REASONS TO BUY
Accessible to intermediates
Very affordable
Easy in the bumps
REASONS TO AVOID
Average across the board
Not enough power for experts
Head Kore 93 TI W Review
Affordable and accessible, this ski is easy to handle but delivers only average performance across the board
For frontside carvers looking to explore a bit off-piste, the Head Kore 93 Ti W is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers looking to push their growth edge.
Credit: Marc Rotse
By Renee McCormack ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 14, 2025
RELATED: The Best All-Mountain Skis for Women
Our Verdict
The Head Kore 93 Ti W earns our praise for being one of the most accessible and affordable skis in our test, making it a smart pick for intermediates who want a lighter, easier ride. Its strengths lie in groomers, bumps, and shallow light powder, where it feels quick, fun, and forgiving. However, it's less convincing at speed, in crud, or in deeper snow, where its softer flex and limited stability become apparent. It is a little too soft to feel strong at high speeds and in chunky snow, and doesn't quite have the flotation for more than several inches of powder. For intermediate skiers who prioritize versatility, it's a well-rounded all-mountain ski, but experts will find it underpowered.
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 This Product
Head Kore 93 TI W | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best All Mountain Ski for Women (under 100 mm) | Best All Mountain Ski for Women (over 100 mm) |  Most Playful All-Mountain Ski for Women |  Our Choice for Intermediates | |
| Price | $699 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $800 List Check Price at REI | $899 List Check Price at Backcountry | $800 List Check Price at REI | $750 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Affordable and accessible, this ski is easy to handle but delivers only average performance across the board | A true all-mountain powerhouse, this ski transitions seamlessly between all types of snow conditions, terrain, and turn shapes | An excellent choice for any skier looking for a one-ski quiver, especially if you spend more time in soft snow | A polished, versatile all-mountain ski that is exceptionally fun for any level skier | A playful, confidence-building ski best for intermediates to advanced skiers who prioritize fun and versatility over high-speed stability |
| Rating Categories | Head Kore 93 TI W | Nordica Santa Ana 97 | blackcrows Atris Birdie | Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Elan Ripstick 94 W |
| Stability at Speed (20%) | |||||
| Carving Ability (20%) | |||||
| Powder Performance (20%) | |||||
| Crud Performance (20%) | |||||
| Terrain Playfulness (15%) | |||||
| Bumps (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Head Kore 93 TI W | Nordica Santa Ana 97 | blackcrows Atris Birdie | Blizzard Black Pearl 94 | Elan Ripstick 94 W |
| Length Tested | 170 cm | 173 cm | 172 cm | 170 cm | 175 cm |
| Waist Width | 93 mm | 97 mm | 105 mm | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) | 130-93-113 mm | 129-97-117 mm | 134-105-122 mm | 132.5-94-114.5 mm | 129-94-109 mm |
| Turn Radius | 14.7 m | 17.5 m | 19 m | 15.5 m | 16.8 m |
| Available Lengths | 149, 156, 163, 170 cm | 150, 155, 161, 167, 173, 179 cm | 166, 172, 178 cm | 152, 158, 164, 170, 176 cm | 147, 154, 161, 168, 175 cm |
| Camber Profile | 11mm traditional camber underfoot | Rocker tip, camber underfoot, mild tail rocker | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Rocker tip and tail, camber underfoot | Amphibio Rocker tip, camber underfoot, tail rocker |
| Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair | 7.5 lbs | 8.8 lbs | 7.8 lbs | 8.1 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Core Material | Poplar and PET, titanal | Performance wood, terrain-specific metal, Pulse Core | Poplar and fiberglass | TrueBlend All Mountain Woodcore (beech and poplar), titinal | TubeLite Woodcore with carbon tubes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Head claims that the two titanal layers combined with a PET wood core create a “women-specific” flex profile – our testers felt like the Kore 93 Ti W is a lightweight ski that flexes easily and feels springy underfoot. Although it doesn't excel in any particular metric, the reasonable price tag attached to the versatile Kore 93 Ti W makes it a very attractive first-ski purchase.
Performance Comparison
A forgiving and easy ski in moderate conditions, the Kore 93 Ti W could be a great first-time purchase for intermediate to advanced skiers, but it will feel underpowered for many experts. Credit: Renee McCormack
Stability at Speed
At moderate speeds, the Kore 93 Ti W feels smooth, predictable, and confidence-inspiring. These attributes make it an excellent choice for intermediate skiers who prefer not to exert too much effort to stay in control. Its soft tips and forgiving flex make it easy to initiate turns, but these same traits limit its performance when pushed harder.
Solid at moderate speeds, this ski is a decent choice for frontside carvers. Credit: Marc Rotse
At higher speeds, especially on firmer snow, the tips start to flap and lose composure. The Kore 93 Ti W is clearly less stable than the stiffer, more aggressive skis we tested – our expert testers wished this ski had a bit more spine. But for skiers who value comfort over hard-charging power, it performs well enough.
