Last tested
2024
Status:ongoing|Restyling
2025

Wayback 98 W

The most versatile women's ski in the Wayback collection. Narrow enough for a spring outing, wide enough to take on all kinds of conditions.
In brief
Suitable for
high speeds, technical terrain
Not suitable for
speed-shy skiers
Also suitable for
charging steep slopes
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  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • Gallery
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

Buyer’s Guide reviews

Positioning
Handling
New school ski-tourer
Suggested curve arc
Long radius
Used by
Krystin Norman
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On-snow performance
Hard / packed
Powder
Wind-blown / crust
Damp / wet
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The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
Trip purpose
Height difference / Engagement
Performance / Line
Skiing / Slope
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Recommended use
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Recommended level
Technical Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
High level
Weight
lightmedianheavy
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In words

Intro
K2's Wayback collection enjoys legendary status in today's skimo scene. They're basically skis designed by mountain guides with their clients needs in mind. As well as their own. Skis for the backcountry, from one-day missions to committing lines and haute routes. With an underfoot width of 98 mm, this is probably the most versatile model in the range; its All-Terrain Rocker lets you charge even in the most challenging snow conditions. All Wayback skis feature the brand's trademark Titanal Touring Technology, reconfirming (if you were in any doubt), their focus on the downhill. An energetic ski for skiers who aren't intimidated by fast descents.
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On the snow
As far as first impressions go, this is one gnarly ski. One that needs driving but can offer some epic descents if you know how to tame it. Turn initiation is immediate and smooth, but continuity has to be sought, paying attention to weight distribution. The gradual rise of the rocker, together with the tapered tail, allows for excellent handling as long as you can stay firmly over the ski, no distractions allowed. The paulownia core with Titanal laminates and bio resin makes the construction incredibly responsive and stable. In ascent it's agile, user-friendly, as well as being impressively light for a ski of this width. It has your back on challenging terrain, committing lines and steep couloirs, and is proof of K2's commitment to fun in their latest generation of freeride skis.
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Lab
Concave at the tip and tail, not totally fixed after 10 runs through the machine. No structure, just sanded and waxed. Good edges 1.8 x 1.7 mm at 88.7°, base edge 1.2°. The flatness of the base and sharpness of the edges need work. Protruding sidewall needs removing. Tuning required.
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Technical specifications

Construction
cap-sidewall
Materials
paulownia, titanal, bio-resina
Base
sintered polyethylene
Available sizes
151, 158, 165, 172
Released in
2023
Made in
China
Price
700 €
Declared specsMeasured by us
We measured the length 172 to get all the details
172 cm
Length
XXXXX
126 cm
Tip width
XXXXX
114 cm
Tail width
XXXXX
98 cm
Waist width
XXXXX
N/A
Edge contact
XXXXX
N/A
Camber
XXXXX
N/A
Tip rocker
XXXXX
N/A
Tail rocker
XXXXX
1.260 g
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Left weight
XXXXX
N/A
Right weight
XXXXX
20,2 m
Sidecut radius
XXXXX
N/A
Load-bearing surface
XXXXX
N/A
Tip torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Center torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Tail torsion
XXXXX
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