Developed by a women's design team, the Ooolaluv 85Tis are K2's flagship all-mountain women's skis. Combining some of their newest technologies of triaxial braiding, BioFlex and channel light core, all designed to keep the skis light but reactive and powerful.
They are great fun to ride with a new metal laminate going further up the skis towards the tips that provides more stability which aids turn initiation both on and off-piste. They feel stronger underfoot, giving the skier confidence to charge and make the best of the terrain. On piste they grip superbly and stand up to the challenges of long and short turns without breaking away, even when blasting about.
Their weight is well-balanced, as they've been designed specifically for women; not so light that you question their ability to hold firm, but light enough to let you ride all day without getting too fatigued or bored - the Ooolaluv keeps the fun going. The Bioflex core and metal laminate are focused more strongly on the perimeter of the skis to maintain power, strength and stability that girls need. This can work against them off-piste at lower speeds as they begin to feel a little stiff. Once you ramp up the speed a little then they handle any crud with ease.
To create these light but fun skis, K2 have utilised some of its newer technologies. The Channel Light Core - grooved channels through the entire length add ease and control, and the combination of woods blend together to provide a lively ride that's resilient to the playground of the mountain. By using strong Aspen wood underfoot, which is then fused with lightweight Paulownia in the tip and tail the swing-weight is reduced and provides smooth-flexing skis, so that the ride feels even and pleasurable. We find this particularly in off-piste terrain where they feel capable of handling the terrain.
Overall we rate these skis highly. They're a little expensive at £620 but the bindings are included and they're good looking skis with plenty of performance. Ideal for those who enjoy both the piste and variables, for someone who wants just one pair of skis for their holiday or season.
