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K2 Mindbender 89Ti Review

This ski is best suited for smaller, lighter weight skiers who plan to stick to smooth snow
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K2 Mindbender 89Ti Review (The redesigned K2 Mindbender 89Ti is fairly fun in springtime slush, but not nearly versatile enough to be your only...)
The redesigned K2 Mindbender 89Ti is fairly fun in springtime slush, but not nearly versatile enough to be your only all-mountain ski.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Price:  $700 List
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Manufacturer:   K2
By Bobby Garrett ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 31, 2024
58
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 13
  • Stability at Speed - 20% 5.0
  • Carving Ability - 20% 7.0
  • Powder Performance - 20% 6.0
  • Crud Performance - 20% 4.0
  • Terrain Playfulness - 20% 7.0

Our Verdict

K2 touts the Mindbender 89Ti as having “all-mountain hardpack performance with a freeride twist.” This is true, our testers concluded, but only in the smoothest snow conditions. Even though the aspen-veneer core is supported by a unique, Y-shaped layer of titanal, this ski does not offer much stability at speed or power in challenging snow conditions. There is a glimmer of liveliness, and the Mindbender 89Ti is fun to pop around the mountain. However, it doesn't stand up to the powerful image of a titanium ski like other skis we've tested from past generations of the Mindbender series. There are better all-mountain options in our men's ski review.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Playful
REASONS TO AVOID
Inconsistent flex
Delicate despite titanal
Editors' Note: We were able to purchase and test the new 2024-2025 Mindbender 89Ti throughout the 2023-2024 season.

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k2 mindbender 89ti
This Product
K2 Mindbender 89Ti
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Men's All-Mountain Ski
Top Pick Award
Our Favorite Carving Ski
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Price $697.95 at Amazon
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$679.99 at Amazon
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$750 List$409.96 at Amazon
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Overall Score Sort Icon
58
86
85
76
70
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This family of skis has seen better seasons; this updated model is fun, but it isn't as quick edge to edge and gets knocked around in the crudThis legendary ski will help you overcome any challenge the mountain puts in front of youA versatile design makes for a well-accomplished all-mountain ski that excels in the art of the carveStrong, athletic skiers will be able to dance down the mountain on this powerful skiA solid blend of performance and value for the intermediate-to-advanced skier
Rating Categories K2 Mindbender 89Ti Volkl M7 Mantra Armada Declivity 92 Ti Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Salomon QST 92
Stability at Speed (20%)
5.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Carving Ability (20%)
7.0
9.0
9.5
7.0
8.0
Powder Performance (20%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
Crud Performance (20%)
4.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Terrain Playfulness (20%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Specs K2 Mindbender 89Ti Volkl M7 Mantra Armada Declivity 92 Ti Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Salomon QST 92
Length Tested 182 cm 184 cm 188 cm 180 cm 184 cm
Waist Width 89 mm 96 mm 92 mm 95 mm 92 mm
Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) 130-89-114 mm 139-96-121 mm 133-92-119 mm 129-94.5-113 mm 129-92-117 mm
Turn Radius 16.6 m 17.9 m (calculated) 18 m 19.3 m 16 m
Available Lengths 164, 170, 176, 182, 188 cm 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm 164, 172, 180, 188 cm 172, 180, 188 cm 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm
Camber Profile All-Terrain Rocker Tip/Tail Rocker EST All Mtn Rocker Tip/Tail Rocker Tip/Tail Rocker
Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair 8.8 lbs 9.6 lbs 8.5 lbs 7.9 lbs 8.6 lbs
Core Material Aspen Veneer, Titanal Multilayer Woodcore, Tiitanal, Carbon Fiber Poplar, Elastomer, Titanal Poplar, Titanal Poplar, Carbon/Flax, Titanal

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Mindbenders of past years have provided a predictable and polished experience. The current Mindbender 89Ti, unfortunately, loses a few steps compared to those that have come before it. Despite an overall drop in performance – especially compared to the K2 Mindbender 90Ti we tested previously – the new Mindbender 89Ti is still a good-looking ski with some glimpses of liveliness.

