2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis—Skis with bindings—Skis with bindings	2027 K2 Mindbender 96	2027 K2 Mindbender 96 On Snow Ski Review

tester:

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
Days / Year: 110ish
Age: 48
Years Skiing: 38

A bit more rigid than I used to be but still trying to be dynamic, smooth, and fluid with varying degrees of success. Skis on the snow, these days.

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

176 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skied at Pico on mainly firm and jumbled groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

While a 178 is normally on the short side, I really liked the length and thought it delivered a wonderful amount of power, stability, and confidence while being lighter and more mobile. I'd have to try the longer length to decide which is more appropriate for me.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski rips. I started with flatter and quicker turns before leaning into it more and giving it more edge angle. No matter how hard I pushed, the Mindbender 96 kept answering the call. I was very impressed with the edge grip and tenacity of this ski. Would love to try it in variable terrain to see how the versatility holds up.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This is an all-terrain, all-mountain ski for sure. I'm impressed with the groomer and on-piste performance and it felt like it'd work great in trees and softer bumps as well due to the quicker feel and supportive nature.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

This is more of an advanced and expert level ski. I think an intermediate would be overpowered by the metal and width.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Great pull into the turn and wonderful energy at exit. Skiers who feel that a Mantra or Enforcer is a bit much should definitely check this ski out.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Mark MacDonald

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180
Days / Year: 90 days
Age: 54
Years Skiing: 50

More of a technical skier on all diffrent terrian.

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

183 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe blue groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Just right.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:5/10

Forgiveness:4/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

STABLE!!! Stiff.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Black groomed/bumps light powder.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Advanced/expert.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Super stable, they can go through anything!!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Luke Miller

Ability: Expert
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Days / Year: 125
Age: 32
Years Skiing: 28

Jason Statham's role as Chev Chelios in the movie "Crank"

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

183 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Bad conditions at stowe on Perry groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Felt good but I could go slightly longer.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:7/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

You could ski this in any condition, on any trail and it would do well.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This is a true all mountain ski. It has enough width to ski off piste and the stability to carve on groomers.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to advanced skiers who want to stick to 1 ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Not sure if it leans into any type of terrain. Seems average at everything.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

John McShane

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 170
Days / Year: ~25
Age: 33
Years Skiing: 29

Aggressive and fun?

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

178 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, 4Runner, packed powder.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This was a longer size than I usually use but they skied very nice and felt shorter than they were. This was true for both carving and short turns. They skied shorter than they were.

Scores

Floatation:9/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

It was fun and felt playful.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomers or bumps. I would not recommend them for off trail.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I think an intermediate to expert skier. You needed to understand how to throw them around to make the most of them.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

They’re just a pretty chill guy.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Collin Wiedersheim

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 185
Days / Year: 40 days
Age: 31
Years Skiing: 8 Years

Calculated, Flowy, Smooth, Fast, & Fun.

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

183 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Gondola groomers and trees.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Length felt true to size. I would want to ski the shorter length to make a decision, but I would likely chose this length for myself.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

K2 and their Mindbender line continue to provide accessible performance for so many different skier types, and this 96 would be right in the sweet spot for many.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Groomers, bumps, trees, all over the mountain. The 96 is the definition of a versatile all mountain ski.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediates could get on a Mindbender 96 and not be too overwhelmed by the performance, but Advanced and Experts would surely get the most from it.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

One of the most versatile options in this category. Solid performance ceiling, yet not entirely demanding or harsh. A great option for when you want a mid-nineties all mountain ski but don’t know which to get. Another winner from K2.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Finn Murphy

Ability: Advanced
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190
Days / Year: ~60
Age: 21
Years Skiing: 19`

Aggressive carver, making mostly GS style turns. I like to take longer, more patient turns. When it is busy I ski more playful terrain off piste, so I like a ski that can do it all.

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

183 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, quad groomers, hard pack.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

183 felt great for me.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:9/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Mindbender 96s felt surprisingly light and playful. Easy to get on edge, not a very aggressive ski.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

All mountain, easy ski to control, would be good in any conditions typical to the east coast

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate or even beginner-intermediate skiers would be able to get the most out of this ski. Easy to turn, relatively stable on the ice and not chattery.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

New construction feels lighter and more playful!

Read the Full Ski Test →

Jeff submitted 2 test cards — select one:

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

183 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Alta, chalky wind-buffed snow off-piste and packed powder groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I think it skis true to size. Looking forward to trying the 178, but the 183 was fun at Alta.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This is a great ski. It was interesting skiing it back to back with the 101 at Alta. I definitely preferred the 101 when going off a groomer as it's just a little bit looser, but the 96 excels on a groomer and put a huge smile on my face just linking clean arcs. It feels a little bit like a toned down Mantra to me, which I think is a good thing for a lot of skiers. It has a good amount of bite and eagerness to enter a carving turn, which gives it an intuitive feel overall on a groomer. It's not the strongest, but most skiers will never push it to or past its limit. The 101 was more fun in ungroomed terrain, but the 96 also isn't bad and a little easier than skis like the Mantra. Give up a little bit of top end performance, but you gain forgiveness and versatility.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It's a true all-mountain ski in the sense you could ski just about anything on it, but it's so good on a groomer, I think it's best for someone who spends a considerable amount of time skiing groomers and/or places more value on that performance rather than agility off-piste terrain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I know I said it's a bit more forgiving than a ski like the Mantra, but it's not tremendously forgiving. I do think it's a bit much for an intermediate, but any advanced or expert level skier won't have any issues skiing it. Again, stylistically, you should be the type of skier who at least places some value on carving performance as that's its highlight in my opinion.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I'm not the biggest fan of the graphics, but I've never been one to let my opinion of graphics affect my overall assessment of a ski. You shouldn't be looking at them while you're skiing anyways ;)

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Jeff Neagle

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165
Days / Year: 120-140
Age: 40
Years Skiing: 38

Flowing and Kind of Fast with Freestyle/Freeski Influence

Ski:

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Size Tested:

178 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Waterville Valley Resort, mostly packed powder groomers with some fresh snow on the sides of the trail.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size. I think I prefer the 178 length.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

It was fun getting to ski the new Mindbender 96 at Waterville. Shorter length than I skied at Alta earlier in the season and definitely more focus on just ripping groomers. This thing is just so much fun to ski! Love how easily it comes across the fall line in a carve while also feeling quite strong and capable. It's a nice blend of performance and forgiveness. Not the easiest to ski, but it's definitely not too demanding and results in a confidence inspiring feel. I feel comfortable on it right away, yet still feel like I can push it at speed, even in this shorter length. I think it's a really strong contender in the mid-90 mm all-mountain range.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This experience really made me appreciate how good it is on a groomer. Similar to how I would talk about an M7 Mantra, I think the Mindbender 96 is best for someone who is mostly staying on groomed slopes, or at least values that performance the most, but wants the width to be able to go into some softer snow and off-piste terrain from time to time.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I'm not really sure about this ski for an intermediate. It could probably work, but I'd feel better about something like an Elan Ripstick 96. Advanced and expert skiers are the better market for the Mindbender 96.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I'm still not sure what I think of the graphics, but that's ok. They're unique, but not bad.

Read the Full Ski Test →

2027 K2 Mindbender 96 Skis

Why we like it:

Who it's for:

Highlights:

Things to consider:

Fit & sizing considerations:

Reviews

Q&A

Learn more about the K2 Mindbender 96

SIMILAR PRODUCTS