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K2 Apache Strykers

kingslug

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2005
Messages
7,456
Points
113
Location
Draper utah
I've been noodeling around on A pair of 185 Crossmax Pilot 10's for 4 years and figured it was time for a change. After 120 days on them they started to bleed black goo from the torsion bar pods. I wanted an all around ski that I could take into powder, crud, trees, moguls, etc. I was going to get a powder ski but felt that it would be too limiting. Picked up these in a 174 length from Sundown Ski and Surf in Levittown for $450.00. I hadn't demo'd them so I was taking a risk. Did a lot of research and they seemed to fit the bill. Spent 3 hours at Hunter today in the corn. The sun never came out so the snow stayed perfect.
The crossmaxes where 185 L with 107-69-102 dimensions.
The Strykers are 174L 118-74-103 and weigh 14.5 lbs , a half lb more than the max's.
The difference was pretty big. Much stiffer and solid. I usualy get thrown around in the crud and powder. Blew through pretty much everything I threw at them (no powder of course). Very stable and turn very quickly when asked to. The moguls where a different story. I had a hard time with them as I am used to a much softer ski. Not that I can do moguls well but the Max's are a lot easier and I think I'll keep them for that. Also have to get used to not having the pilot pivot bindings. They allow the max's to really bend, which wasn't so good on ice. The Strykers are much more stable and hold an edge a lot better. The 118 head and 74 waist should be a big plus in powder as well. I've taken the Max's into 4 feet of pow at times and they aren't the weapon of choice for this. I'll just rent fatties when needed.
I think these skis would be a good step up for someone looking for an all mountain ski. Moguls are going to take some work though, and they are a bit on the heavy side. Going to give them another go next weekend at Belleayre with the Max's along as well.
 
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