Summary - The Anti Piste has been SUPERSIZED this year topping out at 135mm at the tip and 102mm under foot. New K2 technology of the shovel "rocker" mimics a waterski and keeps this ski afloat in the deepest of powder. Even though the surface area of these skis are bigger than my dining room table, the rocker helps to initiate the turn and you'll find it predictable and maneuverable. A good choice for BC Heli-skiing, Teton Pass, and a secret spot that I can't tell you about.
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With a nod to the poster art that obscured telephone poles throughout Seattle during the city's emerging "grunge" scene, the Anti Piste defies conventional ski design by introducing "rocker" to the Telemark world. Rocker initiates on a dime and is so maneuverable it gives the sensation that you're skiing on a shorter ski. But add our new, longer less reactive tip and a wider waist and you'll also enjoy more stability and predictability than you've ever dreamed of in soft snow. Just like your first Pearl Jam show, the Anti Piste will blow your mind, and redefine what you expect in performance.
Conditions:
20% hard snow / 80% soft snow Sidecut:135-102-121/13.0
Weight: 8.0lbs/pair (174cm)
Inserts:
mid-cord and +2cm Construction:Triaxial braided wood core |
Skiing magazine: "Dare to freeheel on your next AK heli trip? The Anti Piste is your tool. It excels at long-radius turns through powder and mank, yet it's quick edge to edge. 'This is as close as it gets to alpine boards,' said one tester.
Gripes: Planky in trees - and washes out on groomers.
Props: Snappier than it looks; easy to float."
Powder Magazine: "K2 Telemark's Anti-Piste has a new shape and graphic (a call back to the heyday of Seattle grunge) and skis similar to the Coomba. An all-wood core provides a very smooth flex in all kinds of snow, and the rockered tip makes it especially maneuverable. Despite its generous proportions, the Anti-Piste is a great all-mountain ski, but is even better for pounding deep stashes O.B. A notch on the tail for skins makes it a no-brainer for touring."
Backcountry magazine: "The Anti Piste is
literally - and graphically - K2's poster boy for deep-snow
design. Fatter than previous AP's, it has a straighter profile
and a longer, softer tip with what the company calls 'rocker'
(think tip splay) to enhance float and prevent hooking and
submersion. East or West, this was one of the best in the
test, putting on a show at most speeds, in nearly any turn
shape and snow condition. Although it comes in a 167cm length,
women skied the 174cm and liked it, a Western tester commenting:
'Very steady. Floats over chop smoothly.' An Eastern counterpart
concurred: 'Even at the excessive length, I knew there was
some chemistry here. A fun and forgiving ski.' Men were equally
appreciative, citing the new tip's float without compromise
in steering. 'Moves seamlessly between turns,' said one.
'A curd buster, powder planer...it has great dive through
the weird stuff. Best big ski of the test.' he was one of
several who thought it skied best when mounted slightly back." |
