Review: Head Kore 105 Skis · 2024
By Ski Expert
Nils Aberg
Head Kore 105 Skis · 2024
$479.00
$798.95
40% off
6 photos
The Curated Take
4.6/5
The Head Kore 105 Skis are ideal for advanced to expert skiers seeking versatility and lightweight performance in various snow conditions. With a stiff flex and 105mm waist, they offer reliable high-speed stability, excellent flotation in powder, and good edge hold for carving. The skis' lightweight construction enhances maneuverability and ease of turn initiation. However, they may not be as durable as heavier models and can be deflected in choppy snow. Overall, the Kore 105 skis are a solid choice for freeride-focused backcountry skiers who prioritize agility and stability.
Ideal for
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Versatile width for all snow types
- Stiff flex and a reliable feel at high speeds
Not ideal for
- Not as durable as heavier competitors
- Can be deflected in chattery snow
Playfulness
The firm flex of the Kore 105 allows it to stay stable, but it prevents this ski from buttering and slashing. It's not very forgiving in moguls and tight turns,...Read more
Durability
Making a lightweight but high-performing ski comes with tradeoffs. Head went with a topsheet that's a bit flimsier than other freeride skis, and they scrape and chip fairly easily. However,...Read more
High Speed Stability
My biggest concern with these skis was that they would chatter and lose grip at high speeds. I've had no trouble trusting this ski through fast laps in freeride terrain,...Read more
Carving
Now, this is no slalom ski, but compared to other skis I've tried in the 100-108mm range, the Kore is great for carving. The 17.8m turning radius (at 184) is...Read more
Versatility
The shape and weight of this ski make it unstoppable. The low weight lets the Kore 105 overlap into the backcountry category, and the 105mm waist is a great middle-ground...Read more
Flotation
Powder performance is super important for a freeride ski, and the 105mm waist keeps this ski on top of deep storm snow. When I took this ski out in over...Read more
Turn Ease
Freeride skis tend to be a bit bulky and hard to handle in order to improve their feel at high speeds. The Kore 105 is very easy to maneuver for...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Nils Aberg
About the ski gear
- Model: Head Kore 105 Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- When I bought these: Fall 2023
- Where I’ve used them: San Juan Mountains, CO (various backcountry terrain, from meadows to trees to couloirs); Purgatory Ski Area, CO
- How many times I've used it: 25
Expert Reviews of the Head Kore 105 Skis
Nils Aberg The Head Kore 105 has exceeded my expectations time and time again. I'm 6'0" and 175lbs, and I ski the 184cm with a pair of ATK Freeraider 15 EVOs. So far, I've brought these skis out for carving days at the resort, long backcountry missions, and a few 30+" storms. I'm not much of a believer when it comes to a "quiver killer" ski, but this one seems to do it all.
The Kore series is known for its stiff flex and lightweight feel, and I think it performs great for a hybrid/touring setup. It's a bit heavier than many touring-specific skis, but the Kore 105 can charge hard like many of its heavier counterparts. They have great edge hold and are somehow fairly damp in chop and chatter. The 17.8m turning radius gives this ski a quick, snappy feel for tight turns and carving. I've noticed that cosmetic damage pops up quickly on these, but nothing to affect their performance. I don't think this ski would be my first choice for an inbounds freeride ski in a region with less snowfall, but it's very versatile overall.
Powder is where the Kore 105 really shines. The 105mm waist is plenty to stay afloat in deep, light snow. I had the chance to ski a 36" storm in southern Colorado, and I couldn't contain my smile. They smear surprisingly well for such a stiff ski, but at high speeds, the Kore provides a nice carving feel even in bigger storms.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | Freeride, All Mountain |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Playfulness
4/5
Nils Aberg gave 4 of 5 stars. The firm flex of the Kore 105 allows it to stay stable, but it prevents this ski from buttering and slashing. It's not very forgiving in moguls and tight turns, but the lightweight construction keeps this ski nimble and fun overall. I can't say I've tried any buttering or park tricks with the Kore 105, but I can't imagine it compares to softer skis that are made with playfulness in mind.
Durability
4/5
Nils Aberg gave 4 of 5 stars. Making a lightweight but high-performing ski comes with tradeoffs. Head went with a topsheet that's a bit flimsier than other freeride skis, and they scrape and chip fairly easily. However, I've had no issues whatsoever with the bases and edges. The early season in Colorado was unusually dry and rocky, but every time I thought I had permanently ruined my skis, I found only minor scratches and no edge damage. So far, I'm fairly impressed with the durability of the Kore 105.
