Summary - This season's Work Stinx is a jack-of-all-trades. Still K2's most versatile soft snow ski, it's firm snow performance is supported by a deep 15.0 sidecut and two sheets of metal. It's lighter this year by almost a pound making it a stronger candidate for a backcountry ski. It also got a cosmetic makeover with melodic graphics. Go ahead, quit your job--you'll be a rock star on these skis.
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Like a remake of an old Blues tune, the Work Stinx is familiar, but also new and fresh. It's the most versatile soft snow ski we've ever skied. Predictably, it's still a dream in pow and crud, but unlike most skis of this width, the deep sidecut and two sheets of metal conspire to make it to track on hard snow like a southbound train. The improvement is reduced weight, creating a more dynamic and maneuverable ski. One things for sure, with a pair of these shimmy sticks on your feet, you ain't singin' no blues, 'less of course you stuck in Memphis and it be puking at home.
Conditions:
40% hard snow / 60% soft snow Sidecut:124-88-111/15.0
Weight: 8lbs/pair
Inserts:
mid-cord and +2cm Construction: Titanal metal laminate, wood core |
Skiing magazine: "'This isn't a family-area ski,' said one tester. Translation? The Work Stinx is a big-mountain starter kit - the biggest turning, most powerful ski in the category. It shines in wide-open bowls and broken-up steeps. Gripes: A bit bulky for tight spaces. Balks at short-radius turns. Props: Flows through junk like sands through the hourglass."
Backcountry magazine: "'Either I'm getting stronger or the Work Stinx are getting lighter,' said an Eastern tester, skiing off with the annual Discernment Award. The Stinx is indeed lighter - by 300g - thanks to lighter edges extracted from K2's alpine line. He continued: 'What's unchanged is their solid and dependable response. Not only do they perform well in many conditions, they respond well to a variety of skiing styles.' 'Reads your mind,' said another. 'Fast and intuitive - you expect it to be loose but it rails.' 'This ski builds trust immediately. An everyday ski that is lively yet silky and damp. Skis wider than it is,' said another admiring tester." |
