K2 has made some changes to the Mindbender range for the 2023-24 season, essentially splitting the collection down the middle, with some models built with a titanal plate and others with carbon. While the ski models with the titanal plate built in are aimed at more advanced, aggressive freeride skiers, The 96c (C for Carbon), is a softer ski that could suit more entry level freeriders and lighter skiers.
This highly versatile ski is fun and playful in pretty much every kind of terrain encountered. On piste, turns are sharp and snappy with a great rebound and strong edge grip – they start to scream a little at higher speeds in the longer radius turns, but so what? They are too much fun in every other area to worry about that.
Turn initiation is made super easy with the tip rocker that is nicely balanced and helps floatation in powder too. In the kind of chopped up snow found on the sides of the piste, they excel, with a soft, zippy and responsive feel that makes turning feel easier than pretty much any other ski of these dimensions on the market.
For a 96mm under foot ski, they handle moguls well, sucking up the bumps without that hard rebound you might find on a stiffer ski.
The K2 Mindbender 96c is a truly versatile ski that would suit a huge range of ability levels, making them a perfect entry level freeride ski or a fun, yet undemanding bucket of joy for a more advanced skier that wants to play in a variety of snow conditions through the season.
