We stock the 174cm model only.
There are a lot of great skis that are labeled backcountry skis, but they tend to fall into several distinct categories. Either they are full on downhill skis to be used with skins and big boot/binding systems, or they are more from the nordic end of the spectrum. XCD skis were light and excellent for touring in moderate terrain, but tended to fall short when the downhills get more challenging. and the snow got deeper. The Kōm is to be free of these constraints, and has incorporated a lot of features that are very specific to skiing in the backcountry. Many of these stray from the norm and make the Kōm a very unique ski.
Notable features in the Kōm –
There is tall tip on the Kōm, out of fashion these days, but very useful in breaking trail.
The ski shape is designed to slightly forward mount the binding (from the current norm in skis), making a more balanced ski and – along with reduced sidecut in the tip – avoiding the “Body Builder” shape skis have been trending towards – lots of girth and heft in the tip and a skinny little tail. This creates the dreaded pintail effect when touring in deep snow, a nice floaty tip and a tail that sinks deep, leaving the skier chronically climbing steeper then the actual slope.
The edges do not wrap around tip and tail which (combined with our more forward mounting recommendation) give the Kōms an excellent swing weight for turning as well as maneuvers like kick turns.
The nowax base is grippier then most nowax skis, making it a bit slower on a groomed trail, but very functional in the backcountry and climbing in soft snow.
The reduced sidecut in the tip makes for a more predictable and stable ski when crusty or thick snow becomes less then friendly.
The Kōms are comfortable with either telemark or parallel turns.
The Kōm is light and supple, with dimensions that make it very skiable with two buckle plastic boots and even sturdy leather. This keeps the system light and flexible for more adventurous touring.
Our focus has always been the backcountry, and the Kōm is designed for skiers looking for a versatile ski that will rise to the challenge of all terrain. It is the next step from the Hok in terms of skiability and more traditional backcountry or XCD style touring.
– Base – positive grip nowax base
– Slightly rockered tip as well as early taper
– Wood core.
– Binding retention plate – no inserts.
You can look at more detailed Kōm information (including mounting information) here KŌM SKI INFORMATION
Made in China