2025 Head Kore 97 W

In the world of versatile all-mountain skis, the Head Kore 97 W takes the lead for being one of the most well-balanced options on the market. Returning for the 2025 season, Kore fans will be happy to see the same great recipe with new graphics. Simply one of the best, this carbon-powered ski benefits from its impressively light weight and surprisingly stiff flex, providing a high-performance ceiling in an accessible package. When this ski was first introduced, it remained a mystery how Head could have possibly achieved such an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. While this still puzzles us, it’s plain to see that Head found a loophole of sorts, utilizing innovative technology to nail the perfect amount of power and agility. While it is certainly geared towards a fairly specific audience, those who enjoy reactivity and precision without a lot of heft will fall right into its target market.

Head uses a blend of light karuba wood and poplar to establish a highly energetic, sturdy foundation. Building off of that, we get dual-carbon laminate to add stiffness and strength to this ski. This addition alone would go a long way, but Head applies it in a unique way that boosts the properties even more. While the lower laminate is positioned underneath the core and laid flat, the upper layer is curved to match the chamfered shape of the ski. When carbon is placed in a three-dimensional manner, it accentuates the stiffness and overall quality of the material. In this case, we’re already getting two layers of carbon that are then further enhanced by its specific positioning. The only downside to this material can be a slight pingy or unstable feeling given its nature, which is why Head installed two layers of damping material to counteract that. Lastly, we get a strip of graphene on top of the core to further add to the longitudinal flex of the ski. Weighing in at 1753 grams in the 177 cm length, given the level of performance, this is quite impressive.

Bluring the line between all-mountain and freeride, the highly versatile 97 mm waist width lends itself to a wide range of capabilities. While we’re leaning more in the direction of all-mountain compared to its wider counterpart, it has the width to be highly competent in soft snow. What it lacks is taper and rocker, with a moderate amount of camber underfoot. Though the spoony shape of the shovel provides a nice platform for flotation, the 15.3-meter turn radius and overall character deems it proficient in a carving capacity, with the stiffness to back it up. That said, Tester Shannon Walton highlighted its well-rounded nature, saying “I was really was impressed with how this ski managed soft, deep bumps. My first thought was wow, this ski wants to go! The ski was very stable but light which was a nice surprise. Definitely had a smile on my face the whole way down!”

The Head Kore 97 W allows skiers that have some extra weight to them the ability to bend and flex the ski with power while smaller skiers who prefer to make shallow, skidded turns can benefit just as much. Blending a stiff flex with an agile build, this ski appeals to those who want to work for the reward but not give it their all.