Head Kore 87 TiW Review: A Smooth, Versatile Women's All-Mountain Ski

Introduction

The Head Kore 87 TiW returns with the same structural build as the previous version and a fresh graphic treatment, including a mint and white colorway. Within the women’s Kore family it is the narrowest and the most carving oriented, which makes it a logical starting point for skiers who spend most of their time on groomed runs but still want a ski that can explore softer snow.

Compared with the wider Kore models, the 87 TiW uses a narrower waist along with less taper and less rocker. That combination points the ski toward on-trail precision rather than deep-snow float, and it shapes almost every other characteristic described below.

Who the Head Kore 87 TiW Is For

This is a ski for the skier who wants one pair that handles groomed runs well and does not fall apart when conditions get mixed. The narrower waist and reduced rocker make turn initiation quick and predictable on hardpack, while the supple flex keeps the ski manageable over a full day instead of demanding constant input.

It also suits skiers who like to experiment with turn shapes. Because the flex is on the forgiving side rather than very stiff, it can be bent and manipulated with less effort, which makes it intuitive for skiers moving up from a narrower carving ski or looking for an easygoing all-mountain option with real damping built in.

Construction and Damping

Head builds this ski around an IPET wood core. Poplar is a mid-density wood that contributes energy along with stability and power, while PET is a synthetic material that adds vibration damping while keeping weight down. Flax is used in the tip and tail, and a strip of graphene filters out unwanted vibration. Two sheets of titanal complete the picture.

The result is a ski that prioritizes a smooth, damp ride. There is a lot of vibration control layered into the construction, and it is paired with a flex pattern that stays forgiving rather than punishing.

Flex and Rocker Profile

The flex sits on the supple side. It is sturdy underfoot and softer in the tip and tail, with the tail only slightly stiffer than the tip, and it stays consistent from tip to tail. Underfoot is where you feel the most support.

In the tip there is a decent amount of rocker, which helps with turn initiation and adds versatility in soft snow, crud and trees. This ski carries the most camber of the women’s Kore models, a deliberate choice that loads energy back into a design with so much damping built in. The tail has a good amount of rocker as well, which allows the tail edge to release and adds maneuverability in softer snow.

Taper is modest in both the tip and the tail. There is enough of it to stay maneuverable in soft snow, but not so much that the ski gives up the precise feel and edge contact of a carved turn.

Turn Shape, Weight, and On-Snow Feel

In a 170 cm length the turn radius is 14.6 m and the ski weighs 1,734 g. That weight sits in the middle of the range: heavy enough to benefit from all that vibration damping, light enough to change direction quickly.

Because the flex is supple, the ski bends readily, so the turn radius can be tightened below the 14.6 m figure. The damping also provides enough confidence at speed to stretch turns longer than that, which means the ski does not lock you into a single turn shape.

On-snow impressions point to a ski that feels quick and swingy with grippy edges, and one that remains easy to ski even on the last run of the day. Torsional stiffness is built in throughout, supporting an exceptionally smooth and predictable carve, while the overall package keeps enough versatility to cover a wide range of terrain.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The 87 TiW is the most on-trail oriented ski in the women’s Kore line. If float in deep snow is the priority, the wider 93, 99 and 104 models are designed for that, and the narrower waist here will feel like a compromise in those conditions. Two sheets of titanal and a narrower platform point toward groomed runs and mixed snow first.

The structure is unchanged from the previous version, so skiers who already own it are looking at a graphic update rather than a new ride. The flex is supple rather than stiff, which helps maneuverability but will not appeal to anyone who wants a very demanding, hard-charging platform. At 1,734 g in the 170 cm length, it is neither ultralight nor heavy, so it does not win a pure weight contest in either direction.

Buying Advice

Consider the 87 TiW if you want a women’s all-mountain ski that carves smoothly, feels damp underfoot and stays manageable through a full day. Tip rocker and a supple flex make turns easy to start, while the camber and torsional stiffness keep edge grip honest when you lay the ski over.

Skiers who split their time between groomers and softer snow will get the most from it, especially if they enjoy experimenting with turn shapes rather than holding one radius all day. Anyone who rides mostly deep snow, or who prefers a stiff and aggressive platform, will likely be better served by a different model in the line.

Conclusion

The Head Kore 87 TiW is a smooth, damp and predictable ski that leans toward carving while keeping enough rocker and taper to stay versatile. Its supple, consistent flex makes it easy to handle, and the layered build keeps vibration in check without adding much weight. For a skier who wants one pair to cover groomed runs, mixed conditions and light off-trail exploring, it is a sensible and confidence-inspiring choice.