In the world of skiing, the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain use, with a focus on carving and versatility. The Head Kore 87, the narrowest of the Kore range, is praised for its playful shape, aggressive yet refined flex profile, and instant engagement when starting a turn. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C, the narrowest of the Maverick line, is lauded for its nimble performance on groomers and moguls, and its ability to carve well on piste while also having the backbone to go off piste. Both skis are lightweight and maneuverable, making them ideal for a variety of snow conditions. However, they each have their unique strengths and are suited to different types of skiers.

Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024 summary

The Head Kore 87 Skis are a top pick for skiers who crave a playful shape and an aggressive yet refined flex profile. As the narrowest of the Kore range, the 87 is ideal for those who want instant engagement when starting a turn. Despite its narrow design, it retains a bit of the versatility found in its wider cousins, thanks to a bit of taper in the sidecut/rocker at the tip. This feature helps it power through variable snow conditions without catching an edge, making it more fun when you find yourself in deeper fresh snow.

The Kore range from Head is a favorite among experts because of its Carbon/Graphene layup instead of Titanal. This not only keeps the weight down but also makes the skis much more lively at lower speeds. At high speeds, you get the damp/stable and torsionally rigid feel of a titanal-rich ski like the Nordica Enforcer series, but at lower speeds, they still pop from edge to edge quickly like a carving ski.

Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2024 summary

The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are a part of Atomic’s more directional all-mountain category. These skis are 86 millimeters underfoot, making them one of the narrowest in the range. They don't have any metal on them and have a carbon backbone instead. Atomic claims that the Maverick 86 is for skiers who want a stronger, stiffer all-mountain ski that's directional, not as playful, can carve well on piste, but also has the backbone to be able to go off piste.

The Maverick 86 C is a great ski for the progressing beginner all the way to the advanced skier. It’s a great all-mountain, one ski quiver on the East Coast that’s more forgiving than stiffer, more aggressive, metal-based skis. It's a forgiving ski that can do tighter turns without being punishing, and it’s great for somebody who wants a confident, stable ski underneath that’s not too stiff or heavy.

Similarities

Both the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are designed for all-mountain use, with a focus on carving and versatility. They are both the narrowest in their respective ranges, making them ideal for skiers who want instant engagement when starting a turn. Both skis are lightweight and maneuverable, thanks to their use of carbon instead of metal in their construction. This makes them lively at lower speeds and stable at higher speeds. Both skis are also versatile, able to handle a variety of snow conditions and terrains.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are similar in many ways, they each have their unique strengths and are suited to different types of skiers. The Head Kore 87 Skis are praised for their playful shape and aggressive yet refined flex profile, making them a top pick for skiers who want a ski that's fun and lively at lower speeds but stable and damp at higher speeds. This ski is ideal for advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle aggressive skiing while still being lightweight and maneuverable.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are lauded for their nimble performance on groomers and moguls, and their ability to carve well on piste while also having the backbone to go off piste. This ski is great for progressing beginners all the way to advanced skiers who want a confident, stable ski that's not too stiff or heavy. It's particularly suited to East Coast skiers who want a versatile, all-mountain ski.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of snow conditions and terrains, but the Head Kore 87 Skis have a slight edge due to their playful shape and aggressive yet refined flex profile.

In terms of carving, the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis shine with their nimble performance on groomers and moguls and their ability to carve well on piste.

For weight and maneuverability, both skis are lightweight and easy to handle, but the Head Kore 87 Skis stand out with their Carbon/Graphene layup that keeps the weight down and makes the skis lively at lower speeds.

Finally, for stability at high speeds, both skis offer a stable and damp feel, but the Head Kore 87 Skis take the lead with their ability to retain a damp and torsionally rigid feel at high speeds, similar to a titanal-rich ski.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are top contenders for the 2024 season. They both offer versatility, carving ability, lightweight maneuverability, and stability at high speeds. However, the Head Kore 87 Skis stand out for their playful shape, aggressive yet refined flex profile, and lively performance at lower speeds. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis shine with their nimble performance on groomers and moguls and their forgiving nature, making them a great choice for progressing beginners to advanced skiers. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.