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Expert Comparison: K2 Reckoner 102 Skis · 2023 vs K2 Poacher Skis · 2023

Published on 02/12/2024 · 6 min readCompare K2 Reckoner 102 Skis · 2023 and K2 Poacher Skis · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Daryl Morrison, Ski Expert
Brandon Westburg, Ski Expert
Theo G, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Daryl Morrison, Brandon Westburg, Theo G, Hayden Wright, Austen Law and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
K2 Reckoner 102 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
K2 Poacher Skis · 2023
Price
from:$324.98
50% off
$274.98
50% off
User rating
4.25(16)
4.83(6)
The Curated Take

Best for skiers who enjoy a playful, poppy, and versatile ski that can handle park, groomers, and powder.

Best for park skiers who want a playful, forgiving ski that can handle jumps and rails, and also perform well on groomers.

Ski type
All Mountain
All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of skiing, the K2 Reckoner 102 Skis and the K2 Poacher Skis, both 2023 models, are two top contenders that have been making waves. Both skis are designed with the enthusiast in mind, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The K2 Reckoner 102 is a freestyle-oriented ski that is super fun, very soft, and poppy. It's marketed as an all-mountain park ski and rewards you for having a nice loose, centered stance. On the other hand, the K2 Poacher is a durable and stable park ski that is perfect for skiers of all levels, from those learning park to advanced riders competing in major events. It's versatile, has a camber underfoot, and a carbon boost braid that makes it a go-to weapon in the park. Both skis are excellent choices, but the right one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

The K2 Reckoner 102 Skis are designed to be a super fun, soft, and poppy ski. They are marketed as an all-mountain park ski, and they certainly live up to that description. The skis reward you for having a nice loose, centered stance and are going to ski better forward mounted or true center. K2 claims that this is going to be a super poppy, really fun, snappy ski, really fun in the park. A freestyle-oriented ski, that is absolutely what this ski rides like.

The skis are super fun and something that you would definitely ski all over as a daily driver. They are very fun in the air, very balanced, and you won't feel like you're going to get over your tips too much or on your tails at any point. These would be great spring skis. They're wicked snappy and pretty soft but you'll have a great time on them. You'll like how quick they are edge to edge and turn to turn.

The skis are not as soft as you might think. The tips and the tails do have some flex to them, but overall, they weren't bending like crazy on groomed, firm runs. When you were landing, they weren't flexing too much. That said, they do have more play in the tips and the tails than a competition-focused ski like the Poacher or something that is focused completely on landing and not washing out, landing with stability.

These are super fun skis. This is something that I would definitely ski all over as a daily driver out here in Utah, where I live. It’s very fun in the air, very balanced. I didn't feel like I was going to get over my tips too much or on my tails at any point. These would be great spring skis. They're wicked snappy and pretty soft but I had a great time on them. I like how quick they are edge to edge and turn to turn.

Daryl Morrison
Ski Expert

The K2 Poacher Skis are a durable and stable park ski that is perfect for skiers of all levels, from those learning park to advanced riders competing in major events. Its versatile design, camber underfoot, and carbon boost braid make it a go-to weapon in the park, able to withstand use and abuse. While slightly heavier than similar skis, the Poacher's solid feel and stability at speed make it a top choice for park and all-mountain terrain. It's not ideal for high-speed carving or deep powder, but it excels in the park and on groomers.

The Poacher skis well at speed, mostly because of the all-terrain twin rocker and build of the core that keeps the ski dense. It has a strong backbone that you could trust when laying into your turns. Turning on the Poacher sure is a blast. You can ski both controlled longer radius turns, and shorter radius turns with the stated 18m turning radius in the 177 length. You can turn with confidence and maneuver tightly at any speed.

The Poacher has a ton of pop and can be buttered with proper flexing of the tip or tail. You won't experience any chatter at high speeds or in the park. It is truly a solid and stable ski.

The K2 Poacher is the perfectly balanced park ski that can also rip all mountains. In addition to being bombproof in the park, it’s also built to crush on various terrain and snow conditions. It’s a stable and well-built ski that always adds up to a ton of fun in the park.

Brandon Westburg
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the K2 Reckoner 102 Skis and the K2 Poacher Skis are designed with the enthusiast in mind, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. They are both freestyle-oriented skis that are perfect for park skiing but also perform well on all-mountain terrain. Both skis are designed to be fun and playful, with a focus on providing a great experience for the rider. They both have a camber underfoot for stability and control, and they both feature a carbon boost braid for added pop and responsiveness. Both skis are also praised for their durability, with the ability to withstand use and abuse in the park.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for freestyle skiing, they each have their unique strengths and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The K2 Reckoner 102 Skis are softer and poppier, making them a great choice for skiers who enjoy a playful and agile ride. They are perfect for skiers who like to have a loose, centered stance and enjoy a ski that rewards them for it. They are also great for skiers who enjoy spring skiing and want a ski that is quick edge to edge and turn to turn.

On the other hand, the K2 Poacher Skis are a bit stiffer and more stable, making them a great choice for skiers who want a solid and reliable ski that can handle big landings in the park. They are perfect for skiers who are learning park skiing or advanced riders who are competing in major events. They are also great for skiers who enjoy a ski that can rip up groomers and play in trees and moguls.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to freestyle performance, both skis excel, but the K2 Poacher Skis might have a slight edge due to their stiffer and more stable design, which makes them better suited for big landings in the park.

In terms of versatility, the K2 Reckoner 102 Skis might be the winner. Their softer and poppier design makes them a great all-around ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.

For durability, both skis are praised for their ability to withstand use and abuse in the park. However, the K2 Poacher Skis are noted for being a bit heavier, which might make them more durable in the long run.

Finally, in terms of value for money, both skis offer great performance and durability for their price. However, the K2 Reckoner 102 Skis might offer slightly better value due to their versatility and all-around performance.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the K2 Reckoner 102 Skis and the K2 Poacher Skis are excellent choices for freestyle skiers. They both offer great performance, versatility, and durability. The right ski for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a softer, poppier ski that is versatile and fun to ride, the K2 Reckoner 102 Skis might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a stiffer, more stable ski that can handle big landings in the park, the K2 Poacher Skis might be the better choice. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. They are both designed to provide a great skiing experience and will surely bring a smile to your face as you shred down the mountain.

Curated experts can help

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