Mindbender 96 W | 2027

The younger sibling to K2's Mindbender 101 W, this ski has been entirely redesigned for girls who want a damp and versatile ride that's fun in any snow condition. We're talking a new shape, profile, core construction and most importantly, new damping tech, which delivers in spades.

For 2027, K2 has done away with its carbon braiding and Y-shaped Titanal in the Mindbender series. Instead, utilizing a narrower strip of Titanal down the middle and four "pucks" placed on the edges of the ski, just in front of and behind the binding plate. Dubbed Dark Matter by the brand, this layup technique enhances stability while minimizing vibrations underfoot, reducing overall weight and delivering a smoother ride at any speed.

You'll also notice a new tip shape, with significantly longer and higher rocker in both the tip and tail. This makes the ski more playful and prevents you from getting locked into the turn, so you can release the tails to scrub speed and pivot at any moment. This not only makes skiing more fun but also builds confidence in variable conditions.

The Mindbender 96 W feels substantially lighter and more nimble than the previous generation, thanks to the metal and PU pucks. But it most definitely skis above its weight class in terms of stability at speed. Our testers agreed that this ski provides the best of both worlds when tearing around a resort. The 96 is a great mid-waist carving ski that thrives in firmer conditions.