Blister Members can check out our initial on-snow impressions in our Flash Review linked below, and then stay tuned for our full review. Strung up with our patent-pending Spectral Braid technology and Powder Rocker profile, this surprisingly lightweight fat ski can run with the best of em, from effortless turns in the lightest snow to punching through that end-of-day chop. Powder: 9/10 I definitely wouldnt pick the Mindbender 116C if I knew I was going to be skiing a lot of brutally firm moguls and trees, but Id say the same for almost all skis this wide. But if you never attempt to stand on the edge, you can still smear your way along just by twisting your feet sideways. The Mindbender 116C takes the throne of K2s widest Mindbender. Heres how wed characterize the flex pattern of the Mindbender 116C: Tips: 5.5Shovels: 6-7In Front of Toe Piece: 8-9.5Underfoot: 9.5Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-8.5Tails: 7.5-7. Adding a 30angle to the sidewall in K2s Hybritech construction, SlantWall increases a ski's agility and responsiveness while maintaining accuracy and power. 64 and 195 lbs.?.at.186cm. Become a Blister MemberorDeep Dive subscriberto check out ourDeep Dive of the Mindbender 116C to see how it stacks up against the Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Rossignol Super 7 RD, Rossignol Super 7 HD, Line Sick Day 114, Blizzard Rustler 11, Head Kore 117, Folsom Trophy Carbon, Faction Dictator 4.0, Blizzard Spur, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, 4FRNT Inthayne, Icelantic Nomad 115, Nordica Enforcer Pro, and Faction Candide 4.0. Lightweight and resilient, great all-around material. Ready to help! I had a crush on the mindbender 108ti 186cm and I am now strongly considering these skis as a lightish powder touring ski. Written by Jackson Hogen, topics range from how to buy alpine ski gear to how it feels to step into the gravity stream. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This construct keeps skis lighter and more playful for conditions when power and damping are less important. But for use in actual pow I really liked how this ski handled: its quick enough, precise enough, loose enough, playful enough, and in sum fun enough to make a whole lot of skiers quite happy, I think. Click the link below for instructions on disabling adblock. Le Refuge - Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy - Click Here, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy - Click Here, Free shipping across Canada for orders over $150, ** total_quantity ** | ** unit_price ** / ** unit_measure **. An extension of K2s Torsion Control Design, Spectral Braid is a first of its kind variable angle reinforcement (Patent Pending) that allows for precision tuned torsion and flex by altering the fiber orientation along the length of the ski. But lets get this out of the way the Mindbender 116C is not a charger. And like the other Mindbender skis, the Mindbender 116Cs rocker lines are subtle and dont rise abruptly, instead staying low until the ends of the ski. discussed the origin of the line with K2 ski designer, Jed Yeiser, Jennifer Pharr Davis on Hiking vs Trail Running Culture (Ep.7). But we are saying that variable snow is not where the Mindbender 116C shines. In this case, all of us skied the 186 cm version. Adding a 30angle to the sidewall in K2s Hybritech construction, SlantWall increases a ski's agility and responsiveness while maintaining accuracy and power. The complaints about lacking allround performance I do not understand. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. In doing so, the ski is protected from any unwanted chips or delams. I bought this as powder optimized touring ski. This is pretty brief, but the main thing seems to be the Mindbender 116Cs versatility. The contact points on skis with this profile are closer towards the middle of the ski than a fully cambered ski, but still not underfoot. Powder Rocker is designed for unmatched flotation in deep snow. You guys should play with the mount point. Ski: 2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 116C, 186 cm, Blisters Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 185.7 cm, Blisters Measured Weight per Ski: 2019 & 2051 grams, Blisters Measured Dimensions: 142.6-115.5-132.6 mm, Stated Sidecut Radius (186 cm): 22.9 meters, Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 74 mm / 33 mm, Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: ~3 mm, Core: Maple/Paulownia + Carbon Spectral Braid + Fiberglass Laminate, Factory Recommended Mount Point: -9.85 cm from center; 83.0 cm from tail, Boots: Head Raptor 140 RS; Nordica Strider 120, [Note: Our review was conducted on the 19/20 Mindbender 116C, which was not changed for 20/21 or 21/22, apart from graphics.]