K2 Sodo Telemark Ski - 2008 BCS

Bought cheap at a "second hand" sports store, but still in plastic wrapping. They're the 189's and I put Hamerheads on them (highly recommended) and riding with my '99 T1 three buckle Scarpa's. I'm a bigger skier, (235lb+, 6'1") These are really sweet! They have a nice amount of side cut for carving and are super stable in the crud. They are indeed heavy, but I only found that this helps for ripping through anything the Mountain could throw at you. The only time I noticed the weight as a negative, was doing jump turns in the steep trees. It did give me a workout! They are amazingly crisp and quick from edge to edge and if you're just ripping down the corduroy, they feel like a sports car, not a 4x4. They are twin tip, so, if you fancy yourself going backwards on purpose, you can. Over-all I love them. Pretty sure this is one of the last "tele-specific" skis K2 made, and I believe all of the years of research and development was packed in to this Ski. Beautiful round flex, great flotation, sweet side-cut, twin tips, awesome stability, cool graphics (especially if you're a Seattle guy like me), and a bargain if you can find 'em. There aren't a lot of reviews on these, but, if you are looking for a ski you can rip the groomers, chew up some chop, drop some cliffs, play in the park, skin up and hike O.B., and carve backwards around gapers with, this be the one! If you like to ride Ice, this is NOT the one.

Simply put, this ski does everything -- It floats well in powder, provides stability in crud and variable conditions, holds an edge on groomed terrain and feels solid at high speed.

I didnt find the ski particularly stiff despite the marketing hyperbole to the contrary. The stiffness or lack thereof isnt necessarily a bad thing and may contribute to flotation in powder and/or aid in turn initiation. However, buyers should know what theyre getting.

This is a heavy ski. The twin-tip tail is notched but Ill likely use my old skis for backcountry due to the weight. Again, the weight may also be what lends stability to the ski at speed so everything comes at a cost.

I have yet to take advantage of the twin tip. To date, all switch landings in the park have been promptly followed by spectacular wipeouts so its hard to say whether this feature is a winner; perhaps those more skilled can provide guidance.

All told, I’m very happy with the ski and with backcountry.com for shipping them to me in such prompt order.