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Gear

K2 Merlin VI

Gear

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K2 Merlin VI

Skier type

Race, All-Mountain Expert

Dimensions

98-63-84

Lengths

183-198 cm

Price

$780

Yes, the K2 Merlin VI has already been around for a year. But it seems to be improving as we age. Able to jump into a racecourse or a mogul field with equal ease, the Merlin VI benefits from its electronic dampening (for calm at high speeds) and its triaxially braided wood core (for twist-resistance and liveliness). High- and low-speed turns are equally thrilling, whether you’re pushy or subtle. So whippet-light skiers such as Amy Livran and run-with-the-bulls guys like Felix McGrath both loved the ski’s ability to grip hard snow. It is possibly the most versatile high-end ski ever made.

Behind the Scenes of Our 2023 SKI Test

Testing skis and winter gear is hard work (just ask our boot testers)—but someone's gotta do it.