Review: K2 Reckoner KF

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K2 doesn’t shy away from pigeonholing themselves into an innovative pro-model ski with their latest special-edition Reckoner KF. It’s a freestyle pow weapon straight from the mind of Karl Fostvedt that’s definitely not an everyday ski, but makes bouncing around in pow in all directions unbelievably fun.

In a nutshell

• Length Skied: 184 cm
• Weight: 2180 g per ski
• Stated Dimensions: 137 / 114 / 134 mm
• Stated Sidecut: 23 m

Length and Mount Point

The stated length measurements of the Reckoner KF somewhat belie how the ski actually feels on snow, thanks to how soft the ski is and how much tip and tail rocker is present. In certain conditions (hard snow), it skis really short, while in others (pow) it feels true to size. The Reckoner KF is available in 172, 177, 184, and 191 cm sizes, and we would recommend sizing up if in between sizes.

As a freestyle-forward pow ski, the mount is fairly centered. Karl likes to ride these backwards nearly as much as he does forwards, so they provide a very balanced, park-ski like feel, even in pow. The intentional design of the massive tip and tail rocker really help the ski keep you centered and prevent the dreaded over-the-bars feeling when landing in deep snow.

Where does the K2 Reckoner KF shine?

As one of the few athlete-designed pro-model skis available to buy this year, it may be tempting to think that the Reckoner KF is a one trick pony that’s only suitable for those of us with Karl Fostvedt’s unique skill set. While it certainly caters to that style of high-energy freestyle powder skiing, it’s a remarkably approachable ski for us mere mortals.

For those skiers used to skis that carve long, drawn out turns in powder, the Reckoner KF will take a few runs to get used to–despite the long turn radius, it prefers short, powerful, slashy turns at speed. Despite the skis being quite soft, the carbon axial braid core construction (there’s no metal) gives an incredible feeling of built-in suspension that provides both a damp ride and a trampoline-like amount of bounce and pop. Load up the soft tails and you’ll find yourself airborne instantly. The really low swing weight makes shifties and spins as effortless as can be.

The Reckoner KF shines in playful pow skiing terrain: pillows, cliffs, and treeskiing. Unsurprisingly, it’s also really fun to go slithering around the resort on them, popping off side hits, cat tracks, and even sliding rails in the park.

One freestyle-oriented tester summed it up: “For my style of riding within the resort this ski was definitely one of my favorites I’ve ridden. Lots of rocker and flex which allowed a very playful ride. Definitely a ski best suited for days with good snow conditions allowing for forgiveness in deep snow. The light swing weight allowed for nimble riding in between trees and for unlimited freestyle capability.”

Another adds: “The flex pattern with the softer tails make it nimble in tight areas but solid when boosting. If it were a decent snow day these skis would be wicked for a booter sesh and landing switch. Being 114 underfoot I'd take these as my main all-mountain driver, touring setup, cliff hucker and even for the odd cruisy park lap.”

Where does the K2 Reckoner KF make some compromises?

The Reckoner KF’s super-playful nature and soft snow prowess comes at the expense of high-speed stability on hardpack and in crud. Simply put, these are not very confidence-inspiring to rip GS turns on while maching down a groomer. The soft tails lack grip and tend to wash out in turns.

One tester said: “In crud and variable snow the ski was susceptible to getting deflected. I’d say this isn’t the ski for crud busting but that’s not why you’re buying it.”

What would a perfect day on the K2 Reckoner KF look like?

It’s mid-winter and just snowed a foot and counting at your home resort, and the sidecountry pillow lines and cliffs you’ve been eyeing all season are finally filled in. You grab a few buddies and head out the gates to slash around and bop down some short, steep, and technical terrain. On the way back to the lift for the next round, you spin a lap through the park, butter 3 a few cat tracks, and throw a fat shifty for the crowd on the final roller. These skis aren’t all-out chargers, instead they’re focused on having fun, skiing familiar lines in a new way, and putting the freestyle back into freeskiing.