K2 Wayback 88 Ski
K2’s entrance into the lightweight touring market 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 is 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 spiffy updated topsheet, sure to make you look stylish and glide faster!
Update 2022/23: Another graphic overhaul adorns the same great ski.
| 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] |
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121-88-109 |
|
Turn |
16m [160] 18m [167] 20m [174] 21.5m [181] |
|
Skin |
Z-Clip tip and tail holes, flat notched tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
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Mild rocker, camber underfoot |
|
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Square-ish, tapered tip and friendly, medium radius |
|
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Titanal Ti-Spyne laminate with abs sidewall construction, and full metal edges |
|
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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
2/24/2025
Hi! Looking at these vs the Backland 86 UL skis. For most of my spring skiing, I usually prioritize as light a pair of skis as I can manage (approaches to the Sawtooths or other similar ranges here in Idaho are just long slogs). I think the deal breaker to me would be the turn initiation - I have a pair of BD skis that feel super "hooky" on the toe, and I hate feeling like I have to overcome that to get my turn going. Any insight on the "hooky-ness" of the Waybacks vs the Backlands ULs? While I dream of skiing corn, I mostly ski crud, crust, unturned corn (why won't the sun just come out and soften it?!), a chalky powderish substance, windboard, and mank. Obviously the price of these is pretty tantalizing, but, at the end of the day, I'd rather just go with the ski that I'm going to like more.
2/24/2025
Hi Elizabeth, both would be good options. The Waybacks are stiffer and more demanding, and they'll handle speed better. The Backlands are turnier and more forgiving, but they've got a bit of a speed limit for sure. All depends on your skiing style! Feel free to email us at help@skimo.co and we can go into more detail.
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3/19/2024
Would a beefy boot Eg scarpa Quattro overpower the ski? I’m thinking about remounting a dynafit superlite with adjustment plates so that I can use both my f1 lt and Quattro on the wayback? I like the f1 but would like a bit more security in consequential terrain.
3/20/2024
Hi Piotr,
I don't think it would overpower it too much. On some other 88mm skis, maybe, but the Wayback is relatively stiff and you have a decent amount of ski in front of you. I think it's certainly worth a try. The F1 LT would perhaps be a more standard pairing, but I don't think you'd hate skiing it with the Quattro, especially if that's the boot that you're more comfortable on.
I don't think it would overpower it too much. On some other 88mm skis, maybe, but the Wayback is relatively stiff and you have a decent amount of ski in front of you. I think it's certainly worth a try. The F1 LT would perhaps be a more standard pairing, but I don't think you'd hate skiing it with the Quattro, especially if that's the boot that you're more comfortable on.
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3/19/2024
I have a question concerning the length of K2 skies. Which would be better for me: 160 or 167 cm? my height is 173cm. Many years ago I had my first K2 skies: She's back - 160cm. Now I have MTN salomon 169cm- for me a little too long.
3/19/2024
Hi Iwona,
I would say if you find 169cm a bit too long for you, I would lean towards the 160cm Wayback. It is a pretty stiff ski with a longer turn radius. If you felt 169cm was too long, I would worry that you'd feel the same about the 167cm length in this ski, and going a bit shorter has advantages for touring.
I would say if you find 169cm a bit too long for you, I would lean towards the 160cm Wayback. It is a pretty stiff ski with a longer turn radius. If you felt 169cm was too long, I would worry that you'd feel the same about the 167cm length in this ski, and going a bit shorter has advantages for touring.
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3/3/2024
I have previous 82 K2 wayup skies , very old skies. I want to replace it with the wayback 88.Can I use the old skins for the new 88 skis ? save some budget .
3/3/2024
Hi Junshu, you certainly can get up some hills with the older skins. There will be a limit when it gets steep and icy, however, with skins that are designed for 6mm narrower skis.
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2/14/2024
Hi! For the skin attachments, I've never used the K2 skin holes before - do you keep the plastic pieces that pop out, or do those just get discarded?
Thanks!
Thanks!
2/14/2024
Hi Shae, I tossed mine, they are not critical. Blower pow can come through the front hole which looks cool but you could block it by putting the plastic thingy back.
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1/8/2024
Hi there!
I am looking at the K2 Wayback 88 and also the 96. Will be my only touring/randonee ski the next years. I am 184 cm and 78 kg. Which lengths are recommended for me in both 88 and 96?
I am looking at the K2 Wayback 88 and also the 96. Will be my only touring/randonee ski the next years. I am 184 cm and 78 kg. Which lengths are recommended for me in both 88 and 96?
1/9/2024
Hi Sid! If you are looking to promote uphill efficiency, the 174cm would be an excellent length for the K2 Wayback 88. For the Wayback 96, the 177cm would be a good choice, and in the new Wayback 98, the 179cm would be ideal. If you'd like to discuss it further, send us an email at help@skimo.co. Thanks!
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I've only gotten 4k ft on these so far, but there are no reviews on this website so why not write one.
