Is the K2 Annex 118 Pro Model: a "one ski fits all?". For me, the ski is a successful all-round talent: with a balanced balance of torsional stiffness and forgiving character. It offers enough float in waist-deep dry powder and sufficient maneuverability in narrow couloirs, while at the same time gliding effortlessly through (almost) all types of snow.
Test setup
K2 Annex 118 (Pro model)
Length: 188 cm
Sidecut: 147/118/135
Binding: Marker FT 12 EPF (mounting point: +2.5 cm)
Pre-Cut K2 skins
About the tester
Size: 181 cm / 85 kg, ambitious off-piste skier, approx. 30 ski days per season and additionally some pure ski touring days.
I personally find the K2 skis generally very versatile and well tuned for a wide range of uses. Be it the terrain or the different snow conditions. "No-pros", like me, have to cope mainly with the snow that can be found at weekends. To be honest, I now only own K2 skis because I appreciate their wide range of uses. I'm also happy to admit that I think the designs of the skis are mostly great, but as we all know, taste is debatable. However, design alone is by no means the deciding factor for an outstanding all-round freeride talent, it takes more than that ...
The most important product features
K2 Skis has revised its ski portfolio for the current 2013/14 season. The backside series has been split into a freeride and backcountry series. The K2 Annex 118 (formerly SideSeth) is the current pro model from Seth Morrison in the freeride series. More precisely, the K2 Annex 118 belongs to the "Freeride-Directional" series. This means that the tip is wider than the tail (similar to the PON2OON), giving the ski optimum performance when skiing forwards. It has 50% powder rocker, a slightly raised kick tail and 50% camber under the binding. With this setup, the ski offers enough float in deep, dry powder and sufficient maneuverability in narrow couloirs. The ski construction is a metal-free torsion box. K2 uses Triaxial Braiding to connect the fiberglass with the wood core. Here, the wood core is wrapped with pre-braided fiberglass strands. K2 uses precisely this method to construct skis with versatile application possibilities. Such skis have a very well-balanced torsional stiffness and a forgiving character. Nevertheless, the dynamics and flex of the wood core do not have to be sacrificed. The wood core is a combination of spruce, aspen and maple.
Downhill characteristics
In my opinion, the K2 Annex 118 has clearly been developed for downhill-oriented skiers. It requires clean ski control and experience in off-piste skiing. My first descent was in tracked but still soft snow. Here, the Annex immediately showed that it has a good balance between stability and playfulness. Even at very high speeds, it was a pleasure to cruise in these conditions. I skied with the ski and not it with me! On days with deep powder - with fluffy and dry snow - you can clearly feel the advantages of a powder rocker. This powder rocker doesn't "noodle" like some other TwinTips. It enables a central body position above the ski, which increases the powder fun enormously. This has the pleasant side effect that the energy stores in the leg muscles are used up much more slowly. At normal and high speeds, this was a real pleasure. However, especially on "straight lines" over longer sections at very high speed in powder, the ski became unsteady and I had to reduce the speed again to control the ski. The slightly raised kick tail supports the turning ability. This is evident in narrow, very steep couloirs or on the piste in comparison to a flat tail, as was previously the case with the Backside series. However, in my opinion, the ease of the Obsethed or Pettitor, for example, is not achieved. In terms of agility and liveliness, the ski is not quite as playful and smooth as other previously mentioned K2 models. In my opinion, the Annex therefore requires a solid skiing technique in all types of snow in order to fully exploit its potential.
Ascent characteristics
For these ski dimensions, an attempt has certainly been made to achieve optimum weight without major restrictions. Be that as it may, the Annex is no lightweight and is only suitable for longer tours to a limited extent, as it noticeably drains your energy reserves. The Marker F12 EPF has never disappointed me on my adventures. Climbs of several hundred meters are perfectly feasible. However, it is a frame touring binding and therefore not an absolute lightweight. With a tech binding you can certainly achieve a considerable weight reduction compared to my setup. I find it very convenient that the pre-drilled holes for attaching the skins are fitted with a cap, which provides enough space to easily attach the skin end hook. It is no longer necessary to unscrew the fasteners (on the tip and tail), as was the case with previous models (e.g. SideStash, Coomback etc.). The Pre-Cut skins from K2 are a perfect addition to the ski. The attachment and removal of the skins is done in no time at all. I have particularly positive memories of the skins' adhesive. It holds exceptionally well, yet it takes hardly any effort to remove, which is not always the case with skins from other manufacturers, for example. The skis also offer additional functions that support self-help in an emergency; among other things, a rescue sled or a snow anchor can be constructed with them.
Conclusion
The K2 Annex 118 is like "customized" exclusively for my skiing needs. I find it optimally tuned, not too hard and not too soft, not too stubborn and not too forgiving. I found it unpleasant that it tends to break out at very high speeds. I therefore can't give this ski the title of full-throttle plank. Despite this limitation, I have a lot of fun with the Annex, regardless of the terrain and snow conditions. It shone in waist-deep dry powder, but also in rutted terrain and also in powder snow. A versatile ski that conveys a feeling of safety. And by the way, it is also quite maneuverable on the slopes. For me, the K2 Annex 118 is a "backcountry ski for almost all conditions!"".
Advantages & disadvantages
+ The focus is clearly on the terrain, but it also cuts a fine figure on the piste
+ It feels comfortable in both long and short radii
+ Easy and quick attachment/removal of the Pre-Cut K2 skins
- Not a ski for beginners
- Unstable at very high speeds (especially in powder)
- Not a ski for beginners
- Not a ski for beginners
- Unstable at very high speeds (especially in powder)
- Not a ski for beginners. in powder)
- energy-sapping on longer ascents (> 1200 m or more than 4 h)
Details
Powder rocker and slightly raised kick tail
multifunctional holes (tip and tail) for attaching the Pre-Cut K2 skins
"Freeride-Directional" - wider shovel and narrower ski tail
Progressive sidecut: 147/118/135
"Hybritech Sidewall" - combination of a sidewall and a cap construction
Here's more information from the manufacturer...
All products (ski, binding, skin) are available at PG-Partnershop ...
