2027 K2 Mindbender 88 W

The 2027 K2 Mindbender 88 W is an awesome choice for pure all-mountain skiers who are looking for a strong ski that can still feel drifty and versatile when needed. A lot of skis in the 88 mm range can be on the more carvy side of the spectrum, but the shape and profile of this Mindnbender allows it to be slightly more playful than it may let on. Thanks to K2's strong use of metal and other damping agents, these skis are very smooth while the shape makes them quick and agile for mixing terrain and conditions. This is an advanced ski that has some oomph to it but remains mobile enough for tighter and more technical spaces.

These skis have a strong and sturdy build, and it all starts with a blend of paulownia and aspen in the wood core. This is a nice mix of power and responsiveness for these skis. We then get a Titanal I-Beam on the top, and this provides a central spine built for suspension and damping. It adds power to the mix for sure and aids in firm snow compliance and confident edge grip. K2 also adds elastomer weights to the ski in the midbody and aft sections to further reduce vibrations and unwanted chatter. They end up being on the stiff side, but not overly heavy or demanding—they are still approachable but mostly due to the narrower shape versus the construction. Tester Emily Sampson notes that "The K2 Mindbender was a skippy, energetic little ski. I skied her a little shorter than I usually would, and she skied like a slalom ski. This ski was not as happy at higher speeds but was spry and quick otherwise. The lighter weight would bode well for softer days. She held pretty well on ice though. I think it would be versatile for most conditions."

The footprint of the ski is all about all-mountain. We get measurements of 129/88/113 in the 164 cm length that generates a 13-meter turn radius. By the numbers, this seems short, but when you get on the ski, it's actually got a flatter overall profile that allows for many different turn shapes and styles. In this sense, the 88 is actually a bit more like the wider 101 than the 96, which we think is a lot of fun because it provides more of a swervy style in a quicker ski. The longer rocker profile and flatter camber allow for more creativity and playfulness. Tester Ashley Maxfield states that "The Mindbender's are a nice flat ski that will eat up every condition. The ski is all there: stiff, heavy and ready for spring skiing. These are a great all mountain rippers. They perform great on grooms but also can handle anything if you have the skill set. These skis are ready to bash through anything. Make sure to do your squats before skiing lots with skis, you can feel the weight of them."

We had a great time on the Mindbender 88 W this past year. It worked really well in a variety of formats and styles, and that's the best part about an 88 with metal. You can use it as a carver, as it's capable of making short turns, but you can also let it run, and it's got the power to bust through crud and chop and work well in bumps and trees. This versatile build and flatter shape are an innovative and interesting combination—one which will satisfy the needs and wants of many proper all-mountain experts.