When K2 introduced its iKonic construction two years ago, the brand was determined to strip away excess weight, both by liposuction (dampening material was removed) and a change in diet (the use of heavier construction materials like wood and metal was curtailed, replaced with lightweight synthetic material.)

The radical make-over worked pretty well in K2’s off-trail Pinnacle models, but it proved too aggressive a weight loss regimen for its iKonic carving skis. Last year it added some carbon reinforcement, which helped, but otherwise didn’t re-do the original. For 2018, K2 continues with the Konic idea – a lightweight center channel, tip and tail, with wood and metal around the perimeter – but otherwise completely redesigned its flagship Frontside models.

For starters, the sidecut is totally new, without a hint of taper to the much wider tip, creating a lot more pull into the turn. A carbon spine adds dampening and twist resistance to the core. The center section is capped by “Exo-Konic Technology” that augments edging power and acts like a suspension system to smooth out the ride. There’s 35% more Titanal over the edge and the core is all wood, aspen/fir over the edges and Paulownia in the center channel.

All these alterations make the new iKonic 80ti a much more competent carver than the ski of the same name a year ago. It’s particularly adept at short-radius turns, but will make bigger turns if asked. All these performance improvements haven’t altered the quintessential K2 trait of forgiveness. Turns flow intuitively edge to edge with a reliable grip that inspires confidence.