Our Final Sale — Get up to 75% off while you can!

We're saying goodbye, but you get to save big! Check out our clearance page for massive discounts on all products.

Expert Comparison: Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024 vs Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2024

Published on 02/13/2024 · 7 min readCompare Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024 and Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Chris D., Ski Expert
Hayden Wright, Ski Expert
Ben Bialek, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Chris D., Hayden Wright, Ben Bialek, Rob G., Carl Beach and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024
Out of stock
Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2024
Price
from:$419.40
40% off
$389.97
40% off
The Curated Take

Best for advanced skiers who want a lightweight, maneuverable ski that performs well at high speeds and in variable conditions.

Best for skiers who prioritize stability and power at high speeds.

Ski type
Freeride, All Mountain
All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Tail profile
Partial twin tip
Flat

In the world of skiing, the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, 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 88 Ti is lauded for its stability, power, and excellent edge hold, making it a great choice for those who love to carve on groomers but also want to venture off-piste.

While both skis have their strengths, they cater to different types of skiers. The Head Kore 87 is ideal for those who want a lively, responsive ski that can handle variable snow conditions and deeper fresh snow. The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti, however, is better suited for skiers who prioritize stability and power, and who spend most of their time on groomed trails.

In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style. But one thing is for sure: both the Head Kore 87 and the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti are top-notch skis that will deliver an exhilarating ride on the slopes.

The Head Kore 87 Skis are a standout choice for those who crave a playful shape and an aggressive yet refined flex profile. As the narrowest of the Kore range, these skis are designed for instant engagement when starting a turn, making them a dream for those who love to carve. But don't be fooled by their narrow design - these skis retain a bit of the versatility found in their wider cousins, thanks to a bit of taper in the sidecut and rocker at the tip.

This design allows the Kore 87 to power through variable snow conditions without catching an edge, making them a reliable choice for those unpredictable snow days. And when you find yourself in deeper fresh snow, these skis are more than up to the task, offering a fun and responsive ride.

One of the standout features of the Kore 87 is its Carbon/Graphene layup. This innovative design choice not only keeps the weight down, but also makes the skis much more lively at lower speeds. This means that at high speeds, you get the damp, stable, and torsionally rigid feel of a titanal-rich ski, but at lower speeds, they still pop from edge to edge quickly like a carving ski.

In short, the Head Kore 87 Skis are a top pick for those who want a ski that's as versatile as it is fun to ride.

This is my top pick for sure. The Kore range from Head is one of my favorites because they use a Carbon/Graphene layup instead of Titanal, which not only keeps weight down, but also makes the skis much more lively at lower speeds. That means 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.

Chris D.
Ski Expert

The Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis are designed for stability and power, with a wood core and layers of titanal metal that provide a solid and responsive ride. They offer strong edge hold and inspire confidence at higher speeds, making them a great choice for those who love to carve on groomers.

But the Maverick 88 Ti isn't just a one-trick pony. Thanks to its all-mountain rocker profile, with full tip rocker, a touch of tail rocker, and camber underfoot, it offers versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. The tip rocker enhances handling in off-piste conditions and eases turn initiation, while the camber underfoot provides excellent edge grip and control on groomed runs and hardpacked snow.

One of the standout features of the Maverick 88 Ti is its HRZN Tech, which is similar to the shape of the hull of a boat. This design allows the 88mm wide waist ski to perform and float better in powder than some of its competitors that are 88mm wide but don't have the HRZN Tech in the tip and tail.

In short, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis are a fantastic daily driver for icy hardpack days and can handle occasional off-piste adventures with ease.

The Atomic Maverick 88Ti surprised me. I’ll be honest - this ski is for a skier style that’s not quite like my style. But, we had a sunny and hard day that didn’t get too soft and this was the ski to have. It was great!

Hayden Wright
Ski Expert

Similarities

Despite their differences, the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis share several similarities. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, with a focus on carving and versatility. They both feature innovative design choices that enhance their performance in a variety of conditions, from groomed runs to off-piste adventures.

