A Breakdown Of How The K2 Medium Rides And Who Its For Review by The Good Ride

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How This K2 Medium Review Happened: I borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back.
Size: 157
Days: 3
Conditions: Varied but mostly soft spring conditions
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs), Davey (Size 12, 240lbs, 6’4”)
Boots: Ride Torrent, Ride Fuse, Rome Bodega
Insoles: F.I.T. Gamechangers
Bindings: Union Atlas, Rome Vice
Redundancy: Strapins in case boots or bindings break.
Jacket: Jones Mtn Surf Anorak, Jones Shralpinist Stretch Jacket
Pant: Jones Mountain Surf Bib, Jones Shralpinist Stretch Bib,  Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant,
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove

Similar Boards We Like (but not the same): Never Summer Protosynthesis, Stone Message, Marhar Darkside, Signal Park, K2 Hypnotist

James’s Set Up: 21.5” Wide. Sance Angles +15/-15. Close to Reference and Centered on board.

Approximate Weight

The K2 Medium felt on the heavy side of normal but nothing super heavy. (We don’t put in the exact weight because with wood cores, there is no consistency in a board weight)

Sizing

The 157 K2 Medium was a great size for an mtn freestyle ride for my specs. I could ride a 155, too, if I wanted something a little more park-focused, but it would still be good on the mountain.

Here are some ideal US boot sizes for these boards. You can of course go bigger or smaller depending on your riding style and boot’s footprint, but these work best for not turning the board slower than it should be and not having the dreaded Toe & Heel Drag.
149: 6-7
152: 7-8
155: 8-9
157: 8.5-9.5
159: 9-10
154w: 10-10.5
158w: 10.5-11.5
160w: 11-12

For weight you can for sure go over the recommended weight. K2 say’s + at the end of each suggested weight for a reason. This is a good board for heavier riders.

Shape

The K2 Medium is a true twin. You ride this centered and duck.

Camber/On Snow Feel/Ability Level

The K2 Medium is almost full camber and feels more on the technical side compared to most mtn freestyle boards out there, but it a lot more mellow than the Hypnotist.

Flex Personality

The K2 Medium is like its name when it comes to flex. I could butter it up, and it was easier for average riders like me to access the pop than the Hypnotist. It’s damp but not dead.

Uneven Snow

I was super impressed with the dampness of the K2 Medium and it handles hard and soft uneven snow super well. Especially for a twin. This is great for those that ride all day on the weekend.

Edge Hold

The K2 Medium isn’t super grippy but competent for a board without any real disruption in the sidecut.

Speed

The K2 Medium isn’t as powerful for going big as the Hypnotist, but it’s great for matching its name when pointing it. You can still straight-line into any size kicker in the park.

Base Glide

K2’s bases aren’t that fast these days. Only a few boards have faster bases.

Turning Experience/Carving

The K2 Medium is medium quick and will go where you want it when you want it.

When I got it on edge, It had a pretty balanced turning experience and a good feel carving.

Powder

These kinds of boards just aren’t for me in pow. I cartwheeled enough in the 90s and 00s.

Switch/Freestyle/Park

The Medium is great for kickers and pretty good for pipe, too. It’s better than the Hypnotist for jibs but isn’t ideal compared to some boards.

Final Thoughts

Other than the slow base, the K2 Medium is a great choice for those who want a damp all-day mtn freestyle twin.