Expert Comparison: K2 Wayback 96 Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Dynafit Free 97 W Skis · Women's · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $374.98 50% off | from:$349.98 50% off |
User rating | 4.2(5) | -- |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for adventurous women skiers who enjoy both backcountry and resort skiing. |
Ski type | Backcountry | Backcountry |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of women's backcountry skis, two models stand out for their performance and versatility: the K2 Wayback 96 and the Dynafit Free 97 W. Both skis are designed for the 2023 season and offer a blend of lightweight construction and high-performance features. The K2 Wayback 96 is a fantastic touring ski, praised for its lightweight Paulownia tour wood core and metal laminate that provides stability on steep lines. On the other hand, the Dynafit Free 97 W is a versatile all-rounder, boasting a 100% Poplar Wood core and Carbon Speed Stringers for nimble and surfy downhill performance. Both skis are excellent choices for backcountry enthusiasts, but their unique features and performance characteristics may make one a better fit for you than the other.
The K2 Wayback 96 Skis for women are a backcountry skier's dream. These skis are built with a lightweight Paulownia tour wood core, which is then reinforced with a metal laminate to provide stiffness and backbone on steep lines and big faces. Despite the metal laminate, which significantly reduces chatter, the Wayback 96 skis weigh in at a mere 1250 grams per ski. This means that instead of focusing on how much your legs hurt on the uphill, you'll be scouting your next line, barely aware that your skis are there.
The skis also feature a hydrophobic topsheet to prevent snow from collecting on your ski and slowing you down. This makes the Wayback 96 a great option for both new backcountry skiers and veteran resort skiers looking for a weight-conscious, but still performance-worthy touring ski. The skis are also on the shorter side, which lends itself to quicker turns and lighter weight, making them a fantastic option for backcountry enthusiasts.
The Wayback 96 is a backcountry skiers perfect all-around ski. K2 built it with a lightweight Paulownia tour wood core, then sprinkled in some metal laminate to stiffen the ski and give it backbone on steep lines and big faces. But even with the metal (which substantially reduces chatter), the Wayback still weighs in at a measly 1250 grams per ski, meaning that instead of thinking about how bad your legs hurt on the uphill, you'll be spying your next line, barely aware that your skis are there.
The Wayback 96 is a backcountry skiers perfect all-around ski. K2 built it with a lightweight Paulownia tour wood core, then sprinkled in some metal laminate to stiffen the ski and give it backbone on steep lines and big faces. But even with the metal (which substantially reduces chatter), the Wayback still weighs in at a measly 1250 grams per ski, meaning that instead of thinking about how bad your legs hurt on the uphill, you'll be spying your next line, barely aware that your skis are there.
K2 Wayback 96 Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
The Dynafit Free 97 W Skis are a versatile and high-performing option for backcountry enthusiasts. These skis are constructed with a 100% Poplar Wood core and Carbon Speed Stringers, which make them capable of conquering any terrain. The ABS full sidewall and modern new sidecut provide a balanced tip to tail rocker, allowing you to feel how nimble and surfy this ski is on the downhill.
Despite their performance capabilities, the Dynafit Free 97 W skis are super lightweight, coming in at around 1400g. This makes them perfect for flying up the skin track without wearing you out. These skis also come with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, providing peace of mind for your investment. Whether you're carving through groomers, bowls, or trees, these skis are designed to deliver a fun and stable ride.
A 100% Poplar Wood core and Carbon Speed Stringers, ABS full sidewall, and a modern new sidecut makes this ski able to conquer any terrain. Balance from tip to tail rocker you will feel how nimble and surfy this ski it on the downhill! Super light weight coming in at around 1400g this ski will let you fly up the skin track.
A 100% Poplar Wood core and Carbon Speed Stringers, ABS full sidewall, and a modern new sidecut makes this ski able to conquer any terrain. Balance from tip to tail rocker you will feel how nimble and surfy this ski it on the downhill! Super light weight coming in at around 1400g this ski will let you fly up the skin track.
Dynafit Free 97 W Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the K2 Wayback 96 and the Dynafit Free 97 W skis are designed with the backcountry enthusiast in mind. They are both lightweight, making them ideal for uphill climbs and long days on the skin track. Both skis also feature a wood core construction, which provides a balance of strength and flexibility for optimal performance.
In terms of downhill performance, both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains. They both feature a rocker design for nimble and surfy downhill performance, and they both have features to reduce chatter and provide stability on steep lines and big faces.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are designed for backcountry skiing, they have some key differences that may make one a better fit for certain skiers. The K2 Wayback 96 skis are a bit lighter, weighing in at 1250 grams per ski, compared to the Dynafit Free 97 W's 1400 grams. This could make the K2 Wayback 96 a better choice for those who prioritize a lightweight ski for uphill climbs.
The K2 Wayback 96 also features a hydrophobic topsheet to prevent snow from collecting on the ski, which could be a significant advantage in deep snow conditions. On the other hand, the Dynafit Free 97 W skis have a slightly wider waist width, which could provide better float in powder conditions.
In terms of persona, the K2 Wayback 96 might be a better fit for skiers who prioritize uphill efficiency and lightweight construction, while the Dynafit Free 97 W could be a better choice for those who want a versatile all-rounder that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When comparing the K2 Wayback 96 and the Dynafit Free 97 W skis, it's clear that both models offer excellent performance in the backcountry. However, depending on your specific needs and preferences, one may edge out the other in certain areas.
Weight: The K2 Wayback 96 skis are the clear winner in terms of weight, coming in at a mere 1250 grams per ski. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lightweight ski for uphill climbs.
Downhill Performance: Both skis offer excellent downhill performance, but the Dynafit Free 97 W's slightly wider waist width and balanced tip to tail rocker may give it a slight edge in powder conditions.
Versatility: The Dynafit Free 97 W skis are touted as a "quiver of one," offering consistent performance up and down the hill. This makes them a great choice for those who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.
Price: While the exact prices of these skis are not provided, the K2 Wayback 96 skis are noted to be on sale for a "ridiculous price," potentially making them a more budget-friendly option.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the K2 Wayback 96 and the Dynafit Free 97 W skis are excellent choices for backcountry enthusiasts. The K2 Wayback 96 skis shine in their lightweight construction and uphill efficiency, making them a great choice for those who prioritize a lightweight ski for uphill climbs. On the other hand, the Dynafit Free 97 W skis offer a versatile all-around profile that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making them a great choice for those who want a versatile ski that can do it all.
Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're a new backcountry skier or a seasoned resort skier looking for a touring ski, both the K2 Wayback 96 and the Dynafit Free 97 W skis offer high-performance features that can help you conquer the backcountry. So, strap on those skins, and get ready to hit the skin track!