High Speed Stability
5/5
Nils Aberg gave 5 of 5 stars. My biggest concern with these skis was that they would chatter and lose grip at high speeds. I've had no trouble trusting this ski through fast laps in freeride terrain, carving on groomers, and opening it up in the backcountry. Compared to a ski with metal in the core, the Kore 105 can deflect off of large chunks of ice a bit easier, but it's less noticeable than I expected. These skis love speed, and I have yet to find their limit.
Carving
5/5
Nils Aberg gave 5 of 5 stars. Now, this is no slalom ski, but compared to other skis I've tried in the 100-108mm range, the Kore is great for carving. The 17.8m turning radius (at 184) is good for short, aggressive carves at high speeds. They're quick edge-to-edge, and the somewhat flat tail profile provides a reliable and predictable feel when carving.
Versatility
5/5
Nils Aberg gave 5 of 5 stars. The shape and weight of this ski make it unstoppable. The low weight lets the Kore 105 overlap into the backcountry category, and the 105mm waist is a great middle-ground for varying snow conditions. It performs great on hardpack. It performs great in powder. I think the versatility of the Kore 105 is its biggest strength.
Flotation
4/5
Nils Aberg gave 4 of 5 stars. Powder performance is super important for a freeride ski, and the 105mm waist keeps this ski on top of deep storm snow. When I took this ski out in over 30"of snow, I could enjoy my turns without the noses diving too far below the surface. The Kore 105 isn't a powder-specific ski, so compared to its larger siblings—the Kore 111 and 117—it doesn't float quite as well. I've also noticed that the tip rocker isn't quite as substantial as some other skis in this category, but I haven't experienced much trouble with powder performance.
Turn Ease
5/5
Nils Aberg gave 5 of 5 stars. Freeride skis tend to be a bit bulky and hard to handle in order to improve their feel at high speeds. The Kore 105 is very easy to maneuver for a ski that can charge hard. The 17.8m turning radius (at 184) and 105mm waist allow this ski to lay down on edge without much difficulty, and it transitions from turn to turn pretty quickly. The low weight also allows this ski to be thrown around much easier than heavier freeride skis.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Nils Aberg I'm a big fan of how the Head Kore 105 handles in quick-changing snow conditions. As a backcountry skier, I sometimes see four or five snow types in one single tour. Aspect and elevation changes can determine whether I'm skiing powder or crust, and being able to push these skis into whatever I encounter is a great feeling. I also really appreciate how sturdy but light these skis are. Head's use of graphene and carbon in the core of this ski means it's stiff and powerful without adding unnecessary weight. This keeps the ski nimble but stable, which are hard traits to combine. The Kore 105 has allowed me to access excellent terrain far into the backcountry, and it allows me to get the most out of the turns I've earned.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Nils Aberg In January 2024, I was able to get out for two fantastic days in the La Plata Mountains in southwest Colorado. There was no shortage of smiles with an overnight snow total of over 30". I was initially a bit worried about how a ski with only 105mm underfoot would perform in this much snow. It didn't take me long to figure out that the Kore 105 is built for this type of skiing, and I was very impressed with the flotation it provided. The sky opened up on the second day, and the combination of light powder, blue sky, and a good crew made for a really special weekend.
Why did you choose this product?
Nils Aberg I define myself as a freeride-focused backcountry skier, so the versatility of the Kore 105 was what stood out. This ski's lightweight construction (1895g at 184) seemed to allow for longer missions in the backcountry, but I wanted a ski I could trust in high-consequence terrain. Compared to many models in the touring-specific category, the Kore 105 is stiffer and more absorbent in choppy conditions. I was hoping for a ski that I could enjoy in powder, corn, and firm spring snow. Even though the Kore is a bit heavier than most dedicated touring skis, I trusted that it would hold up to aggressive skiing in a variety of snow types. I'm pleased to say I wasn't wrong, and choosing the Kore 105 for its versatility was a great decision.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Nils Aberg At about $799, the Head Kore 105 is very comparable in price to other freeride skis. Based on how much fun I've had on these skis, I'd say the value for the money is fantastic. Head is an Austrian-American company that prides itself on quality, and the technology and design work that goes into manufacturing its skis shines through on the snow. Head uses unusual materials like graphene, and this ski performs so well due to its ingenuity. Since the Kore 105 is so versatile, I've even slimmed down my quiver and feel like I've already gotten what I paid for.
One factor worth considering with ski value is durability. The Kore is known for being easier to chip than other heavier skis. If someone cares about cosmetic damage and they're hard on their equipment, it could be worth putting their money into a more durable option to get as much value as possible from their ski.
