K2 Apache Crossfire

It has been dubbed as the ultimate cross-mountain ski. Is it worthy? I think the Crossfire has a very good go at it…

Model: Apache
Size(cm) / Radius(m): 153/? 160/? 167/? 174/16 181/?
Sidecut : 109/68/99
Length Tested: 174cm

Manufacturer's Description:

“High Performance Cross Mountain”

The Apache Hellfire had all the characteristics and behaviour of a detuned slalom ski, as the dimensions are identical as the K2 mach SL.

The Apache Crossfire however has a much less exaggerated sidecut – just 18mm and its arc comes in at 16m on a 174. This has shaped this ski to something very stable at both slow and high speeds. I took it down a blue, red and a black - the snow was two day old powder so had been skied and groomed by our old friends with cat tracks. This ski was as fun and responsive in short, medium and long turns. I had to work and persuade the ski on the really short turns due to the medium radius. Unfortunately there was no real powder to speak of.
It is a shame that the longer 181cm model was not available for me to try as I think it could be quite something as the 174cm was rather special.

Conclusion?
K2 is doing well with this new range.

The Crossfire seems to have one up on the Hellfire for all mountain cruising. I know what I would buy of the two!