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K2 Mindbender 96C W Skis

This Ski Is A Staff Favorite:

Powder7 Staff Pick Katie
By: Katie
The K2 Mindbender 96 C skis felt like a long lost friend that I didn't know I missed. Going from a pretty narrow ski (thank you icy Midwest night skiing), I was scared to go too wide on skis, but this felt so comforting and familiar that I didn't notice that I was floating on powder when I normally sink. At 5'4 and 145lb, the 160cm was a perfect carving length to maneuver around tighter turns and still gain speed down some groomed steep runs. The carbon made it light enough to lift the skis in bumps, but still stiff that I felt totally confident on mixed up snow at high speeds. 10/10 ski for an intermediate looking to get some fun party laps in or a beginner looking to improve. An all-around, all mountain winner for me :)

In Depth Staff Reviews:


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By: Alex

2024-2025 K2 Mindbender 96C Review

[Editor's Note: This K2 Mindbender 96C review was published in 2023 and has been updated. There is no difference between the 23/24 models, and the 24/25 models aside from graphics.] More Mindbending. The K2 Mindbender series ushered in the new era of freeride skis when they first released in 2019. The bones have always been a versatile shape, with some models featuring metal (the Ti) and some with softer, energetic carbon (the C). Since then, K2 has only refined and diversified the line to offer a full selection. Each waist width category offers either a stiffer, chargier option ... Continue Reading

Our Take On The 2025 K2 Mindbender 96C W:

A new addition to the ever-growing Mindbender family, the K2 Mindbender 96C W fills a sweet spot that loads of skiers will get along with. K2 takes the build of their wider, carbon-based Mindbenders and trim down the waist width and rocker to make the 96C more stable on firm snow. At the same time, you retain the playfulness and liveliness of the carbon construction. This means you get a quicker and more nimble ski with a playful construction that pops off side hits, carves, and bump lines quicker than a jack rabbit. Many skis in this waist-width category are loaded up with metal to provide stability on firm snow, making the skis heavier and bulkier. K2 solves this problem by adding their Carbon Spectral Braid and their new uni-directional flax. Both materials dampen the ski to provide stability and keep it feeling planted when conditions get hairy, but add hardly any weight. Flax is quickly becoming one of our favorite ski materials for its shock-absorbing properties and sustainability. And on the powder days? The tip shape and construction will totally hold up for the occasional deep skiing. We love the K2 Mindbender 96C W for intermediate skiers shopping for their first ski out West, all the way to snow experts across the country who want a playful, responsive, quick ski in this waist width (while holding up to some serious speed, of course). Similar skis: Salomon QST Lumen 98, Black Crows Camox Birdie.

2025 K2 Mindbender 96C W Specs:

Dimensions:131/96/119
Radius:14m@166cm
Rocker:Freeride Rocker
Ability Level:Ability Level 7
Construction:Full Sidewall
Weight:1544 grams (per pair for size 160cm) Learn more about ski weights

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Skis In The K2 Mindbender Series:


Mindbender 116 C (116mm) In Stock

Mindbender 116 C W (116mm) In Stock

Mindbender 108Ti (108mm) In Stock

Mindbender 106C W (106mm) In Stock

Mindbender 106C (106mm) In Stock

Mindbender 99Ti (99mm) In Stock

Mindbender 99Ti W (99mm) In Stock

Mindbender 96C (96mm) In Stock

Mindbender 96C W (96mm) In Stock

Mindbender 90C (90mm) In Stock

Mindbender 90C W (90mm) In Stock

Mindbender 89Ti (89mm) In Stock

Mindbender 89Ti W (89mm) In Stock

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