K2 Velocity (2013)

The Velocity is lightest, nimblest and least expensive of the new high-end members of K2's AMP series of men's all-mountain performance skis (see Bolt and Charger). It's designed primarily for high-speed carving on firm, flat snow, but is metal-free and better suited to lighter, less-aggressive experts. It's a wood-core (fir/aspen) torsion-box Hybritech construction (sturdy vertical sidewall underfoot for edge grip, lightweight cap fore and aft for supple flex). Available only as a system, it comes with a 11-DIN Marker M3 binding. K2's Speed Rocker combines 90 percent camber with 10 percent tip rocker to smooth the ride, enhance forgiveness and improve soft-snow flotation. ROX technology combines the forgiveness of tip rocker (K2 calls it Speed Rocker) with performance-enhancing Mod Technology (an independently acting secondary core, raised above the deck, works in conjunction with a strategically placed dampening module to lessen vibrations and improve edge grip) and extra carbon-fiber reinforcement placed so as to stiffen torsional rigidity.