Wayback 98 Men's 25/26
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When the mountains call, the Wayback 98 answers with confidence. Designed for the adventurer who demands performance on both the climb and the descent, this all-new version is the most versatile member of K2’s legendary Wayback family. At 98mm underfoot, it’s nimble enough for spring corn missions yet burly enough to handle midwinter powder and unpredictable alpine conditions.
Equipped with Titanal Touring Technology, the Wayback 98 is engineered for skiers who know the real reward of a tour is the ride back down. By strategically integrating Titanal laminates, K2 delivers downhill stability and edge grip without sacrificing uphill efficiency. Paired with the All-Terrain Rocker, featuring a gradual rise in the tip and a subtle tail lift, these skis stay composed in crust, slush, and everything in between.
The Paulownia wood core keeps things featherlight while maintaining snap and strength, and Bio-Resin ensures reliable flex and energy across temperature swings from summit to base. This is a touring ski that doesn’t compromise — efficient on the ascent, confident in the fall line, and built for those who chase lines most will never see.
Features
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Titanal Touring Technology: Engineered for serious descents. Titanal laminates deliver powerful edge hold and downhill stability with minimal weight penalty.
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All-Terrain Rocker™: Gradual tip rise and short, low tail rise for superior versatility in varied snow and steep terrain.
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Paulownia Core: Ultra-light, resilient wood that balances uphill efficiency with downhill performance.
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Bio-Resin: Eco-conscious construction providing consistent flex and energy, no matter the temperature.
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Tour-Ready Design: Built for long approaches, technical ascents, and committed backcountry lines.
Specifications
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Category: Touring
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Ability Level: Advanced – Expert
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Core: Paulownia Wood
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Construction: Titanal Touring Tech
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Dimensions: 126 / 98 / 114
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Radius: 22.1m @ 179cm
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Weight: 1,390g @ 179cm
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Best For: Touring / Backcountry Exploration
This guide is for alpine (downhill) skis. Ski length depends on your height, your ability, and how you like to ski. Use this chart as a starting point, then talk to us about the ski itself: rocker, width, and turn shape all change how long a ski feels.
Recommended Alpine Length (cm)
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" / 147 | 120–130 | 130–140 | 140–150 | 145–155 |
| 5'0" / 152 | 125–135 | 135–145 | 145–155 | 150–160 |
| 5'2" / 157 | 130–140 | 140–150 | 150–160 | 155–165 |
| 5'4" / 163 | 135–145 | 145–155 | 155–165 | 160–170 |
| 5'6" / 168 | 140–150 | 150–160 | 160–170 | 165–175 |
| 5'8" / 173 | 145–155 | 155–165 | 165–175 | 170–180 |
| 5'10" / 178 | 150–160 | 160–170 | 170–180 | 175–185 |
| 6'0" / 183 | 155–165 | 165–175 | 175–185 | 180–190 |
| 6'2" / 188 | 160–170 | 170–180 | 180–190 | 185–192 |
| 6'4" / 193 | 165–175 | 175–185 | 185–192 | 190–192 |
Quick Rule
- Beginner: ski tip around your chin. Shorter skis turn easily.
- Intermediate: tip between your nose and forehead.
- Advanced: tip around the top of your head, for stability at speed.
- Expert: about 5cm longer than advanced, for hard charging and big-mountain terrain.
Adjust For
- Go longer: heavier build, fast skiing, deep snow, lots of tip rocker.
- Go shorter: lighter build, tight trees and moguls, uphill touring.
- Telemark: if you want a ski for tele, we recommend going down about 10cm from the length you normally like.
Not sure? Call us at (802) 253-4531 or stop in. Want to try before you buy? Demo a ski and we deduct the rental from the purchase.