When twin tips were first being developed; the tails were designed totally different than the tips. The tails were shorter, lower and often had an abrupt curvature. These tails worked then but as the sport rapidly progresses, skiers are attempting to ski any terrain backwards and demands have changed. The tails on our newest skis are balanced in the length, height and curvature of our tips for optimal riding in both directions.

K2 introduced tip and tail rivets 7 years ago on the Factory Series skis. They were functionally developed for additional protection, reinforcing the tip and tail of the ski against delamination. Although function is still the primary purpose, K2 has evolved the rivets and plates into stylized components.

Triaxial Braiding was developed by K2 in 1988 and is still the best way to apply fiberglass to a wood core. This process consists of sending a milled wood core through the patented Triaxial Braiding machine, where interlocking strands of fiberglass wrap the core. This unique method produces skis that have a great deal of torsional or twist rigidity and strength, while maintaining the lively innate flex characteristics of its wood core.

Directional Taper Moderately wider tip than tail maximizes directional performance and helps the ski perform optimally in the forward direction. This means the ski makes a different art when skiing switch. Bi-directional Taper The tip is still wider than the tail but the difference between the two is less than a directional ski. This lets the ski perform exceptionally while skiing in the forward direction but allows the skier to gain switch potential. This taper enable the skier to have better and more consistent switch riding that is more similar to the arc and performance in the forward direction. Symmetrical Taper Equal width of tip and tail. This ski is designed to ski forward and switch identically. A symmetrical ski has a switch arc that is equivalent to its forward arc. To maximize performance, the mounting location is in the absolute center of the ski.

Most of our factory series skis come standard with a thicker more durable steel edge to prolong the life of the ski. Normal thickness of edges is around 2.5mm whereas the Factory Series skis’ use a 3.5mm edge to withstand the added abuse. This thicker edge is far more resistant to crackingand grinding for a more durable, longer lasting ski.

K2 men’s All-Mountain models use fir and aspen for their inherent strength, durability and energy. The new Adventure Series skis use an Aspen and Paulownia blend. All women's skis use a combination of fir and spruce in a unique Bioflex core process. Spruce is used as a lighter weight alternative to solid fir. The Bioflex and Aspen/Paulownia cores also feature a bamboo stinger for additional strength without adding weight to the ski.

The FCP and ACP are the first two locations that come in contact with the snow when the ski is placed on a flat surface. This type of camber is still the most versatile camber to keep a ski lively and versatile in all types or terrain or conditions. We use a traditional camber on certain models in all three categories of skis

ABS is a polymeric material used in sidewall construction that primarily functions to protect the core. K2 uses ABS because of its dense characteristics and impact toughness that not only aid in the direct transmission of power but also make it very durable and resistant to moisture.

Unlike the cap construction, the contents of a sidewall ski are protected and sealed in by a vertical material on the perimeter of the ski that is separate and distinct from the top material. The sidewall material is placed directly above the edge for additional reinforcement and support. This type of construction tends to have a more precise transmission of power due to the vertical nature of the construction process.