2023 K2 Reckoner 112

The 2023 K2 Reckoner 112 is a shining example of what a modern freeride ski can be. With a fun-loving construction and a progressive shape and profile, these skis blur and blend the line between freeride and freestyle, allowing skiers to put their own mark on the mountain. Structurally similar to years past, the Reckoner 112 gets a graphics refresh and looks pretty darn cool. Built with a blend of fir and aspen, these skis skirt the line between strong and playful. The carbon boost stringers add directional stiffness to the ski while K2’s Carbon Spectral Braid allows the engineers and designers the flexibility to fine-tune the torsional stiffness through the ski. They keep the braiding tighter in the mid-foot zone and a bit looser to the tips and tails, and that’s what gives the 112 a very playful feel while still providing good edge grip and carving control. The rocker is pretty dramatic, as is the taper shape, allowing the 112 fantastic flotation and smeary goodness. If you’re looking for a wider ski with a ton of playfulness, the Reckoner 112 should be at the top of the list.

On the 184, Josh Wolfgang notes the correctness of the sizing, giving top scores of 4 out of 5 for flotation, quickness, and maneuverability. All other scores were 3’s out of 5, showing a pretty high-end versatility to the ski, taking it one step away from being pigeon-holed as a one-dimensional ski only. Josh states that the Reckoner 112 is a “Fun ski. Too wide for the day. Really likes going slow and being nimble and just playing around on the side of the trail. Doesn’t love going fast but that’s not the purpose of this ski.” While the speed limit can be found, that doesn’t mean that it’s unhappy there, it’s just not quite as stable as some of the heavier skis in this width.

Jeff Neagle loves the all-around performance of his 184 cm Reckoner 112, with a personal pair with his name on it (not really, but it is his). He’s got them mounted a bit more towards center, leading to a more playful feel overall, with freestyle notes oozing out of it. He scored it 5’s out of 5 for flotation, forgiveness, playfulness, and overall impression, with 4’s for stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and versatility. These are some consistently high scores for such a wide ski and we’re all about it. “These skis are just so fun, and even more so when the conditions are correct. Not the best on the groomers, but pretty darn surprising, and I really enjoy the edge grip due to the torsional stiffness of the ski. They’re really able to tighten up the flex in the middle, allowing for those higher edge angles and deeper carves, but for me, they are a lot more fun in deep snow and with a freestyle perspective, I like the freeride aspect to them as well. Easy to use in the powder, I love the flotation of these, and since they turn really well with my mount point, they’re a ton of fun in the trees around here in Vermont as well.” If you value that type of torsional stiffness in a wider powder ski, you’re likely going to get along great with the Reckoner 112.

There are a lot of skiers out there who spend a lot of time skiing deep and fresh snow, and we’re pretty jealous of that. Having the right skis goes a long way in making those types of conditions and terrain a lot more approachable and fun. The K2 Reckoner 112 is at the top of a short list of skis that excel in both freeride and freestyle applications, so if you’re pulling off sick tricks in the backcountry, these are the skis for you.