By Liam Anderson
K2 Wayback 98 mens
Overview
The Wayback 98 (Men's) is a versatile touring ski that aims to bridge efficient uphill performance with confident downhill capabilities. With a 98 mm waist and an All‑Terrain Rocker profile, it feels at home on firm groomers, tracked-out snow and moderate powder. The design targets day-long backcountry missions and all‑mountain touring for advanced riders who want a single quiver tool: light enough to skin comfortably yet built with enough substance to hold an edge and stay stable when the speed rises.
Construction and specs explained
Inside the construction you’ll find a Paulownia Tour Lite wood core paired with Titanal laminates and carbon/fiberglass reinforcements. Paulownia keeps weight down while preserving lively flex; Titanal adds damping and edge grip for higher-speed confidence and chop absorption. The All‑Terrain Rocker (progressive tip rise, short low tail rise) helps with turn initiation and flotation without making the ski sluggish on-edge. The 126‑98‑114 geometry affects flotation and turn behaviour: wider tip and tail help in soft snow while the 98 mm waist balances maneuverability and surface area.
On‑snow performance
On-snow the ski feels composed and reassuring — the metal and layup reduce chatter and let you drive carved turns with solid feedback. Turn radius changes by length: shorter lengths are snappier, longer sizes track and settle at speed. The rocker profile adds forgiveness in variable snow and makes the ski more playful in softer spots, yet the 98 mm waist remains a middle-ground: not an all-out powder paddle but a very capable do-it-all touring ski that trades some nimbleness for downhill composure.
Uphill / touring and weight
Uphill performance is good for a downhill‑oriented touring ski. Reported weights range roughly from 1,260 g (shorter lengths) to about 1,390 g (longer lengths) per ski depending on source and length — a reminder to confirm whether a retailer lists grams per ski or per pair. That weight places the Wayback 98 in the light-to-midweight touring bracket: noticeably lighter than full‑metal alpine skis but heavier than pure backcountry race setups. Precut skins and binding compatibility make it a practical choice for long days without sacrificing downhill performance.
Who it's for — comparisons and drawbacks
Who should buy this ski? Advanced to expert touring skiers who want one versatile ski for long days, mixed snow and variable lines will appreciate the Wayback 98. Compared with other ~98–100 mm touring skis it stands out for its metal damping and downhill stability, while pure carbon lightweights will still beat it on fast, uphill‑focused missions. Potential drawbacks: a touch more weight for ultra-long, light‑ski missions and slightly less agility in very tight trees or quick, playful laps.
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