By Andrew Ingold
Head Kore 88 Ti review
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Overview
The Head Kore 88 Ti (2025–26) is the narrowest Kore Ti, aimed at all‑mountain/frontside skiers who want hardpack authority without a race‑ski penalty. A redesigned shape and rocker, dual Titanal, a Karuba–Beech core with Graphene, and a flax layer deliver serious edge grip, calmness, and quick edge‑to‑edge moves. At 128‑88‑112 mm (177 cm), 16 m radius, and 1840 g per ski, it’s a precise, modern carver with real all‑mountain range.
Design and construction
Head uses a Freeride Sandwich Cap with a Karuba–Beech wood core: Karuba keeps weight in check, Beech adds strength and stability. Dual Titanal laminates boost damping, torsional stiffness, and bite. Graphene helps drop swing weight and tune flex. A flax/linen hybrid top surface further smooths chatter. New beveled sidewalls enhance hold on ice. The structured UHM C base runs fast and takes wax well. Tip–Tail Rocker (about tip 25% / camber 55% / tail 15%) blends easy initiation with solid support.
Groomers and hardpack performance
On groomers and firm snow the Kore 88 Ti hooks up confidently. The relatively long camber section keeps pressure across the edge, while gradual tip rocker pulls you into the turn without grabbing. The metal build and beveled sidewalls deliver notable bite on boilerplate. It’s happiest making medium arcs (16 m), but you can bend it shorter with strong input. For an 88‑mm ski it feels quiet and composed at speed, with measured, not hyper, rebound.
Variable snow and bumps
In chop and mixed snow, mass plus Titanal and flax filter out small vibrations. The tip tracks through cut‑up snow without deflecting. In moguls the swing weight is manageable and the tail supportive, but the metal construction is less forgiving of back‑seat skiing; it prefers a forward, centered stance. At 88 mm the float is limited in deep powder; up to about 4–6 in (10–15 cm) it’s fun, beyond that the Kore 93 Ti or 99 Ti is the better pick.
Stability, speed, and feel
Overall feel: damp and composed without turning dull. It’s not as ultra‑plush as a Völkl Kendo 88 and offers more feedback than a Nordica Enforcer 88, but it retains the quick, precise character you expect from the Kore family. It works best when driven; at slow speeds or smeared turns it can feel a bit stiff and locked in. The weight is friendly enough for long days on snow.
Sizing and mounting tips
Lengths: 156–191 cm. Most advanced skiers will land between 170 and 184 cm depending on height/weight and pace. Strong experts can size up; lighter or shorter skiers can confidently choose 170 cm. Stay near the factory mount line; pair with a stout alpine binding. A light detune of tip and tail can further smooth initiation if it feels overly hooky.
Who it’s for
Best for advanced to expert, directional skiers who spend most days on groomers and firm off‑piste and want carving precision with real versatility. Ex‑racers will appreciate the edge fidelity. Not ideal for intermediates seeking easy pivoting or for powder‑first riders.
Comparisons
Völkl Kendo 88: heavier and even steadier at top speed; the Kore is quicker edge‑to‑edge and a touch more forgiving. Blizzard Brahma 88: similarly precise, with more rebound and higher demands; the Kore is smoother and friendlier in bumps. Nordica Enforcer 88: damper and heavier; the Kore is livelier and nimbler. Elan Wingman 86 CTi: looser and more playful; the Kore has better bite on ice. Salomon Stance 90: wider and more composed in crud; the Kore is snappier on piste.
Specs explained
Rocker profile tip 25% / camber 55% / tail 15%: the longer camber drives edge hold and energy, while modest rocker eases turn entry and release. Sidecut 128‑88‑112 mm (177) with a 16 m radius: the narrower waist quickens transitions; 16 m favors medium arcs. Weight 1840 g per ski (177): enough mass for stability without fatigue. Dual Titanal: adds damping, grip, and torsional rigidity. Karuba–Beech core: Karuba keeps weight down, Beech adds strength. Graphene: trims swing weight and refines flex. Flax layer: natural vibration absorber. Beveled sidewalls: increase effective edge on hard snow. Structured UHM C base: durable glide and wax retention. Length range 156–191 cm: pick by skill, size, and terrain.
Bottom line
Bottom line: a confident, frontside‑leaning all‑mountain tool that brings metal‑backed precision to the Kore line. If you want grip, calmness, and quickness in one package and have the skills to drive it, the Kore 88 Ti is a standout. If forgiveness or deep‑snow float is the priority, look to something wider or softer.