By Andrew Ingold
Head Kore 87 Ti W review
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Overview & intended use
Overview & intended use: The Kore 87 Ti W is a women’s‑tuned all‑mountain ski with an 87 mm waist, aimed at advanced skiers who want precise front‑side carving and agile off‑piste capability. The tip‑and‑tail rocker with camber underfoot gives easy turn initiation and added lift in softer snow without sacrificing edge hold on groomers. It’s a versatile choice for skiers who value stability at speed as well as maneuverability in tighter, mixed conditions—good for resort laps with occasional venturing into softer snow.
Construction, materials & what the specs mean
Construction, materials & what the specs mean: The ski combines a poplar/PET wood core with a sandwich sidewall build and two Titanal® layers for stiffness and vibration damping. Strategic Graphene placement reduces weight while retaining strength. The dimensions 127‑87‑111 mm (ref. 170 cm) explain its handling: a narrow 87 mm waist gives quick edge‑to‑edge response, while the tip/tail widths aid float and turn initiation. The length‑dependent radius (170 cm ≈ 14.6 m) guides turn size, and the UHM C structured base improves glide in variable snow.
On‑snow performance
On‑snow performance: Tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot results in a lively, responsive ski that snaps into carves on groomers and feels forgiving in mixed conditions. It excels at medium‑radius turns and quick transitions, with the poplar core providing a poppy but controlled rebound. In light powder or chopped snow the rocker provides helpful lift and predictability, but the 87 mm waist limits deep‑powder float compared to wider freeride skis. Overall it’s playful yet precise for an all‑mountain metal ski.
Stability, damping & weight trade‑offs
Stability, damping & weight trade‑offs: The two Titanal layers give confidence at higher speeds by smoothing chatter and improving edge hold, especially on harder snow. At roughly 1,685 g per ski (170 cm) the Kore 87 Ti W balances damping and liveliness; it’s stiffer and heavier than lightweight touring designs, which benefits stability but is less efficient uphill. The shortened effective edge and rocker profile improve maneuverability in tight spots but can slightly reduce dead‑flat edge bite on extreme, icy slopes compared with race‑piste specific metal skis.
Who it’s for, comparisons & drawbacks
Who it’s for, comparisons & drawbacks: This ski suits advanced women seeking a stable, metal‑laminated all‑mountain tool that can carve confidently and handle variable snow. Comparable skis include mid‑80s metal‑reinforced women’s all‑mountain models; some rivals prioritize lighter weight or narrower piste focus. Drawbacks: limited deep‑snow float and heavier mass for long uphill tours. If you need maximum powder performance or ultralight touring capability, a dedicated powder or lightweight touring ski would be a better match.