K2 Poacher Skis 2024

The Poacher remains the go-to ski for the K2 Factory Team, equally at home on huge features as it is on street tests. 96mm underfoot is the kind of width that suits a variety of terrain, matched by a construction that mixes enough flex for the park and a stiffness that works for all mountain. Point them straight on the groomers and when it's time to turn, the Poacher has grip that similar skis can't match, plus the power to deal with trickier conditions. But this isn't just a stiff all mountain ski with a twin shape, it's the real deal in the park with the flex dialled so that it feels soft enough to press, butter and have fun on. It is one of the very best do-it-all freestyle skis that is genuinely comfortable in all terrain or skiing styles.

Terrain Type & Ability Level

Terrain Type
It's designed for park and urban riding but the shape and the flex makes it more than handy skiing all mountain. It has enough rocker and width to deal with all but the deepest days, and it's definitely happy skiing anything with a bit of pace too. The flex is firmer than some park skis but it still butters comfortably and it has the pop off the lip that other skis can't match along with a solid feel on the landing.

Skier Type
It's going to suit stronger or heavier skiers who will appreciate the power of the ski, but it is still a freestyle ski so it isn't over-stiff. If you're skiing a mix of park and all mountain then it is going to hit the spot as a 1-ski option.

Overview

Shape
96mm underfoot is a good size for a ski like this, it will basically handle everything with zero compromise in the park. 19m (184cm) is long enough to make sure the Poacher is super stable on landings and when skiing all terrain, but not so long it feels slow to turn.

Rocker
All-Terrain Twin Rocker is a gradual, extended rise at the tip and tail for added versatility and control in all conditions with twin tip skis. Camber underfoot helps with the pop in the park and adds grip on firm snow; the gradual rocker at the tip and tail ease butters and smooth initiation and release, giving the ski the right blend of control and looseness.

Core
Double Barrel. A dense, fir core over the edges for power and imapct resistance and lighter aspen centre core for a lively, energetic feel.

Construction
TwinTech Sidewall construction utilises durable full sidewalls to provide great edge feel and performance, with a cap effect for added top sheet resistance to ski versus ski impact damage.

Key Features

Carbon Boost Braid
Longitudinal carbon stringers woven into the K2's patented Triaxial Braid for added pop and rebound, found on freeride and factory team skis.

EB tester’s comments: Joe (Covent Garden) Gripped a lot better than expected on steeper icy runs, felt really planted under foot which gives confidence to push it faster and harder. Ideal for anyone wanting a freestyle focused ski but who don't want to be just limited to the park as this performed really well all over the mountain.

General Information

• Skier Ability: Intermediate|Advanced
• Terrain Type: All Mountain|Freestyle
• Rocker: Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius: Medium
• Bindings: Ski sold flat
• DIN: n/a
• Construction: Full Sidewall
• Core: Wood, Carbon
• Demo: No
• Sizing Description: Eye level for the maximum ease of spinning and rail tricks, but you need to go bigger for extra stability or speed and for all mountain versatility, especially important on the wider models that are designed to spend more time away from the park.