. The Mindbender 116C takes the throne of K2s widest Mindbender. We discussed the origin of the line with K2 ski designer, Jed Yeiser, we posted First Looks of the Mindbender 99Ti and 98Ti Alliance, and we recently published a full review of the Mindbender 108Ti. If its shitty pow then climb aboard your shitz skis and try to have fun if you remember wtf that is. The Mindbender 116C is not a super damp charger of a ski, but given its soft-snow orientation, that seems to make sense. The rocker travels deep into the ski, both in the tips and tails, while camber helps to keep up the lively soul of the ski. Compared to other similarly wide skis, the Mindbender 116C falls on the lighter end, and is comparable to a lot of 50/50 skis in terms of weight. Board idea cooked up by Team Rider Antti Jussila to be playful, snappy, and tough as nails. After skiing it, wed agree with that initial take. Mindful of the need to keep fat skis on a diet, the Mindbender 116C is of the metal-free variety. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The ideal blend of comfort and performance. All bindings must be mounted, adjusted, and tested by an authorized retailer prior to use. Performs like a workhorse and fit like a glove. The flex pattern of the Mindbender 116C feels very similar to the flex pattern of the Mindbender 108Ti, with the Mindbender 116C having slightly softer tails, and stiffening up a bit slower in the shovels. This tip has the most elevation and longest rocker and offers skiers a surfy feel with enhanced soft-snow performance. Lastly, its worth noting here that I skied the Mindbender 116C on the recommended line (-9.85 cm from center) and also at +1 and +2 cm in front of that line. Unfortunately, they will turn around and bite us. Skis with All-Terrain rocker have a gradual rise to the tip for great versatility in all conditions, with a short, low rise in the tail for added control variable snow. This braid features a weave of carbon that begins tight towards the tips and underfoot, then opens out a little towards the tails. If youre looking for a 50/50 ski and your top priority is stability, Id look to a ski thats similarly light or a bit heavier but thats also stiffer (see the 50/50 section of our Winter Buyers Guide). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Rocker/Camber/Rocker skis have the playfulness and float of a rockered ski as well as the added edge hold of a cambered ski. But as long as I stayed over the front of the ski, the Mindbender 116C was still pretty easy to throw sideways in deep snow. But its also strong and stable enough in soft snow that Id also be happy using it inbounds, Id just have to ski a bit more actively than I would on a heavier pow ski. Precisely the reason to not buy them with other options. Hey Tom Im not concerned about K2 being made in China, Im more concerned about the core going dead in about 20 days like past k2 crap skis, I went tru 3 pairs of Seths one season before they refused to warranty anymore, not one pair lasted more then 15-20 days. Freeride boots for women who need one boot to rule the resort and the backcountry. > 22 m radius is best forpowder and big-mountain. This lightweight and zippy construction has been wrapped up in a sick looking topsheet a trademark design of the Mindbender range. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Plus, the Mindbender 116C offers a lot of energy coming out of a turn if you push it. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. Do get the Mindbender 116C if you want a pow ski thats pretty easy to flick around and will cater better to a more active, light-on-your-feet style in crud and firm chop. This is what K2 claims is high and long rise in the tip and tail to maximise float in softer snow. Although theres a good amount of rocker pressed into this ski (its a powder ski, after all), we wouldnt say that its anything drastic certainly not when compared to something like the, Skydiving, Wingsuit Flying & BASE Jumping. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". When I analyze the specs, construction and shape they are very similar on paper to my 9 year old Wagner Custom 115s. High-tech skis that are built to carve hard and haul ass. Its quite light for its size, has a fairly moderate, but more tapered and rockered design compared to the narrower Mindbenders, and seems like an interesting new direction for K2s pow skis. The Mindbender 116C still has more taper than some skis in its class like the Volkl Confession, Moment Wildcat, and ON3P Wrenegade 114, but the Mindbender 116Cs taper is still moderate compared to other similarly wide skis like the ON3P Billy Goat, DPS Wailer A112, Rossignol Super 7 HD & RD, and J Skis Friend. So would you recommend the 186cm or the 193cm? Adding a 30 angle to the sidewall in K2s Hybritech construction, SlantWall increases a ski's agility and responsiveness while maintaining accuracy and power. I think it makes the most sense as a 50/50 ski, but Id also happily recommend it as a dedicated inbounds pow ski for people who dont need an ultra stable ski and instead want something thats easy to flick around and thats pretty forgiving. I think the Mindbender 116C carves very well for its size. