Völkl's widest powder ski is getting an update this winter. Since the Kuro first came onto the market in winter 2008, it has only changed marginally. The 2013 version is now being revised and will be significantly stiffer and therefore heavier thanks to titanium inserts. PowderGuide has already had the opportunity to put the powder weapon through its paces in the deep Tyrolean snow and in the rugged off-piste terrain of Disentis.
First impressions of the Kuro in the dry
In its fifth year of existence, the Völkl Kuro is now getting a facelift. The use of Titanal has made the ski significantly firmer, and therefore of course heavier. The current model was not necessarily predestined for longer tours, but once you have the 2013 Kuro in your hand, you will hardly ever think of taking the heavyweight with you on tour. However, you have to be honest and emphasize that this ski was of course not invented for climbing high mountains.
The second glance of a freerider usually falls on the sidecut and the camber of the object of desire. Nothing has changed here compared to last year's model. The Kuro is still equipped with the fattest rocker (Full Rocker High) from the Penzberg ski manufacturers and has no camber at any point. There are also no changes to the sidecut of the ski; the Kuro still comes with its massive shovel and the proven 164-132-139 sidecut.
The third pre-snow test classically consists of skillfully bending the ski and checking whether it is a soft, all-forgiving noodle or a real charger. Here, the Kuro really belongs to the second category. The titanium inserts have served their purpose, but you immediately ask yourself why the Kuro has to be so hard, as it is a pure off-piste ski for fat days. The flex is homogeneously distributed over the entire length of the ski, whereby the tail seems a little softer than the front part of the ski.
All in all, the dry test was without any major surprises, but there is still a question mark behind the usefulness of the titanium inserts, which can only be answered by the practical test.
Practical test in fresh powder snow and in tracked terrain
Two characteristic advantages of the Kuro, for which the previous models were already known, are already noticeable on the first descents. The massive shovel ensures that you are spared nosedives and unpleasant surprises; even excessive stress on the ski tips does not lead to involuntary falls. Thanks to the increased rigidity, it no longer tends to stand up too much, but brings the entire ski out of the snow. This has a positive effect on the skiing characteristics, especially when it comes to settled or heavy, wet snow.
Rise, smoothness, turn initiation or change and turning ability
The initial concerns that the higher weight would impair the lift can be safely discarded. As soon as you pick up some speed, the projectile reaches the surface of the snow and you're off down the valley as if on rails. This second impressive characteristic, the directional stability and smoothness, is further improved by the weight and increased rigidity and you don't have the feeling that any terrain can upset the Kuro at high speed. You feel safe - so safe that you sometimes overestimate yourself and completely forget to make turns in the snow.
Meanwhile, the full rocker construction ensures that the Kuro remains nice and agile and is also fun on shorter turns. However, this requires a certain basic speed or steepness of the terrain. You will be surprised to discover that this heavy and stiff ski can be skied with a fairly easy turn initiation, although a little more effort is required for short turns than for long turns. However, the Kuro is definitely not suitable for wedeling on flat slopes.
The 132mm width under the binding is of course noticeable when changing turns, but once you get the ski on the edge, it also grips. You can then also carve a well-prepared slope. However, one disadvantage was also noticeable: if the snow is grippier or there is a layer of hard snow on top, the ski tends to get a little blurry. Then it's best to simply turn the ski in the direction of the slope and head downhill without any momentum!
Conclusion
The new Kuro (2012 / 2013) is a ski for freeriders who weigh a few kilos, have a bit of steam in their thighs and want to let it rip. The Kuro really comes into its own in the afternoon, when the slopes have already been groomed. The smoothness of the Kuro has been further improved and now no terrain, no matter how rutted, or very high speeds seem to pose a problem for the ski. The Kuro is definitely a ski for big turns, but it is also surprisingly maneuverable on shorter turns. One disadvantage is certainly the high weight, which makes it only suitable for short ascents.
Further information
- Price (RRP): probably still 649 euros
- Dimensions: 164-132-139, 26.3 m radius at 185cm
- Tested lengths: 185 and 195 cm; probably also available in 175cm
- Binding: Jester (mounted on "Boot Center")
- Snow conditions: from the finest spring powder to completely tracked and soaked everything; even piste
- Rider: sporty, 180 cm, 83 kg
Author's note
The Kuro is clearly within my desired spectrum of a ski: quite stiff and heavy skis. Skiers who would rather have more fun with a light, soft and forgiving ski may be wrong with the new Kuro. There are a number of other models that would be a better fit.
