By Andrew Ingold
Head Kore 118 Ti review
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What It Is
The Head Kore 118 Ti (25/26) is a true big-mountain powder ski built for strong skiers who value stability and speed in deep snow and chopped conditions. At 118 mm underfoot with generous tip/tail rocker and a directional shape, it favors high lines, drops, and an aggressive stance, while the partial twin tail keeps a touch of playfulness.
Construction and Specs
Freeride Sandwich Cap construction pairs a lightweight karuba–beech core with two Titanal layers and Graphene for rare dampness-to-weight balance. The Hybrid Top Surface with flax along the edge further calms vibration, and the Structured UHM C race base is fast and durable. Sizes: 177/184/191 cm; radii 22.2/24.3/26.4 m; about 2280 g per ski (184). Rocker profile: tip 35% / camber 40% / tail 25%.
Float and Powder Performance
In deep snow the 118 waist and 35% tip rocker make it quick to plane and composed, with no tendency to submarine. The 25% tail rocker aids slarves and quick redirection but keeps enough backbone to drive out of turns and stomp landings. A long effective edge adds guidance and confidence when soft turns to supportable or wind-affected.
Stability in Chop and at Speed
Double Titanal plus Graphene yields standout composure in chop, wind buff, and tracked powder. Where lighter, looser skis start to flap, the Kore 118 Ti stays calm and tracks true. The long radius encourages big, deliberate arcs and hard compressions; this ski rewards speed and provides a stout platform for airs and high-consequence lines.
Maneuverability and Playfulness
For its class, the Kore 118 Ti is notably manageable. Weight distribution, rocker, and the partial twin help with pivots and quick direction changes. It’s still less “loose” than playful surfy options; in tight trees or slow, flat sections it prefers clear input and a forward-moving style. You can butter, but it feels best driven.
Hardpack and Groomer Behavior
On hardpack, it’s impressively composed for a 118. The metal layup delivers grip and damping for big carved turns; edge-to-edge is naturally slower due to width. On true ice it meets its limits, but for early-morning firm and getting back to the lift, it outperforms many in its class.
Sizing, Mounting, and Binding Tips
Pick 184 cm as the all-round length for most advanced skiers; 191 cm for heavier/very strong chargers and open terrain; 177 cm for lighter riders or tighter trees. Start on the factory line; go +1 cm if you ski switch or want a touch more balance. Pair with solid alpine bindings; short skins are possible, but the weight/damping profile suits lift- or sled-accessed days.
Who It’s For, Comparisons, and Verdict
The Kore 118 Ti is for strong freeriders prioritizing stability, damping, and directional precision over maximal playfulness. Compared with an Atomic Bent 120 or Armada ARV 116 JJ, it’s far more stable but less surfy; versus a Nordica Enforcer 115 Free, it holds up better at speed; against a Völkl Katana 112, it offers more float and a slightly looser tail. Drawbacks: wants speed and good technique, less forgiving in tight spaces, and not light for big tours. Verdict: a serious big-mountain tool with top-end calm, float, and confidence.