Expert Comparison: K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2024 vs Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings · 2024

Published on 02/09/2024 · 5 min readCompare K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2024 and Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Ian Hamilton, Ski Expert
Allie Staffen, Ski Expert
Luke H., Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Ian Hamilton, Allie Staffen, Luke H., Peter Locke, Charlie Walker and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Top pick!
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2024
Out of stock
Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings · 2024
Price
$179.98
60% off
$287.97
40% off
User rating
4.86(7)
4.83(6)
The Curated Take

Best for beginner to intermediate skiers who value easy turning and maneuverability on groomers and firm snow.

Best for intermediate skiers who want a versatile, durable ski setup.

Ski type
Freeride, All Mountain
Freeride
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Advanced, Expert
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of skiing, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis and the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are two products that have made a significant impact. Both skis are designed for intermediate skiers, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The K2 Mindbender 85 is a forgiving, easy-to-ski option that's perfect for beginners looking to progress. It's a great all-around ski that's affordable and versatile. On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 is a more advanced ski that's perfect for skiers who want to explore everything the mountain has to offer. It's durable, dependable, and offers solid float when needed. In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style.

The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are marketed as an entry-level, all-mountain carving ski. It's the most narrow and forgiving ski in the Mindbender collection, making it a great choice for new to intermediate skiers who are looking to venture off the trail. The ski has a wood core, which makes it forgiving and suitable for beginners. It's also one of the most affordable K2 skis, making it a popular choice among many skiers.

The ski is pretty skinny at 85, making it more of a groomer, on-piste ski. However, it does have a little bit of early rise in the tip, so it can handle off-piste decently well. The ski is incredibly soft, making it very forgiving and easy to turn. It's not a demanding ski, and it doesn't require a lot of effort to get it to turn. The ski is more suited to making smaller, tighter turns at slower speeds.

The K2 Mindbender 85 is a great ski for beginners that want to progress rapidly. It's more about venturing off piste than having the best edge grip and control on groomers. It's a good all-around ski that's perfect for skiers who want a forgiving, easy-to-ski option, but also want to get off the groomers a little bit, explore, and get into the trees.

This is a ski that will help beginners progress to be intermediates and beyond. I think that's really the niche that it fits into well - progression skiing. It's pretty affordable and it'll help you become a better skier, and I think that's awesome!

Ian Hamilton
Ski Expert

The Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are an all-mountain, intermediate to advanced ski that's meant to explore absolutely everything. The ski is durable, approachable, and dependable. It has a partial twin tip, making it easy to ride switch and learn how to do that. The ski is not the stiffest out there, but it's definitely not a wet noodle. So, you're going to be able to have some stability whenever you're making those turns or drops.

The ski has a rocker in the tip, making it easy to initiate turns. And because the tail is a partial twin tip, it helps you finish out those turns really nice and easy. However, it doesn't give you too much power or make you sling out of them. The edge hold on this ski is pretty decent. It's not a race ski, but you can get it up to those moderate speeds, even to get it up to those higher speeds, and it's going to hold up pretty well.

The Dynastar M-Menace 90 is a great ski for teenagers and lighter weight adults, especially if you're out in the Midwest. It's a fantastic all-mountain ski that can make the whole mountain your playground. Especially if you're just getting out of those rentals, these are a fantastic option for you to really level up.

My overall impression of the ski is not only is it durable, but it's also very approachable and dependable.

Allie Staffen
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis and the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are designed for intermediate skiers who are looking to explore more of the mountain. They both have a partial twin tip design, which makes them versatile and easy to maneuver. Both skis are also forgiving and not too demanding, making them great options for skiers who are still honing their skills. They both offer good edge hold and are capable of handling off-piste conditions decently well.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for intermediate skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are perfect for beginners looking to progress. They are forgiving, easy to ski, and affordable, making them a great choice for skiers who are still learning and improving. On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are more suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to explore everything the mountain has to offer. They are durable, dependable, and offer solid float when needed.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to affordability, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis take the win. They are one of the most affordable K2 skis, making them a great choice for beginners who are still learning and improving. In terms of versatility, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings come out on top. They are designed to explore everything the mountain has to offer, from groomers to off-piste conditions. In terms of durability, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are the winners. They are built to last and can withstand a variety of conditions. Finally, in terms of progression, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are the winners. They are designed to help beginners progress to intermediates and beyond.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis and the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are great options for intermediate skiers. The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are perfect for beginners looking to progress, while the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings are more suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to explore everything the mountain has to offer. Both skis offer good edge hold, are easy to maneuver, and can handle off-piste conditions decently well. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and skiing style. So, whether you're a beginner looking to improve or an advanced skier looking for a versatile ski, both the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis and the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Skis + XP11 Bindings have something to offer.

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