K2 Speed Charger review 2019
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
The K2's Speed Charger really lives up to its name and deserves its place among the best skis on the market. Last year, the model we reviewed was too short (168 cm). This year we tested the Speed Charger in a 175 cm, which is a much more appropriate size for this category.
The extra length significantly improved edge grip, maximum speed, and performance in long turns, which are some of the ski’s strengths.
The Speed Charger doesn’t shy away from speed. Stability is exceptional; you feel “like you’re on rails in long turns." It will give confidence to skiers who love to put the pedal to the metal. It’s an absolute rocket, but you’ll need plenty of space to get the most out of it on the groomers.
Once out of its field of predilection (in which it excels), the Speed Charger is a bit more tentative. It struggles to perform at slower speeds, is a bit more demanding in short turns, and not as smooth on soft snow.
While many of the skis reviewed in this category boast liveliness and performance in tight turns, the Speed Charger provides stability at speed and performance in long-radius turns.
The Speed Charger is a very good ski that we recommend for strong intermediates and advanced skiers who love to carve long turns and go fast.
Review: Pros
- Exceptional performance in long turns
- Great edge grip and holds the line
- Outstanding stability
- Acceleration in the turn
Review: Cons
- A stiff ski that is more demanding in short turns
- Not very smooth in soft snow
- You need to be well-centered on the ski
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 11.8 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.2 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.2 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.3 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.8 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The main features of the Speed Charger from K2 are speed and unparalleled control. Its long turn radius is perfect for linking turns on groomers and hard pack. Its ultra-solid construction means you will be able to ski multiple runs at high speed season after season. Sold with the Marker MXCell 14 TCx D binding for maximum precision and ski-snow contact on a variety of groomed slopes.
Features of the Speed Charger
| Brand : | K2 |
| Model : | Speed Charger |
| Year : | 2019 |
| Family : | Carvers |
| Size tested : | 175 cm |
| Tip size : | 125 mm |
| Waist size : | 72 mm |
| Tail size : | 99 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | 18 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2018