K2’s AmpRichter 82 is an aggressive frontside ski with incredible edgehold, an ability to rip mid-sized turns wherever you take it on the hardpack and, best of all, a huge sweet spot. This is a ski that ups your ability to charge the groomed and a lot of the in-bounds off-piste as soon as you step into it. Grip is at a premium here, as is the fun feeling that it’s just waiting for you to press a little harder on how fast you rip gs-style turns no matter where you take it.

The downside, if it can be called that, is how this ski rewards effort, meaning you lose performance whenever you put less energy into turning it. We also found better high speed focus with other skis in this category. An overall drop off in turn shape versatility and forgiveness mean K2’s “Amp” is best suited for East and West Coast frontside skiers who want a quiver-of-one lift-served ski with a laser-focused turn shape.