2022 K2 Mindbender 90C
On the quick and agile side of the ~90’s underfoot all-mountain skis, the K2 Mindbender 90 C is a top dog. Built with an Aspen veneer wood core and carbon boost strips, the skis get their main source of power from their carbon spectral braid. This braiding of carbon stringers is tighter and closer together in the forebody and underfoot areas of the ski, while relaxing and becoming looser in the tails of the ski. This mimics the style of the ski of the Mindbenders in the Titanal Y-Beam format, but the use of carbon instead of metal makes for a nice savings in terms of weight. They succeed in making the ski more torsionally stiff where it needs to be for a ski like this, and it makes the playful exit of the turn make a lot more sense, especially for intermediate and advanced skiers who predominantly ski on groomers. The flex and the shape do make it accessible for a wide variety of skier types and terrain options.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Carbon Boost, Carbon Spectral Braid
PREFERRED TERRAIN
All Mountain, Groomers, Powder
Benny Wax had an absolute blast on this ski. He skied the 177, which is the longest length made, and he notes that it skis true to size and is a good length for him. He had a lot of high scores for the 90 C, including 5’s out of 5 for playfulness and overall impression. For a ski that’s meant to make a variety of turns and put a smile on skiers’ faces, these are some great scores to start with. His low score was a 3 out of 5 for torsional stiffness, which also makes sense given the more flexible nature of the ski. All other scores were 4’s so Benny certainly had a favorable opinion and a fun time on these skis. He notes as such: “Wahoo! Playful, lively, bouncy! Fun in the soft bumps and stable on the groomers. Adapting to short turns and back to open ones really easy. Just a fun happy ski! So adaptable and fun. Transitions with the change in terrain and conditions so fluidly. Any strong recreational skier will have a blast with these. Definitely for a single ski quiver.” That’s a really nice and accurate description of this ski, so we’ll just leave it at that.
Also on the 177, Jeffrey Siegel noted that it skis true to size. His top marks of 4 out of 5 were given for quickness, maneuverability, forgiveness, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. All other scores were 3’s, so this means that like Benny, Jeffrey found the skis not only to be well-rounded, but that it also functioned on a high level in that capacity. “The Mindbender 90C is a great mid-level all-mountain freeride ski. I love the shape and the core feel. It’s great in bumps, with some nice, easy going rebound. I found it very easy to steer and play around on. It’s also a really nice carving ski. It has a little bit of pop, but it’s easy-going. I also thought that it was somewhat forgiving, but I felt that it rewarded you for getting forward on the ski and punished you a little for getting too far back. Not the most stable at speed, but not bad. I would put an advanced or intermediate skier on this ski. I liked that it was snappy, yet easy to ski. If you have a tendency to get behind your skis, it might take a little getting used to, but I think the rebound and the core feel makes it a little more fun and a little more interesting than other skis in this category.”
If you’re looking for that 90 mm underfoot ski for true all-mountain skiing, and having that ski able to perform in a wide variety of conditions and terrain, the K2 Mindbender 90 C is a fantastic choice. Great in bumps, fun in trees, and a fairly capable carver, these skis have a huge range—capable and willing to handle it all. There’s a lot to like about the K2 Mindbender 90 C, and it all starts with the technological capabilities of the carbon spectral braid and K2’s ability to fine-tune the flex and energy of the ski.
hi just saw these at my local shop, any idea how close in performance would these be to the Volkl Blaze 94 which is what I was considering but sold out, looking for a softer ski more suitable for those fresh snow days in Ontario, already have a Volkl RTM 81 that is my everyday ski. ! thanks
HI Peter!
