The K2 Talkback 96 2020/21 remains largely unchanged from last year, so our 2019/20 review of the K2 Talkback 96, below, still stands.
The Talkback 96 is the widest model in K2's Talkback range, the female equivalent of the Wayback range of skis.
K2 have taken this ski back to the drawing-board and utilised Ti-spyne technology to make a significant reduction in weight possible. The Titanial laminate works to increase dampening on the lightweight carbon construction, while increasing stability and edge hold.
These features are great for enjoying uphill approaches on longer tours, without compromising on downhill performance. Atributes like the all-terrain rocker in the tips and tail with camber underfoot makes for great for control in variable snow, while offering enough width to manage in all conditions.
Other notable features include skin grommets, ideal for keeping skins in place, a Z clip attachment that can be used with a K2 shovel to build a rescue sled, and handy snophobic topsheets to prevent annoying snow accumulation and added weight when touring. They really have thought of everything.
We were slightly underwhelmed by the Talkback graphics and actually preferred the men's Wayback colourway, so keep this in mind if you're looking for a stand-out ski in the looks department as well as performance.
The K2 Talkback is an all round impressive ski that makes for effortless uphill approaches backed-up with downhill performance to take on some serious backcountry terrain. For such an impressive package this is great value and will not disappoint.
