K2 Apache Chief Alpine Ski - 2006 BCS

First of all, what was the "fish out of water" reviewer smoking? Anyone can tell you that 2 hours on a pair of skis is usually not enough to get a feel for all they have to offer. If your boots aren't set up right, if the bindings react differently than you're used to, etc etc: there are a hundred reasons you may not find that sweet spot on a ski right away. That said, the Apache Chief kills it. Pow is usually what people rave about for these boards but I actually enjoy them just as much, if not more, at 11am when the mountain's all manked up and tracked out. These things explode crud like a grenade going off under your feet; point them straight, sit back, read the front page of the newspaper, and before you know it you're at the bottom of the run. Don't mistake that comment for meaning these skis are for lazy, easy-minded skiers. Yes, they'll just go and go and go when you point them straight, but they're also pretty stiff skis and you need to work them if you want all the love they have to give. Turning them requires a bit of work when your legs are tired, but when you're ready to buck up and steer them they will reward you with some serious grins. Great for groomers too; not hard to lay down at all.
These skis have essentially replaced my G3 Reverends for BC use, and I still have my old Seth Pistols (which are also great, but not quite as beefy) and/or Volkl AC3s (holy-high-speed-lay-down-groomer-action) but the Apaches have become the front-runner in my quiver, and I ski them in just about everything nowadays. I logged over 180 days in the last 2 seasons, and probably 100 of them were on the Chiefs; what's more, every time you ski them you learn to love them a little bit more. Can't wait for the '07 Apache Chief Coombas, the proceeds of which go to Doug Coombs' family.

i have about 10 days on 174s. i'm 5'7", 160lbs. extremely experienced east and west, on and off piste. these things absolutely rock on anything i've skied including vermont hardpack and two feet fresh, broken pow and groomers out west...does not matter. i was blown away with how versatile these are. slightly less quick edge to edge than the recon (also have those in 174) but still plenty of snap in narrow chutes. on groomers, carve for me like gs boards, in softies, turn on the autopilot and enjoy the ride...plenty of power and stability. i have absolutely no idea what the other less positive reviewers are talking about and seriously disagree with their comments. if you know what you are doing and can put a ski on edge and stay centered, these babies pay off big time. recommend highly without reservation. actually ski them more than the recons.

The Chiefs are the best powder skis I've ever had. They've kept me on top of every type of snow we have in the NW. They don't turn easily in the bumps (as everyone should expect) but they cruise right through the wet-heavy snow. They easily make tight turns through the trees with fresh pow. They make long carving turns like a champ in the powder filled bowls. They're super stable while pointing 'em straight down the long groomers. They even performed well while pulling a loaded toboggan. I've never before felt such a solid combination of speed and control. The K2 Apache Chiefs rule the mountain on any powder day!

As I read the review above I actually laughed out loud. This ski performs in extremely well in powder, cut up powder , crud , wind slab, on or off piste, you name it! It can even carve with little effort. I have logged 40+ days in all conditions on mine with a huge smile. Did I mention I have them mounted with telemark binders? Yes, even with teles they float, plow , carve , and bust through anything without complaint.The problem I have is the ridiculous huge perma- grin on my face when Im on 'em. Maybe it is too much ski for reviewer above....let 'em fly, be free Kimosabe!

Took them up to Whistler for a week with everything from 3 feet of fresh to very firm groomers. Good to great for everything except firm-pack with bumps. It would be nice if it was a little softer but a great ski that handled everything. Also tried some Fischer Atuas last year and they were fun but softer and probably wouldn't ski as hard as the Chiefs.

Demo-ed these on two different powder days last season. The Chiefs performed well in first tracks/untouched pow conditions, but as soon as the runs got a little tracked out it was hard to push them without the tips flopping around like fish out of water. Before lunch time i was already wishing for something stiff enough to punch through the crud instead of trying to follow every little dip and rise. On piste abilities were less than desirable (forget about carving anything). Unless you're lucky enough to live in a place where all you get is first tracks, and enjoy riding a soft ski, then I would look for something else.