Both skis also feature a rocker profile that enhances their versatility. The Head Kore 87 has a bit of taper in the sidecut and rocker at the tip, while the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti features full tip rocker, a touch of tail rocker, and camber underfoot. These design choices allow both skis to handle a variety of snow conditions and terrain with ease.

Finally, both skis are praised for their stability and edge hold, making them a reliable choice for those who love to carve on groomers but also want the ability to venture off-piste.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis share several similarities, they cater to different types of skiers. The Head Kore 87 is ideal for those who want a playful, responsive ski that can handle variable snow conditions and deeper fresh snow. Its Carbon/Graphene layup makes it lively at lower speeds, while still offering the damp, stable feel of a titanal-rich ski at higher speeds. This makes the Kore 87 a great choice for skiers who love to carve but also want a ski that's versatile and fun to ride.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti is better suited for skiers who prioritize stability and power. Its wood core and layers of titanal metal provide a solid and responsive ride, with excellent edge hold and confidence at higher speeds. The Maverick 88 Ti is a fantastic daily driver for icy hardpack days, but it can also handle occasional off-piste adventures thanks to its all-mountain rocker profile.

In short, the Head Kore 87 is a great choice for skiers who want a lively, versatile ski, while the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti is ideal for those who prioritize stability and power.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis, it's clear that both skis excel in their own ways. However, when it comes to four key dimensions - versatility, carving, stability, and off-piste performance - one ski may edge out the other.

  1. Versatility: Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, but the Head Kore 87's playful shape and responsive Carbon/Graphene layup give it the edge in this category.

  2. Carving: While both skis offer excellent edge hold and carving capabilities, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti's wood core and layers of titanal metal provide a solid and responsive ride that's hard to beat.

  3. Stability: Both skis are praised for their stability, but the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti's construction provides a bit more power and confidence at higher speeds, making it the winner in this category.

  4. Off-Piste Performance: The Head Kore 87's design allows it to handle variable snow conditions and deeper fresh snow with ease, giving it the edge in off-piste performance.

In conclusion, while both skis are top-notch choices, the Head Kore 87 shines in versatility and off-piste performance, while the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti excels in carving and stability.

Conclusions

In the end, the choice between the Head Kore 87 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style. Both skis are top contenders for the 2024 season, offering all-mountain performance, excellent carving capabilities, and versatility in a variety of conditions.

The Head Kore 87 is a playful, responsive ski that's ideal for those who want a lively ride that can handle variable snow conditions and deeper fresh snow. Its Carbon/Graphene layup makes it a standout choice for skiers who love to carve but also want a ski that's versatile and fun to ride.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti is a solid, powerful ski that's perfect for skiers who prioritize stability and power. Its wood core and layers of titanal metal provide a solid and responsive ride, with excellent edge hold and confidence at higher speeds. It's a fantastic daily driver for icy hardpack days, but can also handle occasional off-piste adventures with ease.

So whether you're a playful carver or a power-hungry speed demon, there's a ski out there for you. And whether you choose the Head Kore 87 or the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes. Happy skiing!

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get personalized recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!

Shop Skis on Curated

Head Kore 87 Skis · 2024
$419.40$699.00
Atomic Maverick 88 Ti Skis · 2024
$389.97$649.95
Faction Dancer 1 Skis · 2025
$748.95

Browse more Skis

K2 Reckoner 92 W Skis · Women's · 2025
$259.97$399.95
Line Honey Badger Skis + Quikclick Bindings · 2025
$329.97$549.95
K2 Reckoner 102 Skis · 2025
$389.97$599.95
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2024
$179.98$449.95
Völkl M7 Mantra Skis · 2025
$552.47$849.95
Atomic Bent 85 Skis · 2025
$449.95
Faction La Machine 2 Mini Skis · 2025
$449.48$898.95

Browse more Skis

Read next

New and Noteworthy