Mindbender 111 review

Overview

The Mindbender 111 is the widest ski in K2's rebuilt 26-27 Mindbender collection, engineered as the deep-day charger that replaces the outgoing 108Ti. Verified sidecut is 136-111-129 mm across all four lengths (177, 182, 187, 192 cm), with per-length radii of 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 m and roughly 2075 g per single ski at 187 cm. Construction shares the family recipe: Aspen-Paulownia core, Titanal I-Beam reinforcement, Dark Matter damping and Bio-Resin. K2 notes redesigned wider tips and tails specifically tuned for deep powder, storm days and tracked chop.

On-snow performance

At 111 mm underfoot with a 21 m radius in 187 cm, the Mindbender 111 is unambiguously a big-mountain freeride ski. The 2075 g measurement puts it noticeably lighter than most titanal-plate 110s (the outgoing 108Ti was closer to 2200 g), which shifts the feel from pure-heavy-charger toward a more nimble deep-day tool. On powder days the wider tip and tail float the ski across untracked terrain and let it release cleanly from turn to turn. In tracked chop the Titanal I-Beam and Dark Matter damping keep chatter under control at speed. On piste it will hold a long-radius carve but the 111 mm waist and long radius make it a poor short-turn choice.

Construction & specs explained

Core is Aspen-Paulownia with a Titanal I-Beam that runs over the edges rather than as a full sheet, plus Dark Matter TPU damping pucks placed at contact points. Bio-Resin binder keeps flex cold-consistent. Sidecut is 136-111-129 mm across all four lengths (177, 182, 187, 192 cm), with per-length radii of 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 m. Rocker profile is K2's All-Terrain Rocker, with the tip and tail specifically widened this generation for deeper snow. Base is sintered.

Who it's for & comparisons

Compared to the Head Kore 106 Ti the Mindbender 111 is meaningfully wider and more powder-focused. Against the Nordica Enforcer 104 it is a wider, deeper-snow shape rather than a mixed-terrain daily driver. The Icelantic Nomad 106 is similar in intent but with the more surfy Icelantic shape; the Mindbender feels more directional and powerful in charging mode.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Verified 2075 g at 187 cm is lighter than most titanal 110 mm rivals.
• Titanal I-Beam plus Dark Matter delivers damping in tracked chop without excessive mass.
• 111 mm waist with widened tips and tails genuinely floats in deep snow.
• Four length options (177–192 cm) suit taller advanced-to-expert skiers.

Cons

• Long radius (19–22 m per length) makes short-turn skiing feel forced.
• 111 mm waist is overkill for skiers who mostly ski groomed resort snow.
• Not built for touring — resort-oriented weight and construction.
• Shortest length is 177 cm — smaller skiers should consider the 101.

Verdict: A modernised 111 mm big-mountain freeride charger that trims mass without giving up damping. Best for advanced-to-expert skiers who see real powder and want a wider tool that still charges chopped-up afternoon snow with authority.