in the core, the 99’s also get two full sheets of carbon. The bottom layer lies flat below the core, while the upper one follows the curve of the chamfered edge, putting it in a 3-dimensional shape. Whenever materials like carbon are curved or angled, they become stiffer and more responsive. Since it’s the same amount of material, it doesn’t add weight, so it’s a pretty smart build from Head, as they’ve always done a great job keeping the skis light and stiff at the same time without being chattery. With relatively average taper shape and rocker profile, the 99 is ideally suited to any and all conditions and terrain. It’s a fantastic carver, but doesn’t stop there—there's a whole lot of versatility built in to this wider all-mountain ski.

Greg Petrics skied the 184, and noted that it was true to size to maybe a touch long. “If your ski style is a little less aggressive, then size down one.” The stiffness and responsiveness of the ski likely spurred that thought from Greg. He scored it 4’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, playfulness, stability, and flotation. 3’s were given for quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. Greg notes that “First of all, the nerdy math guy at my core can't help but notice that the Kore 99 has a waist of 101 mm in the 184cm length. Aside from this slight misnomer, this ski is fun. Find the chopped-up snow on the edge of the trails, stand on the center of the ski, and let the shape do all the work for you. Fun fun fun! The personality of this ski is that of an all-around ski that has a slight preference towards powder and chopped up snow. That said it can still handle carving a few turns on packed powder when that's what is on offer at your hill. The strength of this ski is the shape which makes it oh-so-effortless to maneuver it in loose snow, powder snow, corn, etc. And at 101mm underfoot you won't feel like you've chosen the wrong ski on a full-on powder day either! This ski could suit a large breadth of abilities from true intermediates looking to set themselves up to improve their skiing on up to advanced skiers looking for a one ski quiver. For folks in the intermediate range, consider sizing down, and for advanced skiers consider sizing up.” Head does call it a 99, but it is only 99 mm wide in the 177 cm reference length. As the ski gets longer or shorter from there, it gets relatively wider or narrower. This keeps the general radius and character of the ski intact.

Also on that 184, Mike Anglin noted it was just right and skied true to size. He gave the ski high marks of 5 out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. 4’s went for torsional stiffness, edge hold, stability, and flotation. This is a pretty high spread of scores here from Mike, showing he had a very favorable experience on the Kore 99. Mike states that the ”Head Kore 99 is a lightweight Mike Tyson. It's a nimble, lightweight, heavy hitter. Seems a little stiffer, yet more playful while still carrying that lightweight card. The Kore 99 is incredibly versatile, in a wide arrange of terrain and snow conditions. Doesn't really like anything firm but shines in soft to deep stuff. Intermediates to experts that are weight conscious when it comes to their skis, can look no further.” Steve McKenzie states about his 184 that “Playfulness was a 3 because of its sluggishness to make quick turns. However, side hits and rollers were a blast with a “simple” approach to the lip. They love high speeds with plenty of comfort through just about every condition found on-piste. Overall, though, nothing too standout Ish about the Kores which I think makes it a good all-around ski.”

There’s a whole lot to like about these Head Kore 99’s, and we’ve often talked about the 99 having the right blend of mass and material to handle the stiff build. While the 93 may be less substantial, and the 105 being on the shapely side, the 99 strikes a very nice balance in the middle, and that’s what we’ve loved about the ski for years.