By Andrew Ingold
Head Kore 99 Ti W review
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Who It’s For and First Impressions
The Kore 99 Ti W targets advanced to expert women who want one ski to carve groomers and charge off‑piste. The 99‑mm waist feels planted at speed yet maneuverable thanks to redesigned tip and tail rocker. First impression: strong edge hold and damping on morning corduroy with enough float for a foot of fresh or tracked powder. The partial‑twin tail adds a hint of smear‑ability without feeling loose. It’s not ideal for progressing intermediates; this ski rewards active input and responds best when driven with clear intent.
On‑Piste Carving and Edge Hold
On groomers the Kore 99 Ti W shines through its two Titanal layers, underfoot camber, and versatile sidecut. It bites early, holds consistent pressure, and gets calmer the faster you go. Short to medium turns come easily, though it isn’t as lightning‑quick edge‑to‑edge as a narrower carver. Tip it on edge and you get powerful rebound and precise line control. Ski it passively or too slowly and the flex can feel stout; load the ski and it returns the favor with confidence and energy.
Off‑Piste, Powder, and Mixed Snow
Off‑piste, the 99‑mm platform plus generous tip rocker provide believable float in 10–20 cm of new snow. The partial‑twin tail finishes or releases turns cleanly in trees and steeps. In chop and refrozen tracks, Titanal and Graphene keep vibrations muted, maintaining composure. It’s not as surfy or ultra‑loose as softer, more rockered skis, but it’s far more trustworthy when the snow gets rough. Choose a shorter length for tight spaces and bumps, or size up for open bowls and more top‑end stability.
Construction, Feel, and Durability
The build explains the feel: a women‑tuned PET/poplar wood core with two layers of Titanal delivers damping and stability without excessive heft. Graphene trims swing weight where it matters. The Freeride Sandwich Cap gives direct snow contact and durability, while the hybrid top sheet resists chipping and reduces plastic. The Structured UHM C base is fast and holds wax well. Redesigned tip/tail rocker makes initiation easier and expands turn shapes, without sacrificing the reliable grip and energy you get from the camber underfoot.
Sizing, Specs, and Comparisons
Sizing and specs: 156, 163, 170, and 177 cm cover a wide range. At 1724 g per ski (170 cm), it feels solid yet manageable. Sidecut of roughly 132/99/121 mm (170 cm) with a 15.6 m radius enables versatile turns across mixed conditions. Compared to the Santa Ana 98, this ski is a touch livelier and less punishing in the tail. Versus the Sheeva 10, it offers more damping and edge hold but less looseness. The QST Lumen 98 is more forgiving; the Maven 100 Ti feels lighter, with slightly less planted high‑speed confidence.