2021 K2 Mindbender 90C

A nice little graphics recharge was all the K2 Mindbender 90 C needed for 2021 to usher in a new group of fans. When the ski was introduced last year, it became a favorite for skiers who were looking for light weight performance, with an emphasis on light weight. Thanks to the Aspen wood core, the skis start light and energetic. K2 then went and added its carbon spectral braid technology and that really lit things up. By placing carbon stringers in a braided format, the designers were able to adjust the stiffness both torsionally and longitudinally throughout the ski. This gave them some creative liberties as to where on the ski would be stiffer, and what parts would be more playful. Following the titanal Y-Beam general shape, the 90 C's carbon braiding is tighter in the forebody of the ski and looser in the tail. Just like in the Ti versions, this gives precision to the initiation phase of the turn without adding much weight at all. In the tail, the more spaced braiding creates a playful end to the turn, allowing the skier to easily dictate the type and shape of turn. While on the light side for true hard-charging and expert-level skiers, that weight does help the ski in fresh snow, since when the weight is combined with the flex, it makes the ski pretty floaty-more so than the 90 Ti which prefers to blast. Our testers pretty much were all in agreement that quickness was the defining characteristic of this ski, so if you're the type of skier that values maneuverability and ease of use, then this 90 mm underfoot ski is going to be a very versatile choice for you.

Mike Aidala skied the 177 and had a very high overall impression of the ski, with that category earning a 5 out of 5. The rest of his scores were 4's showing that this ski certainly has a high-performance capacity. Mike calls it "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." Mike's got some ski skills on his resume, so it's impressive that he has these very positive opinions of the ski. He is also on the average side of the size spectrum, while some of our larger testers certainly felt like they overpowered the ski. Bob St.Pierre was one of those larger testers, and he noted that at the longest 177 cm length, it just didn't have the power to hold up to heavier or more aggressive skiers. Regardless, he scored the ski 5's out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. He calls it "light, fun, and easy to ski. It's a fantastic ski for beginner skiers and mellow intermediates. Prefers shorter turns and slower speeds, especially for someone my size."

Mike Thomas is another larger tester, and also notes that the 177 is just too short, especially with this build. Still, his scores were right in line with Bob's with 5's for quickness, maneuverability, and playfulness. He also gives a 5 for versatility, which is pretty impressive. At 90 mm underfoot and with a forgiving flex, it does have a lot of capability built in. Mike calls it "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." They certainly are capable of doing that, and if you like a light weight ski that has that capability, the MB 90 C is a fantastic option.

Thanks to the build and the shape, the K2 Mindbender 90 C has a unique combination that will set it apart from other skis in this similar construction and profile. All-mountain skiers will love the versatility and ease of use that the skis set forth-just a lot of fun to be had out there.