2024 K2 Mindbender 106C Men's and Women's Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- Emily and Bob chat about the new K2 Mindbender 106C and reminisce about some excellent testing conditions.
Written Article: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Construction
3:25 - Shape
5:15 - Emily's Experience
7:55 - Bob's Take
11:30 - Comparisons
12:55 - On-Piste Performance
16:00 - Final Thoughts
As Always, nice review and on July 4th no less. Happy 4th Ski Essentials! I do appreciate the crash footage at the end of the video as we all have some moments on the slope (at least I do almost every time I go out). Glad Emily is all good. Keep'em coming. Great stuff.
Thanks! I think that was the first time I saw her fall.
Happy 4th of July SkiEssentials!
Happy 4th!
Sounds like a nice ski!! How does it compare to the Volkl Blaze 106? Also curious what length Bob was on? If he was on the 189 how did it handle in bumps and trees? Thanks!!
Unfortunately, I was limited to the 183. Still worked great, but I'd love to try the bigger one especially since they're so maneuverable. I'd personally rather ski the K2 over the Volkl any day as it has more of a smeary feel in the soft snow while actually ripping decent turns on groomers. The Volkl, even though it's only a few years old now, feels a bit antiquated compared to these new and shiny K2's.
I'm getting major QST vibes, guessing the 106C is a bit softer.
Flex patterns might be more similar than you think, but the Mindbender definitely feels lighter on your feet. QST is a touch stronger and maybe more consistent, but not as energetic.
Great review! How does this compare with the Ripstick 106 (non-black) in soft snow and on groomers? 50yo 6'1", 180lbs Colorado skier, have a Ripstick 96 for daily driver. Looking for a playful, directional soft snow day ski for an advanced skiier that isn't overly aggressive skiier and that the ski isn't too much of a handful. For Snowmass, would this or their wider series skis make more sense there? I'd like to get some float with loose and drifty turns in fresh light snow, ski trees and bumps in soft conditions, handle some cut up conditions and spring slush, and just have enough versatility to get back to a lift on a groomer(or ski to the bottom EOD). Really only planning to pull this pair out when the conditions for a nice powder day look promising. Open to other options as well - any thoughts?
The Elan has a bit more pop while the K2 is driftier and floatier--on a powder day, I'd rather ski the K2, but for groomers and slight off-piste, I'd take the Elan. It seems like you're looking for the K2. If you're looking for something else, I'd take a look at the Black Crows Atris or the Salomon QST 106. Have fun!
@SkiEssentials Thanks!! BTW, I want to ski like Emily when I grow up!! She's awesome! It sounds like this and the QST 106 would both be right up my alley. Can you recommend a length for me in the Mindbender? 189 or 183?
I’m waiting for 2024 89ti review? Is it the same as 2023 with only cosmetic changes?
Correct! Still the same sharp turner with some good versatility!
Curious that where are you guys skiing these day? somewhere in Australia?
You have to look out for sand Goannas in that Aussie powder.
This is all footage from this past season, just about all of it from Stowe. We're not actively on snow right now, although I (Jeff) am headed to Whistler tomorrow.
@@SkiEssentials what skis would you recommend for Whilstler snow? I'm an intermediate rider, 6'3" 240lbs geared up and looking for something that's 80% on-piste/20% off-piste. Not necessarily trying to go as fast as possible, but rather work on my carving and surfing on and off the piste.
First of all.. Wow what a day;)
It is weird that the tails are softer than the tips.. Normally it is the other way around..
I think I only saw Emily ski one other time and that time she was in the air as much as she was on the ground.. It does look like she is at home with this ski but it also looked like she was at home with that other ski too..
Bob likes carbon skis..
If your not falling your not skiing..
My last couple days of the season I skied with a guy that had Mindbenders.. I think they were either the 96 or 99 and I think they were TI.. The one thing that I kept mentioning to him was that he had the same rhythm no matter what the environment (bumps, bowls, trees, groomers, etc..,) That and it was a very fast rhythm.. It was like a 120 metronome going off in his head.. My last run with him and 2 other guys we hiked up a bowl.. We all had fresh powder and it was so cool to see how all of our tracks were different.. There was one guy that had the long GS turns and then mine were just a little smaller and then there was another that was even smaller and then the guy with the Mindbender that almost looked like he was doing a slalom run.. I was on my 104 Frees which handled great in the powder and bowls but they liked longer turns.. The time before I was on my F100 and I just didn't have the confidence of my 104 Frees.. Especially through the icy mogully tight trees.. I seen this guy take those skis through everything and they really did do well in all conditions..