2025 Head Kore 85 W

Ladies who value on-trail precision and predictable performance will love the versatile, fun-loving nature of the Head Kore 85 W. It’s no secret that the entire Kore line features an impressive ratio of strength to weight, with a stiff flex and agile build. As the narrowest of the bunch, the 85 W remains one of the lightest and quickest all-mountain skis on the market. With the exception of a facelift, Head continued its successful recipe into the 2025 season and we couldn’t be happier. While not everyone is looking for a highly reactive ski, especially on firmer snow, those who want energetic responsiveness and freeride characteristics while staying firmly in the all-mountain realm will love the versatile nature of this ski.

Using a blend of lightweight karuba and poplar wood in the core, we get a whole lot of energy without the added weight. To bring stiffness and strength, Head uses two carbon laminates in a unique and highly effective way. With the top layer curving to match the chamfer of the topsheet, when a material like carbon is used in a three-dimensional format, it greatly accentuates the properties, in this case heightening the degree of stiffness. A central strip of graphene is also incorporated into the mix, which furthers the flex even more. To counteract the carbon, damping materials are placed underneath and on top of it to assist in vibration absorption. Weighing in at just under 1500 grams in the 163 cm length proves that it sure is light but packs a lot of punch.

In terms of the shape, the Kore 85 W borrows the same principles as its wider counterparts but in a narrower overall footprint. Varying waist width depending on the length but sticking in the mid-80s range, this is a highly versatile width that performs well on-piste as well as off-piste. We get a 14.8-meter turn radius in the 170, landing on the shorter side of the spectrum while remaining fully capable of making different shapes and style turns regardless of the terrain or conditions. Moderate camber is matched with an appropriate amount of rocker in the tip, aiding in flotation and smooth turn initiation, while the tail is relatively flat and precise.

All in all, the Head Kore 85 W remains one of the more well-balanced skis out there, providing skilled skiers access to plentiful power and responsiveness in a lightweight frame. Heavier skiers will find the ability to bend and flex this ski without much work while lighter skiers who prefer shallower edge angles will benefit just as much. Incredibly versatile and just a ton of fun, this ski is incredibly rewarding.