[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 or a more playful, energetic option. By making the Tis a bit more punchy for firm snow and stability, it allowed K2 to expand the carbon-focused models and double down on their playful, freeride flavor. In our K2 Mindbender 96C review, we break down how it differs from the original fan-favorite K2 Mindbender 99Ti, and what skier this Mindbender best suits.
We had several staffers hop on the new Mindbender 96C during our Powder7 Ski Test at Loveland Ski Area, so we’ve included their notes below. From relatively new skiers to experts, it was impressive how this ski appealed to several skier types. But more on that later.
K2 Mindbender 96C Review: Field Notes
The Mindbender series returns with the full Ti series unchanged after updates last year (more tail rocker for increased maneuverability, but also more metal at the contact points for better stability). This year, the C series expands to a redesigned Mindbender 116C and 106C, along with a brand new 96C. The women have enjoyed a ladies-specific Mindbender 106C for a few years now, but this new version hosts new features and is now offered in longer sizes and a “men’s” art. All constructions are unisex, with women’s versions being different in art alone.
So what’s up with the new models? K2 added a layer of “uni-directional flax”, which has supreme dampening abilities and a more sustainable production, while remaining very lightweight. There’s also a new mold; with deeper tip rocker, significantly more tail rocker and tweaked shape. K2 keeps the carbon spectral braid that was featured on old Mindbender Cs. The orientation of the carbon fibers is braided in different orientations, designed to increase torsional rigidity underfoot (where you need it) and keep things softer in the tip and tail for greater playfulness.
At 5’8″ and 130lbs, I rode the K2 Mindbender 96C in the 172cm length. That’s normally right about where I want to be for all-mountain skiing. The 178cm would have offered more stability at speed, but probably would feel a touch unwieldy in Winter Park Mary Jane bumps that are as tall as your head, or tight Eldora trees (where I do most of my day-to-day skiing). But more on that below.
Groomers
While 96mm underfoot might be a little wide for a “carving” ski, you wouldn’t necessarily know it ripping on the Mindbender 96C. It’s quick, easy to roll over on edge, and stable. That’s what a carving ski is, right?
Okay, there are a few more differences. And you probably won’t purchase this ski as your “carving” dedicated ski for bulletproof morning ice at 60 mph. But, considering its intended use as a playful all-mountain ski, it certainly rips turns with the best of them. The turn initiation is smooth, and the edge hold is reliable and predictable. The ski doesn’t want to slide out underneath you—even on firm or icy patches—and holds a turn well. And, the construction does a good job of dampening the ride. I thought the ski was plenty supportive for the kind of carving I do. Not race level by any means, but I could ski as fast as I wanted with friends.
Certainly, compared to the Blizzard Rustler 9 or Nordica Enforcer 94, the Mindbender 96C features deeper rocker and a softer construction. That lends itself to a bit more chatter at top speed on firm snow and less power. But, if that’s your speed, that’s what the Mindbender 99Ti is for. You’ll get more support at speed and higher edge angles, with a similar, versatile shape.
Considering how playful the Mindbender 96C is, it balances performance on trail very well. If you prioritize taking snappy, fast turns, rather than charging down the mountain at top speed, you’ll have a fun time carving on the 96C.
Hannah: I instantly felt the all-mountain versatility, and thought it was quite confidence-inspiring on edge even when a little icy. It held up well on the windblown groomers towards the end of the day at Loveland, and the ski felt pretty planted and playful.
Jonathan: I thought the Mindbender 96C feels like it can be pushed pretty hard on a groomer/on edge, and feels torsionally supportive. I never felt like I was going to wash out on carves.
Bumps and Trees
As expected, the bumps and trees were a blast on these skis. The Mindbender turned quickly and felt extremely responsive. It has the perfect amount of liveliness for bumps and trees, not overly loaded up with energy. It also goes from different snow conditions smoothly. From soft and edgeable chalk to scraped off big bumps, the Mindbender absorbs those vibrations without passing them up to you. It makes navigating those half sunny/half shady bump lines as easy as falling off a log.