Performance Comparison


k2 mindbender 89ti - like previous models, the mindbender 89ti cuts a decent carve...
Like previous models, the Mindbender 89Ti cuts a decent carve, especially if the snow is smooth.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Stability at Speed


The Mindbender 89Ti simply doesn't handle vibrations well. Our testers commented that the ski tip absorbs vibrations decently well. However, the body of the ski has the tendency to lose stability after that initial shock, even mid-turn. There is a considerable positive change in performance when we can ski smooth snow, but if you go off-road, you'll notice a sharp decline in stability.

k2 mindbender 89ti - plan your path carefully if you choose to go fast with this ski.
Plan your path carefully if you choose to go fast with this ski.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Carving Ability


Mindbenders of the past have scored well in the carving metric, as does the 89Ti. K2 continues to use its unique Ti Y-Beam technology in these skis, with a forked layer of titanal spread closer to the edges through the shovel of the ski. This design provides precise, powerful turn initiation and support through the rest of the turn. Yet, the Mindbender 89Ti is still a bit slower edge to edge compared to other narrower-waisted models in our lineup.

k2 mindbender 89ti - a fairly wide shovel helps with turn initiation, but there is a...
A fairly wide shovel helps with turn initiation, but there is a distinct difference in the performance of the front and middle of this ski.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

When the conditions line up, this ski can feel polished and progressive, especially through medium-radius carves. However, as soon as we encountered cut-up groomers or softening crumbly off-piste rollers, the Mindbender 89Ti would lose its composure and grace. For our test team, everything depended on the snow surface with this ski.

k2 mindbender 89ti - this ski will hold an edge decently, but it is surprisingly sluggish...
This ski will hold an edge decently, but it is surprisingly sluggish transitioning edge to edge, especially considering its narrow waist width.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Powder Performance


Like the Mindbender 90Ti we tested previously, the 89Ti is surprisingly good in powder. A middling score in this metric reflects the ski's reluctance to make short turns easily rather than its ability to float – despite its relatively narrow waist, this ski floats decently well. Though at only 89 millimeters underfoot, it will never be a true contender among wider skis that perform better in deep snow.

k2 mindbender 89ti - despite that narrow waist width, however, the mindbender 89ti floats...
Despite that narrow waist width, however, the Mindbender 89Ti floats better than expected.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Crud Performance


K2's All-Terrain Rocker profile is described as a “gradual rise in the tip with a short, low section in the tail for greater versatility in all conditions.” Early rise tips generally improve turn initiation and bolster a ski's ability to pop up and over chunky snow. Unfortunately, our team had a difficult time initiating turns in crud. Like our experience at speed, the tip could sustain hits, but the middle of the ski was squirrely, especially during periods of heavy vibration.

k2 mindbender 89ti - smooth, springtime snake runs are manageable and even pretty fun...
Smooth, springtime snake runs are manageable and even pretty fun with this ski.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Terrain Playfulness


The Mindbender 89Ti is fun to pivot, pop into the air, and play around as long as you're in smooth, rolling terrain. However, it was hard to maneuver quickly in moguls. Not only does it have a tough time with rough surfaces, but it doesn't make quick turns very easily – two prerequisites for a quality bumps ski. The Mindbender 89Ti is fun enough on the right day and on the right part of the mountain. Similarly to recognizing your own limitations as a skier, it is important to keep things mellow with this ski.

k2 mindbender 89ti - this lightweight, playful ski is particularly fun in the air.
This lightweight, playful ski is particularly fun in the air.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Should You Buy the K2 Mindbender 89Ti


A lightweight, intermediate skier who enjoys fun runs on smooth, mellow terrain will likely enjoy the Mindbender 89Ti. We wanted to find a bit more, but this ski simply didn't deliver as well as we hoped it would be based on previous experiences with similarly sized skis in the Mindbender line. Cut-up and rough snow surfaces tend to adversely affect performance, which makes it difficult to recommend the 89Ti as an all-mountain ski.

k2 mindbender 89ti - like some other top brands, tie-dyed bases are an exciting and...
Like some other top brands, tie-dyed bases are an exciting and popular choice.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

What Other Skis Should You Consider?


If you're after a similarly sized ski, we urge you to investigate the Salomon QST 92. It is a fun, versatile ski at an exceptional price point, making it a great all-mountain entry point for any intermediate skier. For a bit more power and playfulness, the Peak 88 By Bode is a nice alternative at this waist width. If you don't mind skiing a heavier ski, the Armada Declivity 92 Ti offers considerably more performance, especially for frontside carvers.

Bobby Garrett