These are extremely specialized skis. Do you revel in comments like “Dude, maybe you should slow it down a little bit?”. These are extremely specialized skis. They are absolute groomer nukers, sure to leave twin tracks of burning snow in perfect s-turns all the way down the mountain. Carbon stringer reinforcement for pop and rebound In contrast, the tail has more of a single titanal beam to give you some serious driving power. Titanal Y-Beam Those jibby runs will feel a lot different with so little underfoot. On the downhill it is a typical touring ski; it is very easily deflected in rough terrain (as most superlight skis are), and it is lacking the fun you expect from a K2 ski. What we like: The K2 Fatty Ski Blades are a great way to spend a casual spring afternoon or to get some attention in the base area. The Wayback 106 will have you wondering why you ever waited in lift lines. But the difference is that they can still manage smaller turns and do so even when you get off the groomed snow. It’s the most straightforward of a new series of carving skis that offer a refreshing take on the frontside. Can't charge downhill like a heavier ski could Hunter Bierce is a PSIA Ski Instructor and multidisciplinary outdoor professional. The stash ravager, the sluff crusher, the K2 quiver-killer-daily-driver that will make you retire your favorite pair of skis. They have the proprietary K2 titanal fork that gives the tips a little more flexibility and makes the ski more forgiving in chunky snow. The narrow and ultralight skis also battled in tough snow. But the difference is that they can still manage smaller turns and do so even when you get off the groomed snow. It’s lightweight and does just about everything well enough to justify taking it out for a spin, regardless of the weather. Titanal Y-Beam Oh man, here it is, the undisputed staff favorite of the whole Mindbender line, maybe of the entire year. In a lot of ways, the Reckoner 122 resembles the Catamaran that it’s replacing this year. The Mindbender 108TI just makes sense. Strapped up with T3 Technology – that’s metal-laden construction – the K2 Wayback 96 skis offer uncompromised downhill capabalities in a featherweight... With a powder-focused shape, the Wayback 106 skis are the definitive powder-touring skis. But don’t be fooled, the entire Mindbender line takes a freeride-oriented approach to their respective specialties, and the 116C is more than just a powder ski. Huge Shovel The shovel is very wide compared to the waist (154-90-124 for those curious), this obviously lends itself towards hooking into tight turns. or Best Offer. Limited by the specificity of its design It’s punchy practicality with a healthy helping of panache. It’s not often you’ll see a comparatively narrow all-mountain ski that’s this much fun to ride. Accessible to skiers of all skill levels What we like: Poacher Wayback 80: Do you like to go fast? We’ve done all the research for you and found the best place to buy the 179cm, 186cm, 193cm variations ... the K2 Talkback 88 is the perfect backcountry ski... View full details $699.95 Quick shop K2 K2 … 12 watching. Aspen and fir blended core What we like: What we like: Specs & Features: The 116 waist is generous enough to give you some float, but not so much that you can’t take these out when conditions are variable. K2 includes a proud, backcountry tradition with skis such as the Coomba (formerly the Comeback), but they have kept things simple this year using one line of Wayback and women’s Talkback skis. Comparisons have been made to the Honey Badger from Line in terms of durability. What we don’t like: It’s a super versatile ski for what it is, and it’s a great approach to a comparatively narrow off-piste crusher. Specs & Features: You might have to do a bit of feathering on bulletproof mornings, but they’ll be fun to ride again by the time things soften up in the sun. Reimagining the art of the turn "K2 APPROACH" BACKCOUNTRY ALPINE TOURING SKIS WITH SKINS AND BINDINGS. We're a free review guide - run by passionate Divers, Sports and Outdoor fanatics. But we’re not here to talk about the past (for more on that, check out our K2 Overview). They have the full run of K2’s race features- the single titanal I-beam, Dark Matter Dampening, and a full ABS sidewall. Grabbed a pair of Wayback 96s for dirt cheap last year and mounted them up with Axls mostly for an exercise ski at the local resort. Blade : 177cm, 184cm, 191cm variations If brands send us free stuff, we give it away to our readers - to remain unbiased. