Mindbender 101 W | 2027

The Mindbender collection got a complete makeover for 2027 and that includes the new Mindbender 101 W. The new line incorporates a revolutionary proprietary technology from K2 called Dark Matter, which delivers a damp feeling and plenty of stability without the extra weight. Across the board, our testers were impressed with how adaptable the new 101 skis are across varying terrain and conditions, and how dependable they feel when you max out your speed limit along the way.

The 101-mm plank locks into corduroy, carving exceptionally well for its size, and transitions to variable, off-piste terrain without skipping a beat. Gone are the days of K2's carbon spectral braiding in the Mindbender series. Instead, the brand has introduced Dark Matter, in which four "pucks" made of polyurethane and stainless steel powder are placed at both edges of the ski, in front of and behind the binding plate. Essentially acting as wheel weights, these pucks dampen vibrations and provide greater stability at the ski's contact points, so you can charge at full speed and confidently blast through chunky conditions without fear of chatter taking over.

The updated shape and ample tip and tail rocker open the ski up to be more maneuverable and playful than past iterations and although the ski is just barely wider than 100 mm, the generously sized tip and tail provide a nice platform to stay on top of a moderate amount of new snow. For the ladies who are looking to ski more like Maggie Voisin strong, smooth, fast and versatile-the new Mindbender 101 W will help get you there with style and poise.