K2 Wayback 88 Ski
K2’s entrance into the lightweight touring market certainly caught our attention (they previously made heavier touring skis). The Wayback 88 is a top contender for the title of Quiver-of-One. Factor in price, and it's a sure-fire winner. It’ll float in powder and pop while slashing corn laps, yet still flaunt relentless grip and stability on firm snow when laying ‘em down. Usually when skis present such an impressive level of downhill performance, the last thing you feel like doing is hauling them uphill for another lap. The Wayback weight is low enough that at first glance one might expect an uphill-focused touring ski with mediocre handling. If weight is out of the equation and downhill performance was the sole focus, the K2 Wayback 88 would still be impressive. As it is, the combination of superb weight, construction, and outstanding ski performance is enough to win us over. Go ahead, try it.
- “Snophobic” Top Sheet isn’t a real word, but it sheds snow quickly.
- Carbon Overdrive is a super-secret carbon fiber layup for increased performance.
- Ti Spyne dampens the ski while increasing system stiffness.
- All-Terrain Rocker is K2’s trademark profile for float and easy turn initiation.
- Paulownia Tour Lite core is energetic and lightweight, perfect for a touring ski.
- Skin Grommets are quick tip-attachments for matching precut skins.
- Surprisingly low price for such a good ski.
Update 2020/21: The K2 Wayback 88 is coming back this season with a new topsheet, sure to make you look stylish and glide faster!
Specifications | |
Lengths (cm) | 160, 167, 174, 181 |
Weight |
1145g [160] 1220g [167] 1275g [174] 1360g [181] |
Weight (pair) | 2290g [160] 2440g [167] 2550g [174] 2720g [181] |
Dimensions
|
121-88-109 |
Turn Radius
|
16m [160] 18m [167] 20m [174] 21.5m [181] |
Skin Fix
|
Z-Clip tip and tail holes, flat notched tail |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
Profile
|
Mild rocker, camber underfoot |
Shape
|
Square-ish, tapered tip and friendly, medium radius. |
Construction
|
Titanal Ti-Spyne laminate with abs sidewall construction, and full metal edges. |
Core
|
Paulownia |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Going anywhere and skiing anything in all but the deepest conditions. |
Notes | Very nice lengths available. |
Bottom Line | Supreme ski at a great price. |
Compare to other Mid-fat Skis |
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Questions & Reviews
I'm an 60 yr old experienced intermediate telemark skier, 74 kg, 179 cm, looking for a ski for longer tours that can handle both powder and windblown conditions. Would the Wayback 88 in 174 cm be suitable? Also wondering about the Salomon Mtn Explore 88 in 169 cm (too short?) or 177.
The Wayback 88 will handle itself very well in all but the deepest powder. The slightly wider tip on the MTN Explore 88 will help with float, but for crudbusting and confident edge hold I will give the nod to the Wayback 88. If you do go for the MTN Explore 88 the 169cm length would be my choice for you. Hope this helps!
Would you recommend this ski for a heavier person, I'm 77 kg / 171 cm. Looking for a lighter ski which capable of my weight and is easy to handle in mixed conditions.
Would you recommend this ski for a heavier person, I'm 92 kg / 187 cm. Looking for a lighter ski which capable of my weight and is easy to handle in mixed conditions.
The K2 Wayback 88 is an awesome ski! It is definitely stout enough to handle a heavier skier, and is great in all conditions. What are you looking for in a ski? If you would like help narrowing your search, reach out to help@skimo.co, and we would be happy to point you towards some options!
Great question! The Wayback 88 will be a stiffer, more damp, more powerful ski and happier in variable conditions when compared to the Shuksan. Hope this helps!
If it is Steep and Fast, I would lean towards the 174 cm.
This ski is certainly good in crud. I can't say with certainty that it's only the rocker profile making up this skis performance as I believe the tip shape and balanced camber profile also contribute as importantly as the rocker. For my personal style of skiing, there isn't a better 85-90mm ski at this time.
Can you compare it with the salomon mtn 88?
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