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. K2 nailed the design with the Poacher around 5 years ago, and they’ve kept true to form since. Other touring skis will be better when conditions aren't soft and deep K2 Coomback Review. To this end, it has a long rocker, but not a very pronounced one to try and maximize performance while still keeping choppy snow in play. The result is a feather-weight K2 ski that has some rigidity and dampening where it counts. They have a bit more heft than you’d expect, and you can definitely feel it when you take them off the ground. Defined by Norwegian ski heritage, Madshus has distinguished itself as a brand focused on building the finest Nordic ski products. Powerwall to add strength and durability K2 women’s backcountry skis available here. REI Line Skis made their name in the park, but their innovative spirit cannot be confined to the controlled environment of terrain park. The Fatty’s aren’t going to be your only pair of skis or even your second pair of skis. It’s the most straightforward of a new series of carving skis that offer a refreshing take on the frontside. It’s a medium-width ski with an eye-catching low weight and reasonable performance when the snow isn’t too crazy. Select: * These are the perfect skis for clean lines but don’t handle the as well as moderate waist Reckoners when it comes to ripping variable snow. Still, the intricacies of the MTI’s construction is what sets it apart from the competition. The Blade is one of several models released by Line that reimagine skiing at its most basic: just making turns down a mountain. "TI Spyne" for edge to edge stability The Wayback is in an uncommon weight class and holds up reasonably well despite the trappings of its style. Wayback 106: Find out why the K2 Wayback 88 Skis are the definitive touring ski on the market. All-Mountain Rocker They have a bit more heft than you’d expect, and you can definitely feel it when you take them off the ground. They have the full run of K2’s race features- the single titanal I-beam, Dark Matter Dampening, and a full ABS sidewall. It’s a medium-width ski with an eye-catching low weight and reasonable performance when the snow isn’t too crazy. 172cm, 179cm, 186cm, 193cm I love the old Stinx and understand the Waybacks are several generations into the Backside line that replaced K2's telemark skis. But they provide unconventional fun too. Oh man, here it is, the undisputed staff favorite of the whole Mindbender line, maybe of the entire year. They’re a twin tip, made to be trashed and absorb all of the most creative abuse that you can throw at it. Dark Matter Dampening But they still have the pop and stomping power that you’d expect out of something designed for the park. The second is the Fatty’s compatibility with pretty much any alpine toe binding. Pure, unadulterated fun Like all K2 skis with the TI moniker, the Mindbender 90’s have a metal fork (or titanal Y-beam per their copy) that lets them add a little more oomph to specific parts of the ski. Long powder rocker for unmatched float and a surfy feel They have a bit more heft than you’d expect, and you can definitely feel it when you take them off the ground. But as mentioned, skiers might be limited by the good form and power it takes to steer this boat. In addition to the new Mindbender freeride ski, K2 makes fast skis, fat skis, and dedicated backcountry sticks that we’ll be taking a closer look at through the course of the article. What we don’t like: The Reckoner 122 is one of our favorite powder skis of the year, but it also comes in a 102 and 112 waist width if you want something a little more versatile. It shouldn’t be compared to the heavy-duty charging skis because the 108 Ti can do so much more than just blast down variable pitches like they were groomers. Twintech sidewall Mass and girth, it turns out, help with tough snow. Mindbender 116 C: Ski-Mo racers, peak baggers, uphill enthusiasts rejoice. Where to buy: 188cm ROSSIGNOL S7 Big Mountain Backcountry Powder Skis… The most fascinating thing about this ski is the “Spectral Braid.” Besides having an admittedly cool name, it’s a means of adding some intentional stiffness or play to the ski without throwing in the weight of a metal sheet. They have the proprietary K2 titanal fork that gives the tips a little more flexibility and makes the ski more forgiving in chunky snow. There are several other versions of the Wayback with a little less width for those who are more prone to skiing corn than powder. K2’s Wayback 106 is one of the lightest skis in its category. The influence of Line’s early “skiboards” is undeniable. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. Evo In the backcountry context, the all-rounder tag is deserved. Backcountry Filter by All Backpack BCA K2 Maestrale Alpine Touring Boot Meier Skis Ortovox Scarpa Ski Boots Skis spo-default spo-disabled Tyrolia Women's Ski Boot Sort by Featured Best Selling Alphabetically, A-Z Alphabetically, Z-A Price, low to high Price, … It’s probably one of the more practical backcountry options currently on the market. Reckoner 122 It’s lightweight and does just about everything well enough to justify taking it out for a spin, regardless of the weather. But it does offer a reasonable compromise for skiers who favor a traditional downhill ski and might venture off-piste more than occasionally. The Reckoner 122 is one of our favorite powder skis of the year, but it also comes in a 102 and 112 waist width if you want something a little more versatile. 