While everyone else is tweaking sidecuts and adding and/or removing metal, K2 is trying something a little funky this year. They’re exploring the unknown with Dark Matter. What is dark matter you might ask? An invisible substance that doesn’t emit or reflect light, but has gravity. But let’s pump the physics for a minute, and dive into what K2 skis has to offer in 2027.
2027 K2 Skis: First Look
For 2026/2027, K2 relaunches their Mindbender collection. The Mindbender series has been around for several years now as their hallmark freeride ski series, with sizes ranging from low 90s all the way up to powder skis. They’re usually characterized with a slightly directional shape to give you good bang for the buck on precision on firm snow while still being fun, playful, and dynamic in soft snow.
The new skis don’t differ much in their goal of being a versatile all-mountain freeride collection, but they do differ in construction significantly. Here’s where the Dark Matter comes into play. You’ll notice looking at the skis right away there’s a small bumper or weight on either ski edge in both the tip and tail. Those little bumpers are “stainless steel powder injected TPU” weights. That’s right, just what it sounds like. Weights on the skis to help keep the skis planted, while lightening up the rest of the core.
As a result, the new skis are lighter, more flickable, but just as damp and smooth on firm snow. Sounds like a tall order, right? Our first impressions on snow is that these skis rip.
You’ll find a Mindbender 111, 101, 96 and 88. You’ll see the weights have different placements depending on the model, to give you the right balance for the snow conditions you’re likely skiing in.
Other Highlights
The other big news from K2 is the brand new Anthem and Recon line. Both boots get a full new upgrade. While the Anthem is the big news here as the first ground up women’s boot with a completely different mold, both boots get dual Zonal BOA with a lower and upper BOA dial. They also get a redesigned cuff, shell wall thickness, and liner upgrades. Overall, a stronger boot that fits better.
The Anthem gets a few major distinctions from the men’s boot. A new mold that fits women’s foot shape better, with revamped cuff alignment, ramp angle, forward lean, and calf adjusters. We’ll dive into more details in our new boot preview.
As for all other K2 skis, you’ll find carryover graphics on their Reckoner series (except on the Karl Fostvedt pro model Reckoner KF), and the new Blur carving skis that came out last season.
