Black Diamond developed the Kilowatt Ski around a simple premise—make a ski that floats in the powder, turns easily in a tight couloir, and feels stable on hardpack. Starting with a CNC-machined wood core, Black Diamond gave the Kilowatt Ski a torsion box wrap to allow smooth tip-to-tail flex while maintaining torsional rigidity for edge control. A wide 95mm waist gives you tons of float in the freshies, while the 22.5m sidecut (175cm length ski) allows easy turn initiation in tight places. Powder Magazine editors were so impressed with this ski that they gave it their Skier's Choice Award. Mount the Kilowatt Ski with telemark or alpine touring bindings, and see how effortless backcountry powder days can be.
Bottom Line: Ride with less effort and more control on your next backcountry powder day with the Kilowatt.
I have had this ski since they came out, it is my backcountry ski, i have a pair of BD 01's mounted on them. They are good in trees, groomers and crud. They are adequate in Utah powder, but not great. Great quiver of one ski. The ski is moderately stiff and has a good flex. They are easy to turn. My set up is kilowatts 185, BD 01's freeflex(midstiff would be a better choice for this ski, BD glidelite STS skins. If you need a good backcountry ski, this a good option, just don't expect great float in deep powder.
This is my preferred choice for an all mountain/condition ski. Its phat enough to rip pow but it stiff with nice camber and side cut for the crud runs, groomers, and moguls. Unless its deep I compete on this ski, and I have also skied off Denali with it. Highly recommended if its your only ski!
I ski the chugach mountains here in AK and I have Kilowatts in 185, I am 5'10 and 189 lbs. This ski holds on icy conditions, works great in powder, mixed crud is always tough but I go through it as well as with any ski I have ever skied, this is a GREAT all around ski. The only issue I have is new the tails edges stick (extra last grab) when coming out of a turn and keep cutting. Detuning the edges at the tails even by a half degree solves this, and makes these skis the best overall ski money can buy. If I was looking for a single all around ski, this is it!
