K2 Mindbender 96 Review | 2027 Forecast Ski Test @ Red Mountain Resort

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K2 MINDBENDER 96
Category: All Mountain
Gender: Male
Ability: Intermediate / Advanced / Expert
Lengths: 168, 173, 178, 183
Length Tested: 183
Dimensions: 135/96/123
Turn Radius: 20m @ 183
Weight (Per Ski): 1,900g @ 183
Construction: Titanal
Core: Aspen / Paulownia
MSRP: $1,079
More Info: k2snow.com

The K2 Mindbender 96 impressed me with its excellently balanced weight distribution. It felt instinctual and predictable in nearly every situation, would flex when needed, engaged an edge with confidence on firm snow, and offered enough float for small amounts of fresh or slushy snow without ever feeling nervous or demanding. Compared to its wider brother, the Mindbender 101, I found the 96 even more intuitive, especially when buttering over larger features or recovering from less-than-perfect takeoffs and landings. It strikes a sweet spot between stability and forgiveness, making it a ski that encourages confidence rather than punishing mistakes. For an intermediate to advanced skier, aside from hero powder days, this could be your main ski, because the Mindbender 96 excels as a daily driver. It carved well, handled mixed conditions comfortably, and felt right at home as an all-mountain ski. While it isn’t a tool for deep, fluffy powder days, it shines in the conditions most skiers actually encounter. —Jack Lesnik

About This Reviewer

Jack Lesnik
Age: 36 / Height: 5’11” / Weight: 180 lbs
Occupation: Operational Management @ Government of B.C.
Years Skiing: 34
Preferred Ski: 182-188cm Length / 102-122mm Underfoot