K2 SideStash Alpine Ski - 2009 BCS

If you want forgiving, go for the Coomback. If you value vertical side-walls and a firm flex, then go with the Sidestash. If you want firm flex and a more versatile size, go with the Hardside (skinnier, and less rocker than the Sidestash). The 188 will measure almost exactly as long as your Zealot, because K2 measures edge-able length, not tip to tail. Good luck!

You'll need to 'tap' the holes, and use a 5/32" bit. If the metal layer dimples, it can cause problems.

I'll repeat what Jack said. With your size, no reason to go shorter than 188. It is a manageable length that you can turn quickly, or let it go and speed through some crud. Unless you like to "billy-goat" around finding tight spots, the 181 will be too short.

The rocker on the SideStash is pretty minimal. Rocker doesn't shorten the effective edge much compared with early rise- it mostly gives you a more forgiving tip, and helps a bit in the powder. The general rule is that you can size up 5cm or so with a rockered ski, and 10cm with early rise. Keep in mind that K2 skis run 3-5cm longer than other ski companies. However, I think with your build, a 188 would be the best length to choose. I am 160lb, 6', and will never ski a stick shorter than a 185. The 188 will give you more speed, landing gear, and float. I wouldn't suggest someone of your size go for a 181 unless they were a beginner. One of my buddies who is a bit bigger than you uses 172 Insanes, and loves them. He does a lot of really tight small turns, and has trouble in deep deep snow, but other than that, does fine. If you like speed and bigger turns, then definitely go for length; the 188 will be best. Hope that helps. Enjoy!

Magnus, how are your experiences with Dynafit FT12 on Sidestashes? I have brand new 181 sidestashes home and just considering, if Dynafit FT 12 or Marker Tour F12 (I am 183 cm, 79kg - 161 lbs. Lukas

I mounted mine on the boot center and have found they ski great both on groomers and in the backcountry. The tail looks short because you are not used to seeing flat tails anymore! K2's dedication to making a great touring ski with a flat notched tail looks different than the current raised tails. Plus, with a bit of tip rocker, the boot center line might be just a tad bit back on the ski.

Well, the K2 launcher would ski a bit softer than these metal bad boys...I am going with the 181s and am 6'2" and 180lbs,and everyone at K2 said I should go with the 181s, that 188s are a LOT of ski. But, I do ski a lot of deep powder in tight trees, and tour 99.9% of the time so I don't mind a bit shorter and lighter!

That is a bit of a tough call between the Dukes and the Fritschi. The Freerides are better for actually AT, mostly since they weigh less than the Duke. They are less good for slackcountry/lazy touring, since you most likely (for me anyway) are charging harder in those situations, so you want a more confidence inspiring bindings on the down, which is were the Dukes excel. Personally I would put the Dukes on these, since it is mainly a slackcountry deal from what I gather. But since your question is if the Freerides will drive these, the answer is yes, they will. Just keep on top of them.

hsve been touring for 2 days with the Sidestash 188 mounted with Dynafit FT12. Great setup - they are hardly heavier than the Coomback, but will give you more power as they are a bit stiffer and perhaps more torsionally rigid. they are still easy to ski. they are also light for their size, compared to other freeski brands.

Definitely not, just a huge heavy ski...consider the coombacks for a little bit lighter backcountry set up.

Thanx, will likely get the 181's with the Fritshi's after a demo day. Will research the skins some more... You da man!

The early rise makes it ski a bit shorter, but not really that much. The radius is bigger on these than the Chiefs, so you lose some "turny-ness" from that and the added 10mm in the waist. Either length will give you more float too. You can stick with the 174 if you want, but I think that for bigger lines and to progress, the 181 will be a better length for you. The Fritshi bindings are alright, and will work probably better than the Dukes at everything but the down, but since you aren't worrying about jumps/drops, then I would tell you that they will be fine for you, since more blowouts you hear on them are from drops. Lastly, I can't comment on the K2 skins, because I always use BD ones, and yes, they work on the new K2 stuff.