The 2025 K2 Mindbender 116C with Marker Griffon 13 ID Bindings is a dedicated powder ski designed for deep snow adventures. Combining sturdiness with energy, this ski excels in handling burly lines and deep stashes while remaining light enough for touring missions. We paired the 116C with the Marker Griffon 13 ID because of the Griffon’s precision and reliability for all mountain and freeride skiers. With a robust construction and all the best tech, the Griffon 13 is a popular high-performance binding choice for wider-bodied skis for good reason.

Why we like it:

The Mindbender 116C is versatile enough for both resort and backcountry powder skiing, offering a balance of composure and manageable weight. Its intuitive flex pattern, which transitions from soft tips to a stiffer tail, ensures stability at high speeds and during big impacts, while maintaining maneuverability in deep snow.

Who it's for:

Advanced to expert skiers looking for a true powder ski will find the 116C perfect for deep snow, backcountry jumps, big mountain lines, pillows, and steep trees. It's designed for those who need top-notch performance in deep conditions.

Highlights:

The ski features K2’s Aspen Micro Block core, which incorporates small aspen stringers to deliver a stable and forgiving ride in deep snow. The Carbon Spectral Braid technology refines the ski’s flex pattern, adding torsional stiffness in the forebody for precise turns and longitudinal stiffness in the tail for stability and power during high-speed descents. Bio-Resin adhesives are used for construction, offering an eco-friendly approach to ski manufacturing with a reduced environmental footprint. Finally, Uni-Directional Flax enhances vibration damping and provides a smooth ride across variable snow conditions. As we’ve come to expect from Marker, there’s no shortage of tech packed into the Griffon 13 binding. Marker’s Triple Pivot Elite Toe and Inter-pivot 3 Freeride Heel systems work in tandem to provide improved edge grip and control, as well as helping to mitigate vibrations for a smooth ride. A cleverly placed anti-ice rail sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape off those pesky clumps of snow and ice that accumulate on the sole of your boot. With Multinorm (MN) boot compatibility, the Griffon 13 is a versatile and reliable choice for a huge range of skiers and applications.

Things to consider:

While the Mindbender 116C is highly specialized for powder skiing, it may not perform as well on firm snow or groomed runs. For a more versatile all-mountain soft snow ski, the Mindbender 106C or 96C could be a better option.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis are true to size. If you prioritize high-speed stability, impact resistance, or flotation, sizing up might be beneficial, especially if you’re between sizes. For enhanced maneuverability and playfulness, sizing down may be preferable.