Easy to flex and well suited for shorter radius turns, the Kore 93 Ti W makes carving accessible for novices. Credit: Marc Rotse
Carving Ability
At 93 millimeters underfoot, the Kore 93 Ti W impressed testers with its nimbleness and ease on groomers, handling shorter-radius turns with surprising quickness and fluidity. Our testers agreed that the radius feels accurate at 15 meters. (The listed radius is more specifically 14.7 meters.) Edge hold is decent on softer groomers, and the ski offers smooth engagement that makes carving feel fun and accessible, particularly for developing skiers.
This ski is quick to tip up on edge, and smoothly flows through a turn thanks to a more traditional sidecut. Credit: Marc Rotse
That said, several testers noticed a slightly “catchy” sensation from edge to edge, and that the ski lacked the precision and grip needed for fast, dynamic carving on firmer snow. While it won't deliver the locked-in feeling most experts demand, it offers an enjoyable ride for intermediate skiers looking for an easy-going ski for carving at moderate speeds.
The Kore 93 Ti W carves confidently at moderate speeds, and especially so in relatively soft snow conditions. Credit: Renee McCormack
Powder Performance
The Kore 93 Ti W feels buoyant and confidence-inspiring in a few inches of fresh snow. Its lightweight and playful flex make it fun for skiing mellow trees. But its relatively narrow waist and limited rocker profile reveal their shortcomings in deeper or denser snow. When the snow stacked up or the powder was anything other than blower, the tips tended to dive quickly. It's capable enough for exploring a bit off-piste, but keep it out of the deep end.
If you're just dipping your toes into fresh snow, this ski is a suitable option. Credit: Marc Rotse
Crud Performance
Crud and chopped-up snow exposed some of the Kore 93 Ti W's biggest weaknesses. While its soft, forgiving flex makes it approachable in slushier, smoother conditions, it lacks the dampness and stiffness required to stay composed when things get really rough. In denser, variable snow, it bounces around easily, deflects off chunks, and struggles to maintain a smooth, predictable ride.
Our tester shows here how nimbly the Kore 93 Ti W can move from edge to edge. But as she reaches higher speeds towards the end of the run, you can see the ski chatter a bit in the bumpy snow. Credit: Renee McCormack
Our testers agreed that it doesn't slice through crud with power, nor does it have the dampness to float over it. For skiers who rarely venture out in less-than-ideal conditions, this may not matter much. But for dedicated skiers who chase storms – and stay to ski the inevitable post-storm chunder – these limitations will be obvious.
Too soft to blast through the chunks, and not damp enough to surf on top. Folks who spend a lot of time off-piste will likely want a different ski. Credit: Marc Rotse
Terrain Playfulness
One of the Kore 93 Ti W's biggest strengths is its light, lively feel, which makes skiing easy and fun. It pops from turn to turn with decent rebound, feels agile in tight terrain, and is forgiving enough for intermediates to experiment off-piste without much penalty. Our testers found the Kore 93 Ti W to be the most enjoyable when they skied with a more playful and creative style. While expert skiers may find it lacking in precision and stability, its personality is geared toward skiers who value agility, responsiveness, and approachability. The Kore delivers consistent fun without demanding much in return, a trait that stands out in this category.
Lightweight and agile, the Kore 93 Ti W has a poppy personality.
Bumps
Intermediates will likely find the Kore 93 Ti W to be a confidence-boosting mogul ski. Its softer flex allows it to bend and absorb bumps smoothly, while its quick, nimble feel helps it pivot easily through tighter lines. Testers noted that it requires some athleticism to stay centered, as the ski can fold a bit between bumps, but overall it felt forgiving rather than laborious. While not built as a specialist bump ski, its accessibility and agility make it one of the more enjoyable skis for intermediates to take into their first mogul fields, especially compared to stiffer or heavier competitors.
This is a great introductory ski for exploring mellow moguls. Credit: Marc Rotse
Should You Buy the Head Kore 93 Ti W?
The Kore 93 Ti W is a strong option for intermediate skiers who want an affordable, friendly ski that feels easy to handle across groomers, light powder, and even bumps. Its forgiving flex, nimble character, and smooth turn initiation make it a confidence-builder for those still refining their technique. That said, it's not designed for skiers who like to charge hard off-piste or carve aggressively at high speeds – there are burlier options better suited for that.
What Other Women's All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?
If you can stretch your budget a little, it's worth comparing the Kore 93 Ti W against the Elan Ripstick 94 W, our top choice for intermediates. The Blizzard Black Pearl 94 is similarly accessible, but more versatile and a bit more fun than either of these skis. For expert skiers willing to put in a bit more effort, the Nordica Santa Ana 97 and Black Crows Atris Birdie will reward you with greater stability and power off-piste.
—Renee McCormack
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