“Cap” skis are built with a sophisticated molding process that envelops the core and internal materials with the top layer of the ski. Capped skis share the common characteristics of being very durable and lightweight. The construction process is nearly identical for an entry and expert level ski. What determines the characteristics of the ski are the variations in the layers of the core materials. For this reason, cap skis can be used for just about any type of skiing and performance level.

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

All T:Nine skis are built with the midsole of the ski 2 cm forward relative to the standard midsole point for a men’s ski. This accommodates the anatomical fact that the center of mass for a woman is generally much lower than that of a man. By moving the midsole forward, it places the center of mass of the average woman in the optimum position over the ski, allowing for more control and easier turn initiation.

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.

MOD is an integrated high performance suspension system, and mass dampener. It functions by absorbing vibrations and impact loads in all types of snow conditions providing stronger edge hold and a higher degree of power and control. MOD is unique because mass is applied as a secondary core independent from the traditional, primary wood core. With mass added separately, both cores can flex or move on top of one another allowing the overall ski flex to be unaffected. Additionally, the ski retains ease, versatility, and liveliness while greatly reducing vibrations and chatter. The men's and women's MOD technology have been sculpted differently on the two sets of skis to accommodate for the differing body makeups. The women's specific and Apache specific tech sections discuss the differences in further detail.

Bamboo and Paulownia stringers are used to add lightweight strength to the ski cores. These wood species are fast growing and locally sourced making them a better renewable choice than traditional cores.

Torsion Box construction is the foundation for the widest range of skis designed by K2. Depending on the dimensions of a ski, and the amount of flex and torsion designed into it, one model of a Torsion Box ski can differ greatly from another. The versatility in the construction enables us to build everything from entry-level through expert skis. While there will be significant differences between a DarkSide and a MissConduct, they do share the common traits of ease, forgiveness, responsiveness, and energy that can be found in all Torsion Box skis.

The all new women’s specific K2/ERP (Energy Response Plate) is a ski/plate/ binding designed for advanced and recreational skiers alike. The ERP is also shorter making is less stiff that the men’s ERP system making the ski flex smoother and reducing the weight by over ½ pound. This system utilizes a Two Linkage Toe and a fixed Compact2 Heel design to generate more power, precision and quickness underfoot. The ERP systems’ sleek design is graphically coordinated into the look of the ski models in the T:Nine series.

The shape of the MOD structure is sculpted to distribute mass in ways that ensure the smoothest ride. In both men’s and women’s skis the MOD is thickest toward the center of the ski to insulate the skier from vibrations and tapers toward the tip and tail to minimize weight making the skis easier to maneuver. The optimum location and thickness of mass differs from men to women so we introduced different MOD shapes for our T:Nine skis. The aesthetic look of the MOD shape has also been customized with a softened, more shaped appearance that graphically ties into the design of the skis.