Expert Comparison: K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis · Women's · 2023 vs Icelantic Riveter 95 Skis · Women's · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$374.98 50% off | $458.93 41% off |
User rating | 5(4) | 5(1) |
The Curated Take | Best for advanced skiers who demand stability at high speeds and versatility in various conditions. | -- |
Ski type | All Mountain | All Mountain |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of women's skis, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti and the Icelantic Riveter 95 are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced skiers and offer a versatile, all-mountain experience. The K2 Mindbender 99Ti is a power-packed ski that thrives at high speeds and in a variety of conditions, from hard pack to powder. On the other hand, the Icelantic Riveter 95 is a lightweight, snappy ski that excels in fresh snow and hardpack conditions. While both skis have their strengths, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti stands out for its stability and quick turning radius, while the Icelantic Riveter 95 shines for its lightweight construction and nimble performance.
The K2 Mindbender 99Ti is a versatile all-mountain ski that's designed for the hard-charging skier. It's a crud-busting, groomer-ripping, mogul-mobbing, powder-blasting machine that delivers power with just enough forgiveness to make it fun in any conditions. The ski's special sauce is its Y-shaped sheet of titinal, which provides superb grip and responsiveness when transferring from edge to edge. This, combined with just enough rocker in the profile, gives the tips and tails a lighter swing weight and more forgiving turn initiation and release.
However, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti is not a playful ski. It's very directional and stiff, and it prefers to be skied by someone who can drive them. It's not the ski for someone who's just getting their technical legs or for loosey-goosey smearing around the mountain. The ski's outstanding graphics on the top sheet take it to the next level, and while the topsheets do have a tendency to get little curls of plastic peeling away on the edges, it's not a deal-breaker.
The K2 Mindbender 99Ti is built for high speed turns on groomed runs, but also has a playful nature off trail due to its rocker in the tip and tail. K2's patented Titanal Y-Beam technology lays metal over the front edges of the ski in order to give it incredible edge hold at any speeds, but the metal tapers in the tail, allowing for easy releases out of high speed turns. It feels incredibly confident on steep groomers, but it can still get slashy off-piste and in the trees.
The K2 Mindbender 99Ti is built for high speed turns on groomed runs, but also has a playful nature off trail due to its rocker in the tip and tail. K2's patented Titanal Y-Beam technology lays metal over the front edges of the ski in order to give it incredible edge hold at any speeds, but the metal tapers in the tail, allowing for easy releases out of high speed turns. It feels incredibly confident on steep groomers, but it can still get slashy off-piste and in the trees.
K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
The Icelantic Riveter 95 is a more direction-based all-mountain ski that's perfect for everyday use. It has a slightly updated shape for the 2023 season and a lightweight wood core that keeps it extremely light and snappy. The Riveter 95 is versatile and can handle groomers, moguls, trees, hardpack, and powder. It combines dampness, predictability, stability, and maneuverability, making it a true all-mountain ski.
The Riveter 95's reduced rocker in the tail gives it a more directional feel, making it stable at high speeds. It's also the same waist size as the Sky 7, so if you were comfortable on those, you'll love these. The ski is handmade and designed in Denver, CO, and it's known for its stunning topsheet graphics and bombproof durability.
The Riveter's combine all of the attributes that you would want out of a true all mountain ski. They're damp, predictable, and stable at speed on the groomers, while remaining maneuverable and nimble in the trees, with enough float for deep powder too. Very light too @ ~1,600 grams / ski!
The Riveter's combine all of the attributes that you would want out of a true all mountain ski. They're damp, predictable, and stable at speed on the groomers, while remaining maneuverable and nimble in the trees, with enough float for deep powder too. Very light too @ ~1,600 grams / ski!
Icelantic Riveter 95 Skis · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the K2 Mindbender 99Ti and the Icelantic Riveter 95 are designed for advanced skiers and offer a versatile, all-mountain experience. They both excel in a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder, and are built to handle high speeds with stability and control. Both skis also feature unique technologies that enhance their performance, such as the K2's Titanal Y-Beam technology and the Icelantic's lightweight wood core. Additionally, both skis are praised for their aesthetics, with the K2 Mindbender 99Ti boasting outstanding graphics on the top sheet and the Icelantic Riveter 95 known for its stunning topsheet graphics.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The K2 Mindbender 99Ti is ideal for the hard-charging skier who wants a ski that can handle high speeds and a variety of conditions. It's a power-packed ski that's not particularly playful, making it a great choice for skiers who prefer a more directional and stiff ride.
On the other hand, the Icelantic Riveter 95 is a more direction-based all-mountain ski that's perfect for everyday use. It's extremely lightweight and snappy, making it a great choice for skiers who value quick and nimble performance. The Riveter 95 is also a bit more forgiving, with a reduced rocker in the tail for stability at high speeds.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to power and stability, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti takes the lead. Its Titanal Y-Beam technology and extended camber underfoot make it more stable at speed and in rougher conditions.
In terms of weight and maneuverability, the Icelantic Riveter 95 comes out on top. Its lightweight wood core and reduced rocker in the tail make it a quick and snappy ski that's easy to maneuver in various conditions.
For versatility, it's a tie. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder, making them excellent all-mountain options.
Finally, for aesthetics, the Icelantic Riveter 95 edges out the K2 Mindbender 99Ti with its stunning topsheet graphics and handcrafted design.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the K2 Mindbender 99Ti and the Icelantic Riveter 95 are excellent choices for advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The K2 Mindbender 99Ti stands out for its power and stability, making it a great choice for hard-charging skiers. On the other hand, the Icelantic Riveter 95 shines for its lightweight construction and nimble performance, making it a great choice for skiers who value quick and snappy performance. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're a power-packed skier or a nimble navigator, there's a ski out there for you!
