K2 SuperGlide 80 (2013-2014) Review

August 24, 2013
K2 SuperGlide 80 (2013-2014)
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
83
Edge Hold
7
Turn Initiation
7
Versatility
7
Stability
7
Forgiveness
8
Value
7

The Good

  • Easy going and confidence-inspiring
  • Holds a consistent edge
  • Versatile for an 80-mm waist
  • Stable for intermediates
  • Solid in a variety of snow conditions
  • Forgiving in bumps

The Bad

  • Tip can flap in a high-speed carve
  • Might be overpowered by aggressive experts
  • Wobbles while straightlining at speed
THE VERDICT

The SuperGlide 80 is a lightweight, versatile frontside ski suited for a wide range of abilities and ages.

FULL REVIEW

Carving
The SuperGlide 80 has consistent edge hold, though not a precise, biting edge grip. K2’s women-specific Bioflex 2 core combines aspen wood under foot with lightweight paulownia in the tip and tail. Therefore, the ski feels sporty and nimble. It doesn’t generate energy out of the turn, but makes turn initiation easy without needing to be race-course aggressive with your fore/aft or lateral pressure.

Versatility
A wide, rockered tip adds versatility to the 80mm-waisted ski. It transitioned well from groomers to cut up snow.  

Stability
The SuperGlide 80 feels stable in terms of having a low level of vibration. Aggressive experts might feel that there’s not enough stability to handle Super-G turns or straightlining.

K2 also incorporates technology like the women-specific Bioflex core and A.T. RoX technology, with an X-shaped carbon web and dampening system.

Forgiveness
The skis are quite forgiving. You can smear turns or get in the backseat without too much bucking around. The dampening system on the top of the ski absorbs a lot of chatter, though at highspeed the tip can still flap.

The tips and tails have a softer flex than under foot and with tip rocker, the MYA 8 initiates turns easily and absorbes soft bumps. These features help make the SuperGlide 80 accessible to intermediates and above.

Value
Coming in just under $1,000, with Marker bindings included, these skis are on the higher side of the market. But the SuperGlide 80 could be a one-ski quiver for a variety of ability levels and age groups. You’re also getting a versatile ski with a high fun factor.

 


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