K2 Wayback 96 review 2020
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Well known to the Proskilab reviewers, the Wayback 96 at K2 remains at the best level and is confirmed as a reference in the market.
The ski was unanimously appreciated for its accessibility. "Easy to handle", the Wayback 96 is particularly docile on all types of terrain and "turns in all conditions". It is also a ski on which you can enjoy yourself quickly and easily without having to deploy a monumental technique.
It is also a ski that is gripping, responsive, playful, and that has character.
It is a light ski on the shoulder (1.4 kg ski alone). This feeling of lightness is also present underfoot and contributes to the fun had.
The general accessibility of the ski and its playful side make it a source of a lot of sensations.
On the other hand, it is "less calm" at high speed while "remaining correct".
The Wayback 96 from K2 offers a very interesting weight/accessibility/pleasure compromise and will suit a very wide segment of the market. We recommend it especially to freeride touring skiers who want to expand their playing area and to classic backcountry skiers who want a solid ski downhill. It is also a very active ski that will allow beginners to progress in backcountry or off-piste.
Review: Pros
- Light, easy, fluid ski
- Versatility
- Quite a lively and fun ski
- Pivots well
- Transition to choppy snow
- Comfort
- Progressive ski with a wide margin for technical progress
- Generally pleasant
Review: Cons
- Ski limited at high speeds
The ski review scores
Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.5 |
Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 18.0 |
Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.2 |
All-terrain comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The Wayback 96 is characterised by its regularity and high level of performance. It provides Alpine sensations in an ultra-light chassis: if you need only one pair of backcountry skis to do well in all conditions, this is the one.
Features of the Wayback 96
Brand : | K2 |
Model : | Wayback 96 |
Year : | 2020 |
Family : | Freeride touring |
Size tested : | 177 cm |
Tip size : | 128 mm |
Waist size : | 96 mm |
Tail size : | 115 mm |
Radius for the size reviewed : | 22 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2019