Among the sub 90mm skis I've tried available here, this one skis the best. (I have the 174cm length.). The ski I wouldn't say amazed me in any regard but it seems to do all things well which ultimately is what I want in a touring ski. It is reasonably powerful while also pivoting easily enough. It feels quite easy to maneuver/ski and sufficiently damp. Edge hold seems good.
Some skis are good in one area but lacking in another area; this one in contrast does not seem to have any flaws, other than it would be nice if it were lighter all else equal (tho undoubtedly all else would not be equal and it would ski worse). For the price I can't think of a better deal anywhere, as others have said.
I personally prefer wider skis for most conditions but I'll be keeping this around for when I want a narrower ski.
Among the sub 90mm skis I've tried available here, this one skis the best. (I have the 174cm length.). The ski I wouldn't say amazed me in any regard but it seems to do all things well which ultimately is what I want in a touring ski. It is reasonably powerful while also pivoting easily enough. It feels quite easy to maneuver/ski and sufficiently damp. Edge hold seems good.
Some skis are good in one area but lacking in another area; this one in contrast does not seem to have any flaws, other than it would be nice if it were lighter all else equal (tho undoubtedly all else would not be equal and it would ski worse). For the price I can't think of a better deal anywhere, as others have said.
I personally prefer wider skis for most conditions but I'll be keeping this around for when I want a narrower ski.
Comment on this review:
11/21/2023
Hi,
Could you tell something about the new 2024 version of the Wayback 88?
I wonder what are main differences between the new and old versions in terms of weight and flex pattern, which of them is softer?
Could you tell something about the new 2024 version of the Wayback 88?
I wonder what are main differences between the new and old versions in terms of weight and flex pattern, which of them is softer?
11/21/2023
Hey Fedor, K2 has replaced our beloved Wayback 88 with the Wayback 89 for 23/24. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to ski the 89, so we can't provide a comparison between the two!
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11/21/2023
Hi,
Could you tell what is the actual length (straight line from tip to tail) of the 174 Wayback 88?
Could you tell what is the actual length (straight line from tip to tail) of the 174 Wayback 88?
11/21/2023
Hey Fedor, it measures at 173.5cm.
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10/23/2023
I'm looking for a beginner skimo ski that still handles well on the downhills but is not too fast. I don't know much about skis and wondering if the K2 Wayback 88 Ski would be a good option for me. I'm 178 centimeters tall.
10/24/2023
Hi Charlotte,
This is a relatively stiff ski that excels at longer turns, breaking speed with a bit of wiggling rather than a stiff turn on edge. Its construction helps it really live to its fullest potential on piste skiing or shallow snow conditions. I think the K2 might be a tad aggressive if you are new at skiing in general - that being said, if you're familiar with a downhill experience and like longer turns, this might be the ski for you. It's certainly a great ski at its pricepoint. I'd point you to any ski for touring around high 160cm - low 170cm range.
If you want to pick through the weeds more, send us an email at help@skimo.co and we'd be happy to pick through some options with you more directly!
This is a relatively stiff ski that excels at longer turns, breaking speed with a bit of wiggling rather than a stiff turn on edge. Its construction helps it really live to its fullest potential on piste skiing or shallow snow conditions. I think the K2 might be a tad aggressive if you are new at skiing in general - that being said, if you're familiar with a downhill experience and like longer turns, this might be the ski for you. It's certainly a great ski at its pricepoint. I'd point you to any ski for touring around high 160cm - low 170cm range.
If you want to pick through the weeds more, send us an email at help@skimo.co and we'd be happy to pick through some options with you more directly!
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9/29/2023
Hello, I would like to start with alpine touring this winter (I am an advanced piste skier but never tried AT until now). The initial idea is to start in a resort area and use the AT skis to climb over some soft snow areas. Would the Wayback 88 work reasonably well for soft snow (not very deep usually) ? Or should I look for a wider ski ? I own narrow on-piste skis so I am mostly interested in off-piste behavior.
Thank you.
Thank you.
9/29/2023
Hi Mihai,
The Wayback 88 would be a great option for uphill touring in the resort where you're expecting to ski some off-piste conditions but not very deep snow. If more than 6 inches or so of fresh snow is on the menu regularly, I would consider something like the Dynastar M-Tour 99, but for mixed conditions and shallower powder or piste skiing, the Waybacks would do great.
The Wayback 88 would be a great option for uphill touring in the resort where you're expecting to ski some off-piste conditions but not very deep snow. If more than 6 inches or so of fresh snow is on the menu regularly, I would consider something like the Dynastar M-Tour 99, but for mixed conditions and shallower powder or piste skiing, the Waybacks would do great.
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4/6/2023
Can you compare the flex and rocker of these to Salomon mtn 88s. Thank you
4/21/2023
Scott, I just flexed those for you. The K2 are quite stiff, which make them good for variable nasty spring conditions. The MTN 88 and new 86 are on the softer side and very friendly to ski.
