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Expert Comparison: Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2024 vs K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis · Women's · 2024

Published on 02/11/2024 · 4 min readCompare Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2024 and K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis · Women's · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Hunter Williams, Ski Expert
Peter Locke, Ski Expert
Jeremy Seltzer, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Hunter Williams, Peter Locke, Jeremy Seltzer, Lindsay Pittard, Sandy Zhang and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis · Women's · 2024
Out of stock
K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis · Women's · 2024
Price
from:$329.99
40% off
$179.98
60% off
The Curated Take

Best for women seeking a versatile, agile ski for demanding terrain.

Best for intermediate female skiers seeking adventurous terrain and versatility.

User rating
--
5(3)
Ski type
All Mountain, Backcountry
Freeride, All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis and the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed with versatility and agility in mind, making them perfect for those who love to explore a variety of terrains. The Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis are known for their lightweight design and suspension tips and tails, offering increased flotation and protection off-piste. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are praised for their stability on choppy or hardpack snow and their fun, poppy platform. While both skis have their unique strengths, the final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

The Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis are a fantastic choice for women who crave a versatile and agile ski that can handle demanding terrain, speed, and long curves. These skis are designed with a lightweight structure and suspension tips and tails, offering composure, increased flotation, and protection off-piste. The full tip-to-tail wood core provides ease in both ascents and descents, while the versatile technological setup gives an intuitive feel.

These skis are perfect for anyone looking for a ski that can handle a variety of terrain and provide maximum control. They feature a wood core ski with a titanal plate underfoot, creating a stable damp ride while keeping the tips and tails more forgiving. These skis are an easy skiing ski with the 3D turn radius. They like short turns as well as longer radius turns. They'll chatter a bit at higher speeds due to the metal only under foot. These are a lighter option for anyone looking for max control while skiing.

These are an easy skiing ski with the 3D turn radius. They like short turns as well as longer radius turns. They'll chatter a bit at higher speeds due to the metal only under foot. These are a lighter option for anyone looking for max control while skiing.

Hunter Williams
Ski Expert

The K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are a great fit for intermediate female skiers who want to explore more adventurous terrain. These skis provide an agile and forgiving platform that excels in a variety of conditions. With a lightweight Aspen Veneer core and All-Terrain Rocker profile, they offer stability and versatility.

These skis are perfect for those looking to take their skiing to the next level. They are stable on choppy or hardpack snow, fun and poppy platform for jibbing around the mountain, and versatile for cruising out west or all-mountain skiing. They are easy to pivot quickly for skiers who spend time with younger kids and easier to flex, making it great for beginners and cautious skiers.

The Mindbender 85 was such a massive hit last year, and for good reason! It's stable enough for choppy or hardpack snow, but still a fun and poppy platform to jib around the mountain and play with.

Peter Locke
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis and the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are designed with the adventurous female skier in mind. They both offer a versatile and agile platform that excels in a variety of conditions, from hardpack to off-piste. Both skis are praised for their stability and control, making them a great choice for those looking to push their limits on the slopes. They also both feature a lightweight design, making them easy to maneuver and ideal for long days on the mountain.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and agile, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis are perfect for women who want a ski that can handle demanding terrain, speed, and long curves. They are particularly good for those who prefer short turns as well as longer radius turns and are looking for maximum control while skiing.

On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are a great fit for intermediate female skiers who want to explore more adventurous terrain. They are stable on choppy or hardpack snow and offer a fun and poppy platform for jibbing around the mountain. They are also easier to flex, making them great for beginners and cautious skiers.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis might have a slight edge due to their suspension tips and tails, which offer increased flotation and protection off-piste.

In terms of stability, the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis take the cake. They are praised for their stability on choppy or hardpack snow, making them a reliable choice in a variety of conditions.

For agility, the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis shine with their 3D turn radius, which allows for both short and long turns.

Finally, for ease of use, the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are the winners. They are easy to flex, making them ideal for beginners and cautious skiers.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis and the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are excellent choices for women skiers in 2024. They both offer versatility, stability, and agility, making them perfect for a variety of terrains and conditions. However, the Völkl Blaze 86 W Skis might be a better fit for those who want a ski that can handle demanding terrain and long curves, while the K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis are a great choice for intermediate skiers who want to explore more adventurous terrain. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. Happy skiing!

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