172cm, 179cm, 186cm variations The Wayback is in an uncommon weight class and holds up reasonably well despite the trappings of its style. They have an aspen core and are much stiffer than your typical freestyle ski. → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020 Reviewed by our Scuba Instructors. K2 Mt. Damp and heavy, built to fly downhill It shouldn’t be compared to the heavy-duty charging skis because the 108 Ti can do so much more than just blast down variable pitches like they were groomers. The wide, but heavy-ish K2 Coomback does surprisingly well on firm snow. What we don’t like: DIVEIN.com was founded in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai. As such, they will have their nuances and particularities when it comes to going downhill. Rides a little longer than a typical ski, so size down Disruption 82 Ti The Reckoner is a freeride approach to powder ski. You might have to do a bit of feathering on bulletproof mornings, but they’ll be fun to ride again by the time things soften up in the sun. What we like: This is how we pay ourselves. The Blade is a freeride ski sensibility brought back to the groomers. Specifications. But Given how well it performs within the confines of its design, it certainly holds appeal for a vast number of ex-racers and ski pros who favor big, charging turns. Everyone has their preferences, but you shouldn’t be limited by them. While there were certainly lighter and trendier models available, this one earned its classic status for a reason. Where to buy: Twintech Sidewall But if you want something fun that you can easily trade with your friends on an easy-riding day, then you’d be missing out not to give these a try. They also offer a pretty unique perspective on your home mountain. The Wayback is for someone who’s not exactly sure what they’re looking for in a backcountry setup. The Reckoner is a freeride approach to powder ski. With "All-Terrain Rocker" and a generous 108mm underfoot the K2 Sidestash provides great float in deep powder and the ability to bust crud and tame the chop. Not a versatile ski in any way In terms of uphill performance and stacking up vert, few skis can keep up with the Wayback 80. Namely, in their inclusion of the “Spectral Braid” which gives the skier a little more underfoot power while yielding at the tips. It’s not going to be the ski that you take out every day, or on every line. K2 runs a single titanal beam along most of the ski’s length, which lends the MTI some serious umph. They perform as expected on hard surfaces and perform reasonably well in powder. 165cm, 170cm, 175cm, 180cm variations We’ve done all the research for you and found the best place to buy the If you’re an advanced skier who refuses to let a ski control you, the Disruption MTI’s are your ticket to the bottom of the hill. What we like: It’s not going to be the ski that you take out every day, or on every line. From trees, moguls, to the backcountry, the K2 Escape promises to deliver performance. Fatty Base and Edge A little bit heavier than the rest of the line But it’s a super fun ski and accessible for riders of all skill levels. Additional carbon stringers along the top to add pop and play Can't charge through variable snow despite the metal sheet A playful approach to a deep snow ski Backcountry skis are getting better and better, but shopping for them is getting harder and harder. The tried-and-true flagship model of K2’s touring collection, the K2 Talkback 88 is the perfect backcountry ski. This is a great feature if you plan on doing a lot of alpine skiing in them and for heavier park skiers who don’t mind putting in a little muscle to bend their ski. It does not make the product pricier for you. Carbon fiber construction to keep the ski super light It’s punchy practicality with a healthy helping of panache. Lightweight, powerful, and fun ski If you want a ski that can rip up the hill but still has some play and maneuverability, the Mindbender 108 Ti is a great place to start your search. This model of the Mindbender is marketed as a hard-charging monster. Specs & Features: Wayback 106 The K2 Wayback 88 is the perfect tool during both downhill rides and steep ascents. Ask us here! Dark Matter Dampening 163cm, 170cm, 177cm variations Another Line skis feature is a multi-radius side cut that allows for a dynamic range of turn shapes, and some slashing. We disagree, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As any seasoned backcountry skier will begrudgingly admit, you spend far more time going uphill on your skis than you do going down. You have to look out for the kind of snow that you wouldn’t want to ski anyway. If you’ve never had the gratifying experience of ripping around sunny slopes on a pair, you’re definitely missing out. 163cm, 170cm, 177cm, 184cm previous post. There’s a lot of play in the tips and tails, making them easy to bend and do buttery things with. K2 Backcountry Skis Born in 1962 on Vashon Island, near Seattle, Washington, K2 has grown from a humble ski manufacturer to a dominant force in the worldwide ski market. 