The K2 has a good amount of tip rise and very flat tail. The Salomon's are more traditional. Little tip rocker, but more tail rocker then the Waybacks.
The K2 has a good amount of tip rise and very flat tail. The Salomon's are more traditional. Little tip rocker, but more tail rocker then the Waybacks.
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2/27/2023
Hi, I'm 181 cm tall and 83 kg. I am an advanced skier and prefer steep skiing using short, sometimes intermediate turns in winter and spring conditions. I intend to do tours with up to 2000 m of height difference. For a lot of fresh snow I use Elan Ripstick 106 skis, so I won't be using Waybacks 88 on those occasions. What do you think is the correct length fo me?
2/27/2023
Hi Robb, I would go with the 174s!
2/28/2023
Robb, I am about your size and have these skis in 174 as my 'spring' ski. This ski is not great anywhere, but good everywhere. IMO, this ski at this price point may be the best deal available at skimoco. If you buy this ski you are ensuring that you have something that can get up but remains fun and capable on the way down (not ping pong ball survival skiing).
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2/14/2023
Outside of price and weight, how do these compare to the Movement Alps Tracks 90?
I'm looking for an Eastern Sierra ski for mostly couloir skiing.
I'm looking for an Eastern Sierra ski for mostly couloir skiing.
2/14/2023
Chuck,
These are stiffer, with less of an early rocker. Both would be great for couloir skiing. Personally, I'd say the Alp Tracks would be more fun in powder, while the Wayback will handle spring conditions and crud better.
These are stiffer, with less of an early rocker. Both would be great for couloir skiing. Personally, I'd say the Alp Tracks would be more fun in powder, while the Wayback will handle spring conditions and crud better.
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2/4/2023
I'm a 62 year old tele skier. I own 179cm Navis Black Crows and 184 Moment Wildcat tours and ski primarily in the Mt. Shasta area. I'm looking for a light AT kit for fitness, summits, and spring conditions. I'm thinking 167cm, but not sure. I'm 5'10" and about 180lbs.
2/4/2023
Hey Gary, from what you've described, the 167 would work quite well. If you wanted more stability/flotation and were willing to carry more weight to the top, the 174cm would also be acceptable. Generally for your size, I would consider the 167cm to be more of a mountaineering ski whereas the 174 would be a daily driver touring ski.
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12/1/2022
What year is the K2 Wayback you are selling? Is there any difference, other than graphics between the 2022 and 2023 versions? Thanks so much.
12/1/2022
Hi Emily, it was just a graphics update for 2022/23. These have the 2021/22 topsheet.
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6/4/2022
Hi, Do you think there is room to put a notch in the tip of these to take race type skins?
6/4/2022
Hi Klm, thanks for the question. Because of the Z-Clip tip, you'd need to keep that notch slightly shallower than the 15mm we usually Dremel. I do think it would work fine with a race-style bungee but probably not a rubber tip attachment. I hope that helps.
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2/21/2022
I’m looking for a spring and steep ski mountaineering ski. Weight of ski is not a huge concern. I’m 175lbs 6-3 tall. Like to ski fast when the terrain allows it but I’m not a great skier technically speaking. Would like it for spring corn and summits and mid winter couloirs.
I was think this or maybe the black light 88. But I’m not sure it will be stiff enough and I like the price of the wayback.
What would you guys suggest? And what length?
I was think this or maybe the black light 88. But I’m not sure it will be stiff enough and I like the price of the wayback.
What would you guys suggest? And what length?
2/22/2022
Hey Tyson, thanks for asking-- happy to sound off on comparing these two. The Wayback 88 is a beloved spring-summer tool with a wide tip which broadens its versatility. The skis you are comparing are both fairly stiff, the biggest difference being maybe that the K2s have a bit more "juice" on the downhill due to their slightly beefier construction. In terms of length, the 174cm would be best for couloirs while 181cm would be preferable at speed. If you're a speed machine, go for the 181!
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1/28/2022
Hi, I am 174 cm, 67 kg, intermediate skier, I ski on moderate slopes, with a small pack, the 167 length is too long for me or is fine? Thank you
1/28/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Tarnoky! The 167 would work well!
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1/21/2022
Im 178cm tall and 72kg and debating whether on going with Wayback 88/96 or Salomon MTN explore 88/95 for my first touring ski/one quiver. I am an intermediate/advanced skiier.
I will ski in varied conditions (soft powder,crud,wind packed snow) and also sometimes in the piste. Would you recommend one over the other and at what length?
I will ski in varied conditions (soft powder,crud,wind packed snow) and also sometimes in the piste. Would you recommend one over the other and at what length?
1/21/2022
Hey Eric, great question, and great choice! In short, the MTN Explore will have somewhat better float and a softer flex while the Wayback will be a bit stiffer and carvier. If you encounter powder on a regular basis, the 95 waist width will be helpful to meet these conditions, though at this point we don't carry that width in the Wayback. Lastly, I would recommend the 167cm for length in this ski or 169cm in the Explore. Hope that helps!
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