Ladies looking for flotation as well as versatility will find a lot to like here. We were pretty stoked to get on the all-new 2024 K2 Mindbender 106C W this year. The reality lived up to the hype, as this ski is impressive from tip to tail. The 106C W, both men’s and women’s, get a few changes for this new model, with the implementation of new lengths for the men’s version, and a new shape for all skis. The main difference is the smoothing of the taper, making the new 106C W an excellent ski for soft snow, allowing it to be more maneuverable and smearier than ever before. By relying on the same basic build that we saw in the previous Mindbender C models, the new 106 offers a new width in the directional freeride division. When we first got on it this past December, we were more than impressed with the energy, ease of use, and fun-loving nature of the ski. When we skied it in deeper snow later in the year, the flotation and playful character were certainly huge highlights.

Built with an aspen veneer wood core, the 106C W has an energetic yet stable start. There’s some weight here, but it’smainly due to the overall width and mass of the ski. Like the other Mindbender C models, the 106 uses K2’s Carbon Spectral Braiding that puts a tighter cross-hatching of carbon stringers in the shovels and underfoot, with a looser braid pattern in the tail. This keeps the longitudinal stiffness of the tail intact while making it easy to bend and twist at the skier's request. Additionally, we get the benefits of un-directional flax in the ski to make it more poppy throughout. All of these layers and laminates are adhered using K2’s new bio-resin that not only bonds better but is also more eco-friendly.While the scale may read 1770 grams in the 169, they feel a lot lighter than that due to the shape and profile.

The maneuverability of these skis is off the charts. For how wide they are, they’re some of the more agile skis out there. At 106 mm underfoot, we’d expect some sluggishness, but the shape pairs quite well with the build to create a drifty and smeary ski that can be quick as well. The rocker profile is on the dramatic side, and that leads to proper flotation and playfulness in softer snow. With the smoother taper profile that leads to a pointier tail, this ski cuts right through the deep and fluffy snow in order to make it easy to point and shoot the ski wherever you choose. We found the tail to act like a rudder in deep snow and it was super helpful in making the turns easy and accessible. This was especially apparent in trees and tighter spots. The shorter radius of 15.7-meters in the 169 makes the ski turny and responsive—two things we especially love here in Vermont. Perhaps it’s a bit short for high speeds and open spaces, but other than that, there’s very few limitations to this ski.

We love the addition of this ski to the K2 Mindbender lineup. For ladies who aren’t quite sold on the burly and beefy nature of more demanding skis of this width, the 106C W offers a much friendlier character and composure. You don’t have to be an advanced or expert skier to fully access the performance of this ski, making it an awesome choice for progressing powder skiers who are in constant search of deep snow, powder, and more adventurous skiing zones.