I've owned both iterations of the Wayback 106 and have used this most current model for two seasons. Between the two, I have much preferred the newer model. The mount point was moved up about 2cm, and the rocker lines are a smidge longer. This results in a noticeably more maneuverable and slippery feel in tight terrain (which I appreciate) while still providing an effective platform to stand on. The more forward mounting point (relative to the older model) has been very appreciated on "luge" out tracks, as there is less tip to swing around fast and icy corners.
For most backcountry skiing, I have really enjoyed this ski. It is quite fun to ski in good conditions (as are most skis) and less terrible than most other skis in truly abhorrent conditions. Breakable crust still sucks, but you can navigate it slowly and predictably back to the car. Sastrugi still feels teeth rattling, but less so than other skis I've tried. it's light enough to carry around on big days, but not so light that it doesn't handle itself well. For pure backcountry conditions, this ski is a true quiver killer.
While my view of the ski is largely very positive, there are some areas where it doesn't shine. During post season resort laps on refrozen chunky groomers, the ski has a moderately low speed limit and lacks "pop" and "energy." I think these detractions are what makes it such a predictable backcountry ski, so its worth the tradeoff in my opinion.
Overall, I am a huge fan of what K2 accomplished with this ski. It is versatile, light enough, and durable. If I had to only own one pair of (backcountry) skis, this would be it.
K2 Wayback 106 Ski
Proudly tracing its lineage to the legendary Coomback (and, therefore, Doug Coombs), the original K2 Wayback 106 garnered acclaim from many skiers impressed by its versatility across a broad swath of terrain and conditions. Newly revamped for 2024, K2 has made a backcountry masterpiece that should appeal to an even broader swath of the backcountry community. With low-slung yet long rocker lines in the tip and tail, combined with a "just right" flex, moderately long radius, and slight camber underfoot, this ski is superbly predictable, easy to pivot, and has a huge sweet spot, allowing you to either drive the tips or ski from a centered and neutral stance. A selectively milled titanal laminate found underfoot vigorously increases binding retention while providing dampening across variable snow conditions. With this latest iteration of its flagship touring ski, K2 has made the Wayback 106 a real winner that excels from mid-winter powder dumps to springtime missions far from the trailhead.
- Titanal Touring Tech dampens not-so-good snow while keeping the bindings securely attached to the ski.
- Bio-Resign is more environmentally friendly while providing a consistent and energetic flex.
- Carbon Overdrive is a proprietary construction that delivers exceptionally high performance without adding unnecessary weight.
- Snowphobic Topsheet helps resist snow build-up in deep conditions, so you don't lug it uphill.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 165, 172, 179, 186 |
|
Weight |
1370g [172] 1430g [179] 1510g [186] |
| Weight (pair) | 2740g [172] 2860g [179] 3020g [186] |
|
|
132-106-121 |
|
Turn |
20.3m [172] 22.3m [179] 24.3m [186] |
|
Skin |
Z-Clip tip and tail holes, flat notched tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
All Terrain Rocker, camber underfoot |
|
|
Round tip and friendly, medium-long radius |
|
|
Titanal Touring Tech |
|
|
Paulownia |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everything, everywhere, all at once |
| Notes | Snophobic topsheet repels snow |
| Bottom Line | Versatility at its best |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
3/7/2025
Brett S
(downright abused product)
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