2027 K2 Mindbender 90

The 2027 K2 Mindbender 90 actually returns structurally unchanged, although the name and graphics have been altered to fit with the new Mindbender lineup. We still get their carbon construction, a fun 90 mm waist width, and a wonderful character both on and off trail to best suit the needs of intermediate through advanced skiers. These skis are fun, easy to use, and have a higher end feel than the level may let on.

While the build of the skis remains the same, it still feels like a modern and capable construction. Carbon and simplicity are the cornerstones of this construction. The build sits right in the sweet spot of being sturdy enough for high-performance skiing and approachable enough for intermediates who are looking to get a bit more adventurous and aggressive with their terrain choices. This is most certainly an all-terrain ski, and it holds up quite well to the rigors of both firm and soft snow opportunities. Built with an aspen microblock wood core, the ski has a good mix of energy and stability. There’s good pop here, and it’s exacerbated by the implementation of K2’s Carbon Spectral Braiding. This technique allows the engineers the ability to fine-tune the flex of the ski based on the tightness of the carbon stringers. By using a tighter weave in the shovel and underfoot and a loose cross-hatching in the tail, they continue to make the 90 precise and predictable when entering the turn, and fun and playful on the back end. The tails are a bit stiffer in a longitudinal manner, so there’s still great energy back there, but it doesn’t lock you in to the turn. They use Bio-Resin in these skis to adhere these layers together, and in addition to it being a better bonding agent, it’s also more eco-friendly. Accordingly, the ski is mid-weight, hitting the scale at 1708 grams in the 172 cm length. Tester Nik Coffrin noted that they are “not very stable but have tons of forgiveness and are easy to release.” He feels they work better in softer snow on intermediate terrain.

At 90 mm underfoot and with a 14.1-meter turn radius, this ski is an excellent choice for skiers that want a high end of performance without too much demand. It’s an easy-turning ski that benefits from both the shorter arc as well as the approachable flex. This makes that 14.1-meter cut easy to find, and given the flex, it’s also fun to break free from. There’s rocker in this ski, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s more there to accommodate skiers who are looking for easy initiation and smooth rebound, and it is also very helpful for when the snow gets soft, and you need to stay on top. In terms of taper, there’s nothing crazy going on here—just some minimal taper in the shovel to enhance the smoothness, but as a mid-weight, mid-shape all-mountain ski, it doesn’t need drama to be able to perform at a high level. My good friend Bill is a ski patroller here at Stowe and skis these for his work ski every day. He keeps buying pairs when they go on sale so he’s set for a while!

This Mindbender 90 is such an every-person's ski, but it’s not a hard charger. Not everyone needs a heavy, metal-powered, aggressive ski for cruising trails and moderate adventure. This K2 Mindbender 90 is way more helpful than hurtful and will allow for proper progression and improvement without holding skiers back or prohibiting advancement. This is a no-brainer type of ski for a huge swath of the skiing population. Everyone from patrollers and instructors to general weekenders will find something to like about this ski.