#5 K2 Annex 118
The redesigned Annex 118 is a blend of powder rocker (for surfing), low camber (for big turn stability), and an understated tapering of the tip and tail (for off-trail steering). Our test team was impressed by how damp and powerful the 118 feels when rocketing over frozen crud, while still skiing easy at slower speeds in deeper snow. On the packed trail, it’s less of a carver and more of a smooth bomber—but you can work the edges in the center of the turn. “Gives you the confidence to point it into a chute,” said one tester. “You can always scrub speed if you need to.” Swami gripe: Stuck on a groomer? You’ll need to lock it into a super G turn and hang on. Swami like: At 118mm underfoot, it’s all the width you’ll ever need for powder—but it’s also well suited to going fast in the big wide open. Overall: 4.7 Float: 4.7 Responsiveness: 4.6 Dimensions: 147/118/135; $960; k2skis.com
From Early Winter 2014. Back to Ski Test 2015.
