K2 WAYBACK 98 Ski Set + Bindings

The K2 WAYBACK 98 is designed for experienced skiers looking for a versatile touring ski that delivers on its promises both on the ascent and on the descent across a variety of terrains. With a 98 mm waist width, it occupies a central position in the freerando lineup, offering sufficient float for off-piste skiing without sacrificing climbing performance. This ski is designed for backcountry exploration on steep slopes and in variable snow conditions, where the balance between lightness and stability is most critical. Its construction combines a paulownia core with titanal and carbon reinforcements, delivering a balanced compromise between climbing efficiency and downhill stability.

A versatile touring ski that balances efficiency and downhill performance

The K2 WAYBACK 98 is designed for skiers who don’t want to choose between an efficient ascent and a challenging descent. Weighing 1,390 g per ski at 179 cm, it remains in a category that’s manageable on the ascent without falling into the realm of race-style ski mountaineering skis. This modest weight, made possible by the paulownia core, reduces the effort required on long ascents while maintaining enough mass to stabilize the ski on descents over hard or groomed snow. The design is clearly geared toward versatile ski touring, suited for backcountry excursions where snow conditions are never guaranteed.

Dimensions, Rocker, and On-Mountain Performance

The 126-98-114 mm dimensions feature a generous tip to facilitate turn initiation and navigation in deep snow, with a narrower tail that allows for a smooth turn exit. The 22.1-meter turning radius at 179 cm makes the WAYBACK 98 ideal for wide, controlled turns, suited to open slopes and wide couloirs. The All-Terrain Rocker profile, with a progressively raised tip and a short, low tail, improves float in fresh snow and reduces drag during the glide phase on the ascent. The classic camber underfoot maintains power transfer and edge grip on hard snow—a crucial factor for experienced skiers tackling technical slopes.

Construction: Paulownia, Titanal, and Carbon for Stability

The construction of the K2 WAYBACK 98 relies on several elements that work together to balance lightness and stiffness. Here are the key components and their specific roles:

• Paulownia core: a lightweight wood that reduces the ski’s overall weight while maintaining good responsiveness to pressure.
• Titanal Touring Technology (Ti Spyne): titanal reinforcement that provides longitudinal stiffness and improves stability at high speeds on the descent.
• Carbon Overdrive: Carbon reinforcements that increase responsiveness and power transfer without adding weight.
• Organic resin: a construction resin that helps reduce the ski’s overall weight.
• Snowphobic Topsheet: a treated topsheet designed to limit snow buildup on the ski during ascents—a useful feature in wet or sticky conditions.

Compatibility with skins and related equipment

The WAYBACK 98 featuresnotches at the tip and tail with a Skin Grommet and Z-Clip hole fastening system, which ensures reliable skin retention along the entire length of the ski, even on steep terrain or during traverses. A dedicated, pre-cut skin—the K2 Wayback 98 Skins—is available as an accessory: it is precisely sized for this model, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and ensuring optimal coverage of the base. The ski is compatible with touring-style insert or hybrid bindings, giving you the freedom to choose your setup based on your skiing style.

For an experienced skier looking for a ski capable of handling serious descents after long ascents, the K2 WAYBACK 98 offers a consistent balance between moderate weight, float in varied snow conditions, and edge stability. It is particularly well-suited for backcountry outings on mixed terrain, where versatility takes precedence over extreme specialization in one direction or another.