We’re loving the all-new K2 Mindbender 90 Ti. From an all-mountain versatility standpoint, there’s not a whole lot out there that’s any better. We have gone back and forth over the years in terms of what we think is that ideal waist width for all conditions, and we keep coming back to the 88-92 range. Smack in the middle is where the Mindbender 90 Ti lives. In terms of pretty much everything. If you want a ski that does everything, it’s probably not going to do everything well. It most likely has some deficiencies along the way, but K2 has done a fantastic job in mitigating those shortcomings. Built with a wood core made from maple and aspen, the MB 90 Ti is a good combination of stiff and poppy. K2’s new technology is its Titanal Y-Beam that provides strong edge control in the forebody and through the waist, but tapers to a more playful build in the tail of the ski. Tip and tail rocker add to the versatility while the 17.9-meter turn radius at the 177 cm length is a nice shape for a wide variety of turns. Our testers are able to see the writing on the wall, and all generally agree that this is an up-and-coming model that’s going to turn some heads this winter.
On that 177, Jeff Neagle calls it “a true all-mountain ski. It’s refreshing to have in a sea of ~90 mm skis that all seem to try to focus on one type of performance or another. This thing rips moguls just as well as it lays down carves. Smooth and not catchy in fairly deep snow due to the tip and tail shape.” The tip shape is fairly interesting—it’s pretty flat, so on one hand, it reduces swing weight, but on the another hand, it just looks a bit odd. In terms of the overall energy, Jeff notes that it’s “not super-responsive, and needs some steeper terrain to really come alive when carving.” Jeff’s scores of all 4’s except for a 3 in flotation mirror the intention of K2 in their quest to build a completely versatile ski.
Bob St.Pierre scored his 184 cm tester with 5’s for versatility and overall impression. These are great scores, as are the 4’s for quickness and playfulness. “I love how versatile these skis are. From moguls to trees and high-speed groomers, the MB 90 Ti is a fantastic Stowe/Eastern one-ski quiver.” Bob notes the performance of the new build, insofar that the K2 is “a bit less demanding in the tails, but super-fun nonetheless.” He concludes by calling the ski an “all-mountain ripper,” which is exactly what K2 set out to do.
Michael Carroll-Sherwin notes that his 184 “feels nimble and stable.” With 5’s for stability, quickness, and playfulness, it’s pretty clear that Michael was a fan of the new Mindbender 90 Ti. The rest of his scores were all 4’s, so he’s got some pretty consistent feelings about these skis. For better or worse, Michael also calls these skis perfect “for the washed-out 25+ park rats or rad dads looking to connect with their teenage skier.” As a member of both of those demographics, I reluctantly say he’s correct.
Mike Thomas was another fan of the 184 Mindbender 90 Ti, as he scored it all 4’s with one 5 for versatility. That’s what K2 was after with this new build and shape, and it seems like they’ve accomplished their goal. Mike also notes that they’re “not the strongest in turn initiation, but solid from the middle back.” In terms of versatility, Mike says that “I could live with this ski day in and day out.” That’s exactly what K2 envisioned, and at least in Mike’s mind, it’s a successful ski.
There’s a lot to like about this new K2 Mindbender 90 Ti, and our testers certainly picked up on the versatile and composed nature of the ski. From moguls and trees to groomers and steeps, the K2 Mindbender 90 Ti exists for all of it.
