2023 K2 Mindbender 99Ti W

New for 2023, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti W is a fantastic choice for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for high-performance versatility. These skis have a whole lot going for them in terms of being wide cruisers with a well-rounded nature. We’ve loved these skis in the past, and we’re stoked to see K2 get in the mix in the 99-mm metal-laminate women’s division for sure. Built with an aspen veneer wood core, the skis get K2’s refreshed titanal Y-Beam for stability, grip, and power. Full-width underfoot, tapering in the tail, and extending to the edges in the shovel, this metal laminate is fine-tuned to deliver the proper amount of energy, pop, and response to the snow. With a bit more of a bulbous tail portion, we get a damper tail and the shovel is a bit lower and more friendly as well, making the ski less grabby and hooky while still keeping the grip and control to an absolute maximum. We’re loving the extended rocker on this ski, especially in the tail, as it makes this 99 feel more freeridey than ever before. In the 166, the skis generate a 15.4-meter turn radius, so they surely like to be on edge and in a carved turn. This is one of the best-carving ~99mm underfoot skis out there, and we’re extremely excited to see the new levels of power and performance that the Mindbender 99Ti W brings to the table.

Emily Crofton skied the 172 and noted it was true to size. She scored the ski top marks of 5 out of 5 for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, forgiveness, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. Versatility, playfulness, and flotation all got 4’s, leading us to believe that Emily had a very favorable experience on this ski. Whenever we see this range of high scores, that usually means there’s a lot to like from our testers. Her statements back that up: “I absolutely loved the K2 Mindbenders. They are everything I look for in a ski-99 underfoot with rockered tip and early rise in the tail made for the perfect all mountain ripper. With two sheets of metal, I could really drive this ski but at the same time pop off hits with sure confidence. Upon initiating a turn, I felt that the ski wanted to do the rest and with effortless ease. With reliable stability underfoot, it also provided instant response which for me is a major benefit. This ski perfectly fits my personality as far as how I like to ski. Geared towards intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a powerful all mountain ski with responsiveness and stability.” The shorter turn radius does kick some life into the ski for sure, especially when you’re good enough to get them up on higher edge angles.

Allison Kozar skied the 160, and noted that it felt “perf.” She, like Emily, had a lot of high scores to bestow upon the 99Ti W, including 5’s for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. 4’s picked up the slack for forgiveness and flotation, but overall, we’re pretty stoked to see all 4’s and 5’s from both Allison and Emily in regards to this ski. The outgoing 98Ti was certainly a nice ski, but this feedback is quite a bit higher overall. Allison states that the Mindbender 99Ti W is a”Great ski, but not for everyday east coast firm. Had a great time ripping down Nose Dive; pretty sure Grant got some great footage. Likes to make all sorts of turns, but made for the skier that likes a wider platform. Great at doing Mach a million, without feeling like she can’t be wrangled in when something comes up in front of you. I went back to this ski twice because it was so nice!”