The Monic is a solid zinc mass embedded in the secondary core so it works in conjunction with the MOD structure to focus mass dampening at a targeted location. Independent studies at Boeing Test Laboratories helped pinpoint a precise location where “focused” mass dampening would reduce harmonic vibration to further dampen and quiet the ski. The MOD Monic dampens at a precise location where the overall MOD structure dampens the entire length of the ski. The addition of MOD Monic enables the overall MOD structure to be lightened, reducing the weight while still optimizing the dampening characteristics of the ski. The men's Apache and women's T:Nine series feature two different MOD monic varations. The women's MOD monic and men's MOD monic consistently target mass dampening, but slightly differently. The Apache specific and women's specific tech sections provide further details.

Working with the Alliance Team to further develop our line of women’s specific skis has lead to the Bioflex core, a breakthrough multi-wood core technology. Used on our T:Nine series of skis, the combination of two distinctly different woods, fir and spruce, provides a blend of stability and forgiveness in our women’s skis. Not just different layers of wood, but completely different cores fused together at the tip and tail. Spruce, a light, soft wood is used in the extremities of the tip and tail and fir, a more solid, dense wood is used underfoot. The Spruce provides easy turn initiation, lightweight characteristics, and overall ease that T:Nine skis have come to be known for. The Fir underfoot provides a new level of confidence inspiring control, predictability and stability. The 2009/10 core incorporates a bamboo stringer that runs down the center of the entire core for added strength. The beauty of the Bioflex core is that it produces a lighter weight core which translates into skis that are easier to maneuver and causes less fatigue than a comparable men’s size and model. The Bioflex core can also be tuned to the performance level of the ski. The Burnin’ Luv and True Luv both share a Bioflex core, but the flex and performance levels differs dramatically.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

Although the location for this targeted mass dampening is consistent between our men’s and women’s models, the amount of focused mass is different between the two lines of skis. Through extensive testing with the members of our Alliance team, we have selected the optimal MOD Monic mass for each model to dampen vibrations and provide a smoother ride. The women’s MOD Monic is designed to accent the overall look without sacrificing function.

“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.