It’s a similar feel and performance level, just narrower shape. Less floaty with the 90C, but a cleaner carver on the groomed. The Blaze is great all-around, and excels in deeper snow for its width. Ideally, you’re going to want more than a 9mm difference if you’re getting a second ski. Perhaps we have your size? https://www.skiessentials.com/2022-volkl-blaze-94-skis-w-tyrolia-attack2-13-gw-bindings.html
SE
Hi! I’m a beginner skier (skied 5 times prev season and 4 times this season). 7 times I was renting some beginner K2 153cm and this Monday I’ve tried K2 Mindbender 85 Rx 156. By the end of the day I was comfortable on them on easy Blues in Kirkwood, CA. On Thursday that week I’ve tried the same model but 163. And it was harder to control (maybe more stable on some uneven surface though) and I was not able to carve (Not sure I do really carve lol). I’m 5’7.5” and 174 pounds.
Should I choose 156 (and I guess enjoy) or 163 (and grow into them)?
And should I get 90C or 85? What pros and cons?
Also I’m looking at Rossignol Experience 80C 158.
Can you explain what a “lighter skier” means in the description of this ski on the K2 website? I am 6’1” 185lbs and ski in New England on blues and groomed or open blacks. Will ski bumps, but not too often. Do I fall into the “lighter skier” description?
Hi TS!
I would not put you into the “lighter” skier category, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun on the 90C. Skiers who require a ski longer than 177 cm will need to look elsewhere, but I think that is a good fit for you.
SE
Hi there, I am an intermediate to advanced skier looking to replace my 10 year old Head XRC 500’s (you know how it is, now that the kids are finally geared up daddy finally gets some $$ to upgrade!) I am looking at these and the Head Kore 85x. Most of my skiing is in Ontario, Quebec and I generally ski groomers but do venture into the tree’s on occasion. This past weekend I spent some time on my brother-in-laws Atomic Vantage 90ti’s and really enjoyed them. Just curious if you think these might work for me. Thanks!!
HI Mark!
I’d take the K2 over the Head, but if you liked the Vantage, check out the Atomic Maverick 88 Ti. Still light like the other choices, but with two thin sheets of metal, they’re grippy and energetic. Have fun!
SE
Thanks for the info. What about the choice between the K2’s and the Vantage 86c. I am 5’9″ 190lbs and I like to ski pretty hard. Another question I had was with length. I am currently skiing on 163cm ski’s, the Vantage 90ti’s I tried were 177cm (and he is about the same size as me) and they didn’t really feel too long for me despite the sizeable difference. Just curious as to what length I should be looking at and what the benefits/disadvantages are. Thanks so much for any information you can provide. Finding this site has been an amazing source of info in my ski search!!
Mark,
The K2 feels more solid than the Atomic, which is a bit lighter and quicker. Longer skis offer more stability at speed, but that comes at the cost of quickness and maneuverability. Also weight, more ski will simply weigh more. At your size, I’d say the low to mid 170’s is a good place to be. Have fun!
SE
So i think I’ve now got it down to these (K2 Mindbender 90C) and the Atomic Vantage 86C, just curious on the pro’s and con’s of each. Either one is going to be a major upgrade so just trying to figure out which one is going to work for me longer term. Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Mark,
Vantage is lighter and quicker, but also less stable. K2 has a more upscale feel to it. If you’re looking for long term, I’d go K2.
SE
Hi guys, thanks for all of your reviews and great info. I’m a fairly experienced intermediate but getting a little slower now in my 60’s. I’m 5’5″, 155lbs.
Mostly I ski on piste in Europe (varied conditions from perfect groomers to ice to heavy crud) but enjoy playing off the edge of the piste too.
The MB 90C gets lots of praise and but I’m a little concerned re. the apparent relative flex and light weight.
I’ve also seen you comment that lighter intermediate skiiers might do well on these as opposed to going to something stiffer (like the MB 85) so maybe I shouldn’t be so concerned. I was thinking of the 163cm (170?) and wondered if you’d agree or suggest an alternative. Many thanks!
HI Martyn!
I’m not terribly concerned about the flex of that ski given your stats and application. 163 would be great in that ski for you. I’d also check out the Elan Ripstick 88, or on the slightly wider side, the Volkl Blaze 94. Each of these fall into that “light yet sturdy” category and are fantastic options. Have fun!
SE