The skis also felt surprisingly predictable. The slightly directional shape helps keep things glued to the line you’re looking for. Oddly, it felt reminiscent of the DPS Kaizen 100. The Mindbender is softer and more willing to bend to the snow in front of it than the stiffer Kaizen. But, both offer smooth turn initiation and precision. Compared to a more truly twin-tipped ski (like the updated K2 Reckoner series or Faction Studio) that wants to pivot, slash, and improvise more, the Mindbender still wants to pick a line and follow it (without requiring a super high level of commitment). You can get the ski sideways, it just takes a little more effort. Think, drifty and sliding, rather than slashing and pivoting.
Compared to the 99Ti, the 96C is expectedly easier to flick around and quicker to get on edge in a tight spot. You’ll also find a bit more energy out of the 96C.
Jonathan: Very energetic and snappy! Felt light and quick in the bumps, but the tail was still supportive and precise without feeling overly demanding or punishing.
Carter: I love carbon skis in bumps and trees. These were super poppy. I’ve been practicing my jumps and this ski did half the work for me. Being in my second season, I love a ski that’s easy to ski.
Mixed Snow and Powder
In truly untracked soft snow, the K2 Mindbender 96C floats quite well for its size. The softer construction and tip design allow the ski to get on top of the snow quickly. Its increased tail rocker helps maneuver even when bogged down in softer snow, helping you stay standing up than needing to lean back for maneuverability. Most of us at the shop would argue that for the occasional soft snow day (so long it is not Alaska-deep), a mid-90mm underfoot ski will get you where you need to be. Of course, it won’t float as well as its wider siblings, the 106C, and certainly not the more powder-specific 116C.
As for mixed or chopped up snow, the softer construction and wider taper lends the ski to skipping around choppy snow piles rather than driving through them. As we noted on trail, the lack of metal gives you less power for driving straight through challenging snow down the fall line. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just a different style. A style many can get along with. The focus on high maneuverability lets you pick and choose your way through the snow, helping you find the good snow patches and avoid the bad ones. At the same time, the ski remains composed, even in these tougher snow conditions. That damp and stable construction does some heavy lifting in choppy snow.
Strong, aggressive skiers may want something stiffer (like the 99Ti alternative), but more cautious/less aggressive riders will appreciate the level of composure and dampness in a ski this maneuverable.
If you ski in deeper, more variable snow conditions a lot, the 106C could be a good one to look at. We had plenty of staffers find the same liveliness and quickness in the 106C.
Jonathan: Certainly not a variable conditions charger, but if you prioritize a quick, lively feel in your off-piste ski, and want a pretty supportive flex pattern to match it, this is a great option.
Downside?
We’ve mentioned it a little throughout this review, but the Mindbender 96C is not the most powerful or conditions crushing ride as some other skis in the mid-90s all-mountain class. The Mindbender 99Ti delivers more power in a similar shape, but even that model won’t blast through crud the same way the less rockered and stiffer Volkl Mantra or Blizzard Enforcer will. Those skis also turn the dial up in terms of how much input you need to ski it with, and are significantly less playful.
I found the tip to get deflected at times while skiing in mixed snow, but never so much it felt distracting. The midfoot of the ski is very predictable. But if you want a ski that stays very glued to the snow, you might find the Mindbender 96C lacking in some stability.
Bottom Line
The entire Mindbender series is one that I think plenty of folks can get along with. Each model hosts so much versatility in each’s use case. Sure, the Tis are a little chargier and the Cs are more playful. But, they both handle variable (and ideal) conditions with poise and composure. They’re responsive, but not overly hooky. All in all, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a ski lineup that exemplifies “all-mountain freeride” more than the Mindbender series.
The Mindbender 96C might just be the most versatile of the versatile. It’s predictable and trust-worthy in all snow conditions, lively and quick turning, floats in the deeper stuff and lays a carve down on the trails. You don’t have to worry about thinking “am I on the right ski for skiing this line, in these conditions?” You can trust that the ski will perform. The fact that our testers across so many experience levels and styles came back with similar “stoke scores” on this ski says a lot about who its for. It’s for any skier looking for a good time.
