K2 Backup Skis (Skis Only)

Reference: BACKUP

Manufacturer: K2

Model Year: 2011

Product Description
K2 is concentrating on Its Baseline Technology this season and has re-mastered its entire range to push the boundaries of ski performance. With K2's baseline Technology they have combined camber with varying degrees of rocker, proving benefits of each to create a range of superior skis. This allows the camber to supply the edge hold, control and rebound, while rocker provides a greater degree of versatility, ease of use and an increased sweet spot.

The Backup is the ideal spring ski mountaineering tool, that's equally happy as a resort telemark ski. Two sheets of metal with an ultra lightweight wood core provide exceptional edgehold, and a damp, supple feel not found in skis this light. Its 82mm waist is narrow enough to excel whether descending frozen corn or skinning in hard, bony conditions, but wide enough to handle variable snow with ease and predictability.

Features of the Backup include:

Traditional Camber: Caber is built into a ski for edge-hold, control and rebound. This ski will make contact with the snow at the traditional contact points (TCP) unlike those designed with a rocker system.

Progressive Sidecut: This is a combination of two different sidecuts that enhances the versatility of wider waisted skis. Previously sidecut theory is based using a single radius, however this becomes overpowering on wider skis. The use of a progressive sidecut guarantees improved turn initiation and hard snow performance.

SnoPhobic top Sheets: Since snow collecting on the ski can add pounds to a climb, our SnoPhonic tops keep you light with a new snow repellent topsheet. The running surface along the bottom of a ski is hydrophobic by design so we've developed a thinner version of the same material to use on the Back model specific topsheets.

Cap construction: Durable and lightweight "Cap" skis are built to b a sophisticated moulding process that envelopes the core and internal material with the top layer of the ski. Cap construction can be assembled with a variety of different cores. These variations such as glass and /or metal materials are the determining factors of the skis performance.

Metal Laminate: Built with two sheets of lightweight Titanal running the length of the ski, Metal laminate skis are the highest performing and most complex construction available from K2. Built for the base up, a metal laminate construction consists of alternating layers of fibreglass and Titanal above and below the wood core. Metal Laminates provide damp, accurate, unshakeable performance ideal for expert level skiers.

Plates and Rivets: K2 tip and tail rivets have evolved to allow the addition of a pre-cut climbing skin onto the ski for all your backcountry access needs. This translates to greater efficiency with less fatigue.


Our Opinion
This is one of the lightest ski we stock and is designed much more towards the windblown, or hard pack than the deep powder that suits the Coomback ski. It perfomed very well on crusty snow with excellent edge hold due to its metal laminate and cap construction and shows off a shorter turning radius than others in this range! Yet at 82mm it was wide enough to sit up when taken into the powder.


Specification
Specifications: 124 / 82 / 105 19 metre turn radius (174 cm)
Construction: TNC Metal Laminate Cap
Core: Wood - Aspen/Paulownia/Bamboo
Bindings: NOT SUPPLIED
Weight: 1550g @ 174
Features: 16/14 Progressive sidecut, powder tip, tip and tail attachment holes, flat notched tail.


Is This For Me?
If you are looking for a telemark ski, or you are looking for a light touring ski that has excellent edge hold and beautiful on-piste action then this is is perfect.



PLEASE NOTE: When we sell skis and snowboards, we book them into our workshop for a full clean and wax before shipping. The wax supplied on new boards and skis is NOT suitable for long term use. By waxing properly before use, the life of your new skis or board will be prolonged, and it will simply perform better! We offer this service free of charge.

For skis, we will also send you an email asking you to confirm your weight, height, ski ability and the length of your ski boot, which is stamped on the heel of your boot normally.

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