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Mindbender 116C features a Powder Rocker profile. ski manufacturing is going backwards instead of foreword. After skiing it, wed agree with that initial take. They dont extend as deep into the ski, and the Mindbender 116Cs tips and tails are much more blocky they dont taper to as much of a point as the Pinnacle 118s. Early releases, featured athlete stories and product giveaways. K2 says they designed each Mindbender ski with its specific target conditions in mind, and they correspondingly used different construction techniques to reflect that. If you're an old friend of dreamy powder days but a stranger to fatty skis, allow us to introduce you to the K2 Mindbender 116 C Skis. To put it another way, while skiing the Mindbender 116C I kept thinking of the old hot-dogger style. Its good to see K2 getting up to speed on good ski design. Despite its rearward mount point, the Mindbender 116C felt very nimble and quick (something that sets it apart from the Mindbender 99Ti and 108Ti). So neither Luke nor I are suggesting that you cant get along with the 116C in variable snow. Lively, energetic, and remarkably composed; Mindbender skis with K2s Spectral Braid have stability and control in spades while remaining hyper-maneuverable. Is K2 still having their skis manufactured in China? The #K2Mindbender Ti Collection puts it's own spin on the traditional hard-charging freeride ski category. This tip has the most elevation and longest rocker and offers skiers a surfy feel with enhanced soft-snow performance. BORING, just another ski following the build me lite trend. COPYRIGHT A360 Media LLC 2022. No elements found. 20-21 Clicker X HB Step-In Binding Safety Alert. The Mindbender 116C doesnt have a super deep tail rocker line, and it doesnt have a ton of tail splay, so its not all that surprising that the Mindbender 116C doesnt feel as loose as many of the less directional skis with more tail rocker. Overall, the Mindbender 116C feels like a directional pow ski thats pretty versatile in pow it felt happy to make big, arcing turns when given the room, but it could just as easily noodle through deep snow in tight trees. A variable angle carbon fiber laminate allows the torsional and longitudinal stiffness to be adjusted independently. Carbon Spectral Braid The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. | View Privacy Policy | View Terms of Use. The Mindbender 116C isnt a spinny / flippy jib ski, but I think it encourages an active, playful, directional style. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Im 59 at 179 lbs and I make my 186 talking to me!!!! Conceived in the heart of the Cascades, this is the model that inspired the name Mindbender; never has there been a more capable 116mm waisted ski. The cambered midsection provides a longer effective edge on hardpack, increasing e. lity, while the rockered tip and tail provide floatation in deeper snow and allow the ski to initiate and release from turns easier. When you combine both the manoeuvrable rocker profile with the lightweight build, youve got a powder ski thats nimble underfoot and more than capable of slashing turns at will. There are many pow skis that stay more composed on groomers if those groomers have been cut up by skiers throughout the day. Luke Koppa (58, 155 lbs): I used the Mindbender 116C on a few of Crested Buttes deep days this season and I have zero complaints about how this ski handles fresh snow. I have full confidence the carbon k2 will last more than 20 days. Luke: As long as I was driving the front of the ski, the Mindbender 116C was very easy to ski in tight terrain. The camber still exists to ensure edgehold in firmer conditions. If youre someone who likes to stay light and cantered over your skis and prefers the ability to quickly dump speed, over long carved turns, then the Mindbender 116C would be a great pair of powder boards for you. But if the groomers are fairly smooth and / or soft, the Mindbender 116C is totally capable of carving a clean turn, and it can make a pretty wide variety of turn shapes. Weve also got full reviews coming soon for the Mindbender 106C Alliance and 115C Alliance. I ski my QST 106 at 