Wayback 98 Men's 26/27
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The K2 Wayback 98 is K2's any-day, any-conditions touring ski. It measures 126-98-114 with a 22.1 m radius at 179 cm and weighs 1390 g at that length without a plate.
The Wayback is K2's touring line, built on a Paulownia Tour Light core with Titanal Touring Technology laminates for downhill stability and edge hold, a bio-based resin with 31 percent bio-based carbon content, and a Snophobic topsheet that resists snow buildup on the skin track.
The trade-off of a 98 mm touring ski is that it is a middle ground. It gives up a little float to the 106 and a little weight to narrower skimo skis, which is exactly why it works on so many different days.
It suits intermediate to expert backcountry skiers who want one touring ski for spring corn, midwinter powder and everything between. K2's All-Terrain Rocker blends gradual tip rocker with camber underfoot for turn initiation, float and edge hold.
For a single touring ski that handles whatever the day brings, the Wayback 98 is a superb choice and one we love to put on the skin track.
Tech Features
All-Terrain Rocker
Gradual tip rocker blended with camber underfoot for easy turn initiation, float and edge hold.
Paulownia Tour Light
An ultra-light paulownia core for uphill efficiency without giving up strength.
Titanal Touring Technology
Lightweight titanal laminates placed for downhill stability, dampness and edge hold.
Snophobic Topsheet
Resists snow buildup on the way up and down.
Biobased Resin
31% biobased carbon content, built to bond well in cold temperatures.
Complete Specs
| Length | Tip / Waist / Tail (mm) | Radius (m) | Weight per ski (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 179cm (reference) | 126 / 98 / 114 | 22.1 | 1390 |
Details
- Lengths: 165, 172, 179, 186cm
- Profile: All-Terrain Rocker
- Core: Paulownia Tour Light
- Ability: Intermediate to expert
- Best for: Touring
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.
