Member of the Month

PartyBullshiit
March, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

HELP: K2 Marksman v Others

profile picture
mrab88
Posts: 1 - Karma: 13
Hi all,

First time posting here. Last season I rode the K2 Marksman and loved them. About to buy a pair but then got distracted by the Kartel 108s.

I'm 5'10, 180. Ski 15 days/year primarily in Tahoe, CO, UT, and WY. I used to be into pure speed but lately I've been enjoying the trees, the powder, and dabbling in jumps and rotations. I'm looking for an all mountain ski that can hold its own on hardpack and variable conditions but that is nimble in the trees and playful. I think my days of bombing down a run at 60 MPH are over, but I still want the ability to ski hard and fast snow when those are the conditions I happen to get.

So, with all that in mind, can y'all talk me out of the Marksmans? Like I said, I'm really interested in Kartels but I've heard they don't hold an edge well on hard snow and are more difficult to flex/less nimble in trees. I'd give up a little confidence in crud for better edge hold and quickness.

Other skis on my short list:
- Nordica Soul Rider 97
- J Skis Allplay
- Armada ARV 106

Thanks for the help.
Nov 1 2018 2:46PM
3 0
profile picture
SofaKingSick
Posts: 8908 - Karma: 57,394
i think the marksman sounds like a good pick for you, theyre a great all mtn and park ski with a little backbone to them compared to a lot of other similar skis. kartels would be pretty good too but perhaps less effective edge? honestly i dont think you can go wrong with either of those. the k2s will almost certainly be cheaper tho
Nov 1 2018 3:43PM
1 0
profile picture
old.man.tibbles
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,061
Personal experience is way more valuable than the opinions of random people on the internet. If you were on the marksman and it spoke to you, then I'd say trust your instinct.

I can confirm that there are better skis in the all mountain freestyle category for firm snow edge hold than the kartel 108, but if someone has trouble pivoting that ski in trees then it's the skier not the ski.

I haven't been on the other skis you mentioned, but if you place a premium on edge hold for skis that are still playful then you should also check out moment.
Nov 1 2018 3:57PM
2 0
profile picture
SKIINGPARK
Posts: 18 - Karma: 191
I have last years marksman's and I don't think you can go wrong with them for what you're looking for. The only issue I had with mine was durability and even at that there was no major issues. If anyone else likes them they should definitely track down a pair, they RIP!
Nov 1 2018 4:02PM
1 0
All times are Eastern (-4)