181 cm. And, turns out, this style of skiing can be a lot of fun, provided that you arent the type of skier who mostly just wants to get to the bottom as fast as possible. Weight (per ski): 2,000g At this point, weve already talked a lot about K2s new Mindbender skis. 143 / 116 / 133 mm, Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest news from Newschoolers and our partners. Feature-forward design has it ranked as a perennial best seller. The ability to tighten and open the braid means that K2 can tune the flex of the ski in specific areas to get an exact flex pattern. Its tip rocker line is fairly deep, but there are plenty of skis in this class with deeper rocker lines (including the Pinnacle 118). So many know it all whiners build your own fucking skis then. Teamed up with legends on a micro-collection of products to bring skate style to the snow. Radius: 23m (186 cm) Jonathan: Yep, and the more you care about the soft-chop performance or the firm-chop performance of your pow ski i.e., the ski that you will intend to break out on your deep days the more prepared I am to make the case for the Mindbender 108Ti. Powder Rocker It does not store any personal data. Which we know in advance. The Mindbender 116C is very light for its size so light, in fact, that I could see myself using it as a dedicated touring ski. Strung up with our patent-pending Spectral Braid technology and Powder Rocker profile, this surprisingly lightweight fat ski can run with the best of em, from effortless turns in the lightest snow to punching through that end-of-day chop. Overall, the Mindbender 116C has a pretty moderate flex pattern it starts quite soft in the tips, slowly ramps up through the shovels, is strong around the bindings, and finishes with a moderately stiff tail. K2s Carbon Spectral Braid sits at the heart of this nimble powder ski. That's okay. The Mindbender 116C is built for those epic powder days that everyone dreams of, but its also equipped to deal with the reality of getting to the stash and back again. Luke: As you could probably guess by its name, the Mindbender 116C is 116 mm wide. Base, Dimensions: Price: 550 / 615 / $700. Blister Members can now check out ourFlash Review of the Mindbender 116C for our initial impressions. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. For directional skiers who want excellent float and easy maneuverability out of their pow ski, the Mindbender 116C is worth a good look. I mainly ski in Quebec and Vermont. But today, were discussing the widest ski in the lineup, the Mindbender 116C. These look like very nice skis. Thanks for the great reviews its always super informative and entertaining. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 1710 & 1744 Atomic Bent Chetler 120, 184 cm (18/1919/20)1795 & 1817 Moment Wildcat Tour, 184 cm (18/1919/20)1854 & 1903 Whitedot Ragnarok 118 Carbonlite, 190 cm (17/1818/19)1862 & 1873 Faction Prime 4.0, 185 cm (18/1919/20)1910 & 1941 Scott Scrapper 115, 189 cm (17/1818/19)1931 & 1959 Volkl BMT 122, 186 cm (17/1818/19)2013 & 2099 Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, 184 cm (18/1919/20)2019 & 2051 K2 Mindbender 116C, 186 cm (19/20)2034 & 2052 Blizzard Rustler 11, 188 cm (17/1819/20)2043 & 2046 4FRNT Inthayne, 188 cm (18/19-19/20)2083 & 2097 Line Magnum Opus, 188 cm (15/1618/19)2102 & 2137 Line Sick Day 114, 190 cm (17/1819/20)2126 & 2173 Rossignol Super 7 RD, 190 cm (17/1819/20)2130 & 2130 Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, 190 cm (18/1919/20)2133 & 2133 Salomon QST 118, 192 cm (17/1818/19)2165 & 2211 K2 Mindbender 108Ti, 186 cm (19/20)2183 & 2190 Black Crows Anima, 188.4 cm (17/1819/20)2196 & 2199 Icelantic Nomad 115, 191 cm (17/1818/19)2220 & 2252 Faction Prodigy 4.0, 186 cm (17/1819/20)2212 & 2215 Armada ARV 116 JJ, 185 cm (17/1819/20)2222 & 2278 Prior CBC, 184 cm (17/1819/20)2228 & 2231 Blizzard Spur, 192 cm (17/1819/20)2230 & 2250 Black Diamond Boundary Pro 115, 185 cm (17/1819/20)2246 & 2265 Fischer Ranger 115 FR, 188 cm (17/1818/19)2267 & 2270 Whitedot Ragnarok 118, 190 cm (16/1718/19)2296 & 2309 Liberty Origin Pro, 192 cm (17/1819/20)2297 & 2317 K2 Catamaran, 184 cm (17/1819/20)2311 & 2342 K2 Mindbender 99Ti, 184 cm (19/20)2341 & 2357 Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, 189 cm (18/1919/20)2343 & 2360 J Skis Friend, 189 cm (18/19)2346 & 2351 Nordica Enforcer Pro, 191 cm (17/1819/20)2382 & 2395 ON3P Billy Goat, 184 cm (17/1818/19)2408 & 2421 ON3P Kartel 116, 186 cm (17/1818/19)2429 & 2437 Kingswood SMB, 188 cm (16/1718/19)2438 & 2480 DPS Foundation Koala 119, 189 cm (19/20)2438 & 2492 Rossignol Black Ops 118, 186 cm (16/1719/20)2490 & 2529 K2 Catamaran, 191 cm (17/1819/20).
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