2012-2013 K2 Pettitor — 189cm (147-120-141)
There are three reasons why we decided to take Sean Pettit’s new pro model down to Las Leñas with us.
(1) It’s Sean Pettit’s first pro model.
(2) See #1.
(3) On our ski review trip to Japan last February, we arrived at the same time that Sean and the Matchstick Productions crew were showing up to film. We ended up hanging out a good bit at the Black Diamond Lodge, and Sean wanted us to review his new ski, the Pettitor. In fact, he offered to loan us his own pair. “Tell me what I messed up,” he said.
While we have no reason to assume that he messed up anything, Sean happens to ski the 179cm length of the Pettitor, and our crew in Japan was better suited for the 189cm model.
So yeah, one of the best skiers in the world generously offers to loan us his own new pro model and…we turn him down. Because we thought the slightly longer model would allow for a more accurate review.
Truly, we are either the stupidest people on earth, or just some seriously particular reviewers.
(It’s probably a bit of both.)
The thing about the Pettitor is that it’s definitely a bit of a mystery. K2 didn’t create this ski to fill some gap in their lineup; they made this ski for one of their team riders who happens to ski like a maniac. So who the hell knows what we ought to expect?
It’s easy to wonder whether the Pettitor is sort of like the OG Hellbent, or whether it’s more of a new, switch-friendly Obsethed. Then again, neither of those skis may provide a very helpful point of reference.
K2 says that the Pettitor is the stiffest ski in their Factory Team lineup. Most of that stiffness lies underfoot—where there is also a serious (but short) amount of traditional camber.
The Pettitor’s significantly rockered tip and tail have a softer flex, and those rocker lines run deep into the ski, creating a short effective edge for maneuverability in tight spots. (But how much do we need to worry about a loss of stability in open spots?)
To recap: lots of tip and tail rocker, lots of camber underfoot, short effective edge, reportedly stiff, nearly symmetrical….
Obviously, this combination has been working just fine for Sean. But we can’t wait to see how the Pettitor performs for those who don’t ski quite like him—which is to say, everybody else on the planet.
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My buddy is thinking about getting the K2 Petittor, I’m currently skiing the Rossi Squad 7′s (awesome skis btw). Although the underfoot is much stiffer, when I hand flexed it in the shop it really felt super soft because of the mega soft ends. There’s very little information or reviews about that ski, but based on almost absolutely nothing ;) I think the Petittor might be one of the most playful and fun skis in virgin powder, with the big downside of bad chop and slope performance and especially bad performance on icy, steep, technical routes. Thats where i suspect tose tips and tails to be flapping like crazy!
But this is just speculation, and I might be completely wrong. So please can anybody with some experience or who knows somebody with experience with these skies give some information?!?!!
That would be very helpful!
Thanks,
Kevin
Why did you never review this ski?