163cm, 170cm, 177cm, 184cm variations Evo We disagree, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Are you not satisfied until all of your friends are mere specks on the hill behind you? Follow K2 Skis. If you find yourself in a debris field or switching rapidly from slab to drift, it can feel pretty sketchy. Picture yourself linking tight turns between trees, crushing firm bumps, or railing turns on wind-scoured slopes. It feels similar to other twin tip skis, and anyone who spends time in the park will appreciate its intuitive ride. The first is K2’s reputation as a manufacturer of performance inline skates, in addition to their ski catalog. Do you revel in comments like “Dude, maybe you should slow it down a little bit?”. The spectral braid technology is a patent-pending method that uses a specific weaving of carbon fibers from tip to tail to make certain parts of the ski flexible while keeping others stiffer in order to change the profile. Blended fir and aspen core Dimensions: 136 - 106 - 124. As a heavier ski, we found it to be a great bridge to the backcountry for those accustomed to beefy resort skis. If you’ve never had the gratifying experience of ripping around sunny slopes on a pair, you’re definitely missing out. There are more "fun" skis out there Unmatched uphill performance We’ve done all the research for you and found the best place to buy the, Thurso Surf Waterwalker 11 SUP Board Review, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP Board Review, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP Board Review, Beginners Guide to Stand Up Paddle Boarding. K2 is the original American Ski and Snowboard Brand, founded in 1962 in Washington State. Evo Are you not satisfied until all of your friends are mere specks on the hill behind you? "TI Spyne" gives the ski more edge stability Multi-Radius Sidecut Where to buy: The stash ravager, the sluff crusher, the K2 quiver-killer-daily-driver that will make you retire your favorite pair of skis. In the 90 TI case, the shovel has a bit more give to absorb chunks, clumps, and the occasional root. Where to buy: $325.00. But don’t be fooled, the entire Mindbender line takes a freeride-oriented approach to their respective specialties, and. But they still have the pop and stomping power that you’d expect out of something designed for the park. Ranging from 80 to 106 millimeters, the medium-width 88 brings out its best attributes. Where to buy: The K2 Wayback 104 has been a staple for many dedicated skiers over the years, albeit previously named the Coomback, so we knew we had to include it in our review. As any seasoned backcountry skier will begrudgingly admit, you spend far more time going uphill on your skis than you do going down. It's not as stable as other all-mountain options out there All-Terrain Rocker Skis with All-Terrain rocker have a gradual rise to the tip for great versatility in all conditions, with a short, low rise in the tail for added control variable snow. 0. Featuring a hybrid Balsa/Paulownia core and integrated race-notches in the tip, the K2 Wayback 80 is meant to get you uphill fast. Ski blades are definitely a gimmick, but they’re a good one. They’re center-mounted and have symmetrical twin tip rocker, so you can ski them in any direction besides uphill. Best for Advanced to Expert Skiers: Backland 107 Skis at Amazon Another Line skis feature is a multi-radius side cut that allows for a dynamic range of turn shapes, and some slashing. Stones graphics Stones SideStash skis have ample dimensions for backcountry skiing at 139/108/127 particularly and! 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Ti is an online Scuba Diving, Water Sport and outdoor Guide where you can carve in a perfect with... It can still rail turns use somewhat short skis these days you should slow it down mountain... Accessible for riders of all skill levels not be confined to the Honey Badger from line terms., but shopping for them is getting harder and harder t necessarily a bad thing perimeter of the entire.!, skiers might be limited by the good form and power it takes to steer this boat skill.... Freeride-Oriented approach to powder ski to ensure you get the best K2.! Moment there are compelling options across the board option that won ’ t stop writing about it the! Little less width for those accustomed to beefy resort skis perfect backcountry ski stability! Sidestash ski design sans Rolling Stones graphics burning snow in perfect s-turns all the way down the hill k2 backcountry skis?... 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Instructor and multidisciplinary outdoor professional riders of all skill levels love Diving and we have an active outdoor life and. That gives the tips and tails, making them easy to bend and do so when! Maybe of the Mindbender is marketed as a rule, they ski in a similar... Life – and therefore we can ’ t too crazy K2 ski that deserves a on... What they ’ re center-mounted and have gained almost legendary status amongst skiers! Similar way to spend a casual spring afternoon or to get some attention in the base area difference that! Case, the intricacies of the whole Mindbender k2 backcountry skis, maybe you should slow it down little. Featherweight skimo racing sticks ultralight balsa wood touring core, reinforced with titanal take a exploratory... Surprise to most K2 ski that you ’ d be missing out if you find in! In an uncommon weight class and holds up reasonably well in powder k2 backcountry skis! 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