2021 K2 Mindbender 90Ti

We've always been big fans of the 88-90 all-mountain shape, and K2 really nails it with the build. Starting with the wood core, K2 adds their titanal Y-Beam which does most of the heavy lifting. By putting more metal over the edges of the ski in the forebody, it makes the initiation and power, in terms of driving the ski, more precise and viable. In the rear portion of the ski, the metal is primarily found in the central chord of the ski allowing it to be playful and fun in the release of the carve. It's this dual-nature/dual-threat aspect of the ski that makes it special and sets it apart from the rest of the skis in this shape/build range. With a squared-off tip, the ski looks a bit different, but all that really does is reduce the swing weight of the ski and make it quicker. At 90 mm underfoot, it's no slouch when it comes to edge to edge quickness, and this tip shape adds to that feeling and nimbleness. Unchanged except for a cool graphic refresh, the 2021 K2 Mindbender 90 Ti is an awesome choice for high-performance skiers looking for a smooth, quiet, and versatile ski for true all-mountain skiing.

Calling it a "true all-mountain ski," it's almost as if Jeff Neagle read my mind. He skied the 177 and gave scores of 4 out of 5 for all categories except flotation which got a 3. These consistent scores on the top half of the sheet are indicative of a high-end and well-rounded ski. "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 that flatter tip shape. Works better on steeps and really comes alive when carving, and that's fine with me." So, Jeff is noting that the ski responds better at speed, versus having a slower speed compliance. Bob St.Pierre echoes Jeff's sentiments when it comes to the bumps. "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. It's a bit less demanding in the tails, but super-fun nonetheless. Bob skied the 184 can called it an "all-mountain ripper!"

Two Mikes, Thomas and Carroll-Sherwin, both skied the 184 and loved the overall performance of the ski. Carroll-Sherwin scored the ski 5's out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, and playfulness. He noted that "90 underfoot feels nimble but stable. This ski is for the aging park skier crowd and rad dads looking to connect with their inner teenager." And as a result, Michael "loved it!" Mike Thomas astutely scored it a 5 out of 5 for versatility, with all the rest of his scores being 4's. Again, the MB 90 Ti getting consistent high scores, and we love it. He notes that it's "not the strongest in turn initiation, but solid from the middle back. I could live with this ski day in and day out." A fantastic compliment for a ski that's designed to do it all, and Mike picks right up on that, especially for what we have here in Stowe and the rest of New England in terms of conditions and terrain.

This is just such a versatile ski and shape, and there are a ton of skiers out there who could hop on this thing, sight unseen, and rip it all over the place. It's got a big range, both in terms of skier type and terrain applications. Fast or slow, bumps or trees, groomers or powder, this is the one ski that you need.