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Expert Comparison: K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023 vs K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · 2023

Published on 02/09/2024 · 6 min readCompare K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023 and K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Finnegan Moylan, Ski Expert
Alex Pukal, Ski Expert
Ishan J, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Finnegan Moylan, Alex Pukal, Ishan J, Sammy Katz, Lucia L and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
Out of stock
K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · 2023
Price
$249.98
50% off
$388.93
48% off
User rating
5(12)
4.95(19)
The Curated Take

Best for beginner and intermediate skiers looking to develop their skills and transition to more aggressive all-mountain skiing.

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

In the world of skiing, the K2 Mindbender series has made a name for itself with its versatility and performance. Today, we're comparing two of its stars: the K2 Mindbender 90C and the K2 Mindbender 89Ti, both 2023 models. The 90C is a lightweight, playful ski that's perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to progress. It's versatile, easy to maneuver, and performs well in most conditions. However, it can be unstable at higher speeds and in choppy terrain. On the other hand, the 89Ti is a more piste-oriented ski that's quick edge to edge and offers a stiff, stable ride. It's great for carving and performs well in hard snow, but it's not the best for deep powder. Both skis have their strengths and are great all-mountain options, but the best choice depends on your skiing style and preferences.

The K2 Mindbender 90C Skis are a fantastic choice for those looking to explore all that the mountain has to offer. With a width that's perfect for shredding all over the mountain, these skis perform well on groomers and in some powder. They're lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a joy to ski on for beginners and intermediates. As you progress to advanced skiing, you'll continue to enjoy the versatility of these skis.

The 90C is on the softer side of the Mindbender series, with a wood and carbon core that creates a soft and damp ride that's easy to turn on. This makes them a great option for those looking to develop their carving and parallel riding skills. The 90mm waist makes the skis easy to turn and get on edge, enhancing your skiing experience.

However, these skis are not without their drawbacks. They can be chattery at higher speeds and unstable through chopped-up terrain. Despite these minor issues, the K2 Mindbender 90C Skis are highly recommended for most skiers looking to purchase their first setup and grow with it, or for skiers looking to upgrade their older or entry-level setup.

The K2 Mindbender 90C is a versatile and tough ski, which is very good at making turns smoothly, being playful, and long-lasting. It’s so steady when skiing at high speeds and carving precisely that can be used on different terrains. Although this does not provide the most flotation, it is an exciting and energetic way of skiing for anyone who needs a trustworthy all-rounder.

Finnegan Moylan
Ski Expert

The K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are a slightly more piste-oriented all-mountain ski that likes to get on edge and go fast. With an 89mm waist, this ski is exceptionally quick edge to edge. The titanal metal in the core provides a stiff and stable ride that rips hard and fast. The slight rocker in the tip gives it off-piste chops and float in softer snow, while the stiff flat tail is great for finishing turns and propelling you into the next.

The 89Ti is a more groomer-oriented ski that still holds its own off trail in the trees and moguls. It's a stiff and stable ride that rips hard and fast, making it perfect for those who love to carve. The ski's agility from edge to edge on firm snow, combined with its versatility in variable snow, makes it a great all-around ski.

However, the 89Ti is not the best option for deep powder skiing. Its narrower underfoot limits float, and it's not as playful or forgiving as the 90C. Despite this, the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are a great choice for skiers who love to carve and want a ski that performs well in hard snow and groomers.

The Mindbender from K2 is a highly versatile ski. It sports a strong and stiffer front edge and midsection due to K2's patented Titanal Y-beam design, which lays two prongs of metal over the front edges of the ski, and then has the prongs meet underfoot to provide a stable and strong platform from which to direct the ski. But the metal then tapers into the tail, making for a more versatile ski on the backend.

Alex Pukal
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the K2 Mindbender 90C and 89Ti Skis are part of the same series and share many similarities. They're both all-mountain skis designed to perform well in a variety of conditions. They're versatile, with a focus on edge control and stability. Both skis feature a slight rocker in the tip for off-piste chops and float in softer snow, and a stiff flat tail for finishing turns and propelling you into the next.

Both skis are also designed to be quick edge to edge, making them great for carving. They're both recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers, and they both have a playful, energetic feel. Despite their differences in construction and performance, both skis embody the Mindbender series' commitment to versatility and fun.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the K2 Mindbender 90C and 89Ti Skis share many similarities, they also have key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The 90C is a more forgiving, lightweight ski that's great for beginners and intermediates looking to progress. It's versatile and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for those who want a ski they can grow with.

On the other hand, the 89Ti is a more piste-oriented ski that's quick edge to edge and offers a stiff, stable ride. It's great for carving and performs well in hard snow, making it a good choice for more advanced skiers who love to carve and want a ski that performs well in hard snow and groomers.

In terms of persona, the 90C is perfect for the less aggressive skier who wants a ski that can perform on the blue and blacks but has the versatility to jump into those side hits when they call. The 89Ti, on the other hand, is ideal for the skier who loves to carve and wants a ski that's quick edge to edge and offers a stiff, stable ride.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the K2 Mindbender 90C and 89Ti Skis, the winner depends on the specific dimension being considered:

  1. Versatility: The 90C wins in this category due to its lightweight construction and easy maneuverability, making it a great all-around ski for various conditions.
  2. Carving: The 89Ti takes the cake here with its quick edge-to-edge performance and stiff, stable ride that's perfect for carving.
  3. Beginner-Friendliness: The 90C is the clear winner for beginners due to its forgiving nature and easy maneuverability.
  4. Performance in Hard Snow: The 89Ti shines in hard snow conditions with its titanal metal core providing a stiff and stable ride.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the K2 Mindbender 90C and 89Ti Skis are excellent choices, each with their own strengths. The 90C is a versatile, lightweight ski that's perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to progress. It's easy to maneuver and performs well in most conditions. On the other hand, the 89Ti is a more piste-oriented ski that's quick edge to edge and offers a stiff, stable ride. It's great for carving and performs well in hard snow.

The best choice depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're a beginner or intermediate skier looking for a versatile, forgiving ski to grow with, the 90C is a great choice. If you're an advanced skier who loves to carve and wants a ski that performs well in hard snow and groomers, the 89Ti is the way to go. Either way, you can't go wrong with a ski from the K2 Mindbender series. Happy skiing!

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