For 2020, the Mindbender series is taking over the previously popular Pinnacle line. The Mindbender 90 has two different builds for two different skiers. The 90 Ti has a titanal Y-Beam that adds a good amount of stiffness and strength, and it puts more stiffness in the tips and underfoot while allowing the tail to remain playful, light, and maneuverable. The 90 C uses carbon stringers to achieve the same effect, but in a lighter and slightly softer manner. They call it the Carbon Spectral Braid, and this winds the carbon tighter and closer together in the tips and underfoot, and it widens and slackens as it approaches the tail. At the 177 cm length, the skis have a 17.5-meter turn radius, and this is perfect for a variety of turn shapes and styles. Lighter advanced skiers and intermediates will love the quickness, maneuverability, and versatile nature of these skis. At 90 mm underfoot, the skis have the width for soft as well as hard snow, as most all-mountain skis looking for a big fan base tend to be in this approximate waist width. Our testers were pretty high on the quickness of the ski, with scattered grumbles about the lack of stability. But in the right hands (feet), these skis are a surefire winner.
Chuck Waskuch skied the 177 and found it to be the right length. He scored it 4’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. Also earning that high-mark of 4 was Chuck’s overall impression. Lower scores for stability, flotation, and edge hold are unsurprising. Chuck calls the Mindbender 90 “nice and quick. Overall fun!” He calls it an “easy ski that holds a good enough edge, and is fun and quick turning.”
Also on the 177, Mike Aidala had a wonderful overall impression, with that category garnering a 5 out of 5. The rest of Mike’s scores were 4’s indicating a versatile and well-rounded ski of the highest order. Mike calls the MB 90 C “forgiving yet stable and playful. The K2 Mindbender 90 C has a great combination of forgiveness and power. It seems like an unattainable feat, but I feel the MB 90 C has achieved it.” Sounds like Mike’s a fan of this quick turning ski.
Bob St.Pierre and Mike Thomas could have used another size up from their 177 cm tester. They’re pretty similarly sized, and since the ski tops out at 177, skiers north of 200 pounds and 6 feet, unless beginners, will most likely overpower the MB 90 C. Both Mike and Bob scored 5’s out of 5 for quickness and playfulness, with the rest of their scores closely mirroring each other as well. Mike calls the MB 90 C “light and playful, very forgiving but still plenty of substance. A great ski for a lighter expert or an adventurous advanced skier who likes to explore.” Closely echoing Mike’s words, Bob offers up this review: “Light, fun and easy to ski. Fantastic choice for lighter skiers and mellower intermediates.” In terms of utilizing that shape, Bob notes that the skis “prefer shorter turns and slower speeds” which indicates that Bob felt like he overpowered the ski. It’s always fun when two similarly sized skiers with extensive backgrounds come this close with their reviews.
The all-new Mindbender series from K2 is poised to make some serious waves this upcoming winter, and in the lighter and more maneuverable area of the line is the 90 C, with its wood core and carbon braid, is capable and willing to tackle some adventurous terrain, but is an accessible ski for a wide variety of skier types. Smooth and Controlled
