K2 Wayback 96 review 2018
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
The Wayback 96 from K2 is a Swiss knife that will wow riders who love to explore the virgin slopes. More of a ski touring than an All Mountain ski it’s a bit less playful on the trails, especially for carving/slicing clean arcs. In freeride, on the other hand, it performs extremely well. The ski is user-friendly and comfortable overall. The easy rotation, consistent skid turns and flotation in powder make the rider’s work a whole lot easier. The ski will go anywhere effortlessly, without deforming in tricky snow, and is extremely stable, even at high speed. Its reasonable weight also makes it easier to take uphill. The Wayback 96 is definitely an excellent ski touring choice.
Measured weight of the model reviewed (ski only): 1505 gr
Review: Pros
- Progressive flex
- Very accessible
- Very happy in skid turns
- Reassuring behavior on all terrains
- Easy rotation
- Comfortable
- Ski that instantly puts riders at ease
- Stable and reassuring, potential to go very fast
Review: Cons
- Carving/slicing arcs on the groomers
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.8 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.0 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.8 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.1 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.6 |
| Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.4 |
| Any ground comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The ideal blend for ski touring versatility, designed to glide in the same way both up and downhill
Features of the Wayback 96
| Brand : | K2 |
| Model : | Wayback 96 |
| Year : | 2018 |
| Family : | Freeride touring |
| Size tested : | 178 cm |
| Tip size : | 128 mm |
| Waist size : | 96 mm |
| Tail size : | 118 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2017