Black Diamond Kilowatt Ski - 2009 BCS

has become my everything ski

I love this ski. It is my hard charging resort ski for all those days that may not be deep blower. This years kilowatt has a bit softer of a tip so it still does float pretty well in pow conditions. I personally like it for most of my resort skiing because you really can't go wrong in any condition. If you are looking for one ski to do it all you should seriously consider the kilowatt.

I like these skis a lot for a do anything stick. Stiff and powerful with a touch of forgiveness and nice flex.
The K'Watts do well for about everything, and would be home in the Wasatch, Cascades, New England, or CO.
Pretty light weight while not compromising downhill performance.
If you're going for a one ski quiver, these or the verdicts would be a good choice.

I have to admit that I thought I liked the older version of the Kilowatts (khaki topsheets) just fine - I like the dimensions, the weight is acceptable for such a solid ski, etc. But after getting a screaming deal on the updated 'Watts (blue topsheets), I realize just how much the old tan sticks skied like fence posts. The updates have made the ski flex much more consistently and this makes for a more forgiving ride. Mounting the blue Kilowatts up with tele bindings works well and my khaki 'watts are now relegated to early/late season downhilling.

I live on the East Coast and these are my workhorse, go to skis for just about any conditions. I'm sure there are better skis for only carving, bumps, touring, and pow (I have separate skis for truly deep days), but these skis do it all. I can't say anything bad about them, except that I wouldn't really use them as my deep pow ski, since they are not rockered (see my recent review of the Liberty Genome -- rocker makes a serious difference). BONUS: buy 08/09 model cosmetic blems for less than $300.

They almost work for everything up here in Seattle. I can ski groomers pretty fast and float in most powder. The only time I wanted something wider was very early in the season where the snow was super light. Sunk down about 1-2 feet and that was a bit much. Overall I really like their stability and simple construction. Highly recommended.

I am a 130 lb advanced tele fella and have skied on Kilowatts for a year and a half. The reviews are accurate, they are a great all around ski. Super fun especially in the powder. They are very forgiving and will do what you tell them to but, you need to tell them. I skied a pair of Havocs last year as well and in firmer conditions enjoyed the more edgy and snappy performance of the havoc. In the pow the kilowatts are a real good time. I would recommend this ski as a quiver of one to any one looking to rise up from advanced intermediate to advanced. Whereas advanced to expert skiiers may find a better ride on the more condition specific boards.

I kindof thought this ski was weak sauce, it feels flimsy in the crud and really doesn't want to hold a big turn, has a lot of sidcut which makes it somewhat good for patroller turns but is incabable of powering through anything. mounted with 01's (mixed feelings)and rid-stiff cartriges. BD custom boots I'm 5'11 160 and ski fairly aggressively.

Perfect everyday ski. All mountain all condition ski. stiff enough to power through nasty chop, zipper crust, hold an edge on the hard pack this is my every day ski when I'm not sure what the conditions will bring. Great pick if you need an everything ski.