It was clear from the outset which model we had to start our test report series with:
Yellow not mellow!
In this first review, we look at the AK Yellow Popart and AK Yellow Original models. Interestingly, apart from the color, there is no difference between these two variants. We will therefore simply refer to the Yellow in the following.
Brief profile of the Yellow: This ski is AK's flagship in the slalom segment. Equipped with the strongest Titanal plates, it offers impressive hardness and power. The Yellow is only available with the "Basetop" surface, which ensures its liveliness and direct response.
Technical data:
Lengths: 159cm, 165cm, 170cm & 176cm
Tailing: 124.5mm  /  69mm  / 108.5mm
Radius: 10.8m (159), 11.6m (165), 12.3m (170) & 13.2m (176)
It is particularly noteworthy that there is rarely a thoroughbred slalom ski in these lengths. The classic World Cup length is 165 cm, but AK also offers the Yellow in 170 cm and 176 cm, which opens up completely new skiing experiences.
Ride report
The Yellow is without doubt one of my absolute favorites. Its turning ability and liveliness are outstanding. The strong Titanal plates give it incredible tension and the turns literally fly around your ears. The tight radius allows the ski to be used to its full potential even in small spaces.
The ski reacts extremely directly and remains stable even at high speeds, which is where the BaseTop surface really comes into its own. My personal highlight is the Yellow with fresh race-edge edges on steep, hard slopes - this is where it shows its excellent edge grip.
It's no coincidence that AK describes the ski as follows: "If you have the legs for me, we'll cut ice." The Yellow is an absolute rocket! But it needs to be skied. Early in the morning on empty and freshly groomed slopes, the Yellow is almost unstoppable. However, its character makes it quite demanding. It is not designed for leisurely riding, but thanks to its construction and the focus on the most direct power transmission possible, the Yellow is designed for sporty riding.
My personal recommendation:
The Yellow is the ideal companion for a sporty skier. Thanks to its stability, the Yellow can be skied very directly and is incredibly stable in the snow at all times. The tight radius combined with the hardness allows for versatile skiing - high speed as well as tight turns - preferably tight turns at high speed.
I (approx. 180cm tall) have already skied the Yellow in all lengths. 159cm is suitable for shorter people or absolute carvers who can't make enough turns. 165cm is the classic slalom ski length and probably familiar to many. This length always works. For those who like to experiment, however, I recommend the 170cm and 176cm lengths. A slalom ski in these lengths will be an absolute rocket! Okey 176cm is perhaps not the everyday ski for me (180cm) either, but the turns that can be made with these ski lengths, combined with the stability and edge grip, are unique. To this day, I'm always surprised at how hard this ski can be pushed and how much it gives back.
AK Ski Yellow - an absolute recommendation!
