Expert Comparison: K2 Wayback 96 Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Atomic Backland 98 W Skis · Women's · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $374.98 50% off | $438.93 48% off |
User rating | 5(1) | -- |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for advanced, female backcountry skiers who enjoy powder skiing due to its lightness, power, and incredible float. |
Ski type | Backcountry | Backcountry |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Advanced, Expert |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of women's backcountry skis, two models stand out: the K2 Wayback 96 and the Atomic Backland 98. Both are designed for the 2023 season and offer a blend of lightweight construction and high-performance features. The K2 Wayback 96 is praised for its balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance, thanks to its lightweight Paulownia tour wood core and metal laminate. On the other hand, the Atomic Backland 98 is lauded for its versatility, lightness, and power on the downhill, with a full wood core and carbon stringers. Both skis are perfect for backcountry skiing, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
The K2 Wayback 96 Skis are a dream come true for backcountry enthusiasts. 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 reinforcement, the Wayback 96 remains incredibly light, weighing in at a mere 1250 grams per ski. This means you can focus on your next line instead of worrying about your legs hurting on the uphill.
The skis also feature a hydrophobic topsheet to prevent snow from collecting and bogging you down. This combination of features makes the Wayback 96 a great option for both new backcountry skiers and veteran resort skiers looking for a weight-conscious, yet performance-worthy touring ski.
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
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The Atomic Backland 98 W Skis are a versatile backcountry ski designed specifically for women. These skis are incredibly light, making them a delight on the uphill. Despite their lightness, they still pack a punch on the downhill, thanks to their full wood core and carbon stringers.
The Backland 98 features a 98 mm waist and Atomic's HRZN tech tip, which allows it to float easily in powder. It's also stiff and responsive enough for steep descents, giving you the confidence you need when you're out in the backcountry. Weighing in at just 1200 grams per ski in the 164 cm length, the Backland 98 is a serious touring ski that can handle whatever the mountain throws at it.
The Atomic Backland 98 is made to be a women's backcountry ski that can do it all. With a 98 mm waist and Atomic's HRZN tech tip, it can easily float in powder, but with lightweight wood core reinforced by a carbon backbone, it is stiff and responsive enough for steep descents where you need to trust in your ski.
The Atomic Backland 98 is made to be a women's backcountry ski that can do it all. With a 98 mm waist and Atomic's HRZN tech tip, it can easily float in powder, but with lightweight wood core reinforced by a carbon backbone, it is stiff and responsive enough for steep descents where you need to trust in your ski.
Atomic Backland 98 W Skis · Women's · 2023
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- Returnable
Similarities
Both the K2 Wayback 96 and the Atomic Backland 98 are designed for backcountry skiing and are built with lightweight materials to make uphill treks easier. They both feature a wood core for stability and performance, and they both have technology to reduce chatter and improve performance on steep lines and big faces. Both skis are also designed to be versatile, capable of handling a variety of snow conditions and terrains.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are designed for backcountry skiing, they cater to slightly different personas. The K2 Wayback 96, with its metal laminate, is perfect for skiers who want a balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance. It's ideal for both new backcountry skiers and veteran resort skiers looking for a weight-conscious, yet performance-worthy touring ski.
On the other hand, the Atomic Backland 98 is designed for women skiers who want a versatile, lightweight ski that can handle both the uphill and the downhill with ease. It's perfect for advanced female skiers who spend a lot of time in the backcountry and want a ski that can float in powder and handle steep descents.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to weight, the Atomic Backland 98 takes the crown, weighing in at just 1200 grams per ski. In terms of versatility, both skis perform well, but the Atomic Backland 98's ability to float in powder gives it a slight edge. For uphill efficiency, the K2 Wayback 96, with its hydrophobic topsheet and lightweight construction, is the winner. Finally, for downhill performance, both skis excel, but the K2 Wayback 96's metal laminate gives it a bit more backbone on steep lines and big faces.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the K2 Wayback 96 and the Atomic Backland 98 are excellent choices for backcountry skiing. They both offer a blend of lightweight construction and high-performance features that make them a joy to ski on. The K2 Wayback 96 is perfect for those who want a balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance, while the Atomic Backland 98 is ideal for advanced female skiers who want a versatile, lightweight ski that can handle both the uphill and the downhill with ease. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and specific skiing needs.
