K2 Mindbender Skis

[waxoff]

Yeah, interestingly the MB 116 is quite a bit lighter than the MB 108ti (which I have and like a lot). Been looking for something to replace my black version Pinnacle 118, which is 2300+ grams and great for float and busting chop, but the MB 116 just doesn't seem to fit the bill, at least on paper.

Not sure about the Rustler 11, that barely weighs more than the MB 116.

Maybe QST 118?

This is the ski I couldn’t find. Working with Marshal, but nothing finalized.

R11 isn’t it for me.

It struck me that the custom Praxis Fat BC Keith built for me a couple of years ago might be close to what you're talking about...

[J. Barron DeJong]

It struck me that the custom Praxis Fat BC Keith built for me a couple of years ago might be close to what you're talking about...

Not going to comment on any specifics, but a fat BC seems different enough from what we’re looking at.

Any idea of the weight of your skis?

[rfconroy]

Yeah, interestingly the MB 116 is quite a bit lighter than the MB 108ti (which I have and like a lot). Been looking for something to replace my black version Pinnacle 118, which is 2300+ grams and great for float and busting chop, but the MB 116 just doesn't seem to fit the bill, at least on paper.

Not sure about the Rustler 11, that barely weighs more than the MB 116.

Maybe QST 118?

Dont think they make the QST 118 anymore.

I mean.. If you take the plunge into a more progressive mounted ski, there are many many options out there, but theyre all going to have mount points around -2 to -6cm from TC

[waxoff]

Yeah, interestingly the MB 116 is quite a bit lighter than the MB 108ti (which I have and like a lot). Been looking for something to replace my black version Pinnacle 118, which is 2300+ grams and great for float and busting chop, but the MB 116 just doesn't seem to fit the bill, at least on paper.

Not sure about the Rustler 11, that barely weighs more than the MB 116.

Maybe QST 118?

Not going to comment on any specifics, but a fat BC seems different enough from what we’re looking at.

Any idea of the weight of your skis?

The pair (191cm) was 4630 grams MAA enduro core. More in the Praxis thread from 09-13-2018

[J. Barron DeJong]

The pair (191cm) was 4630 grams MAA enduro core. More in the Praxis thread from 09-13-2018

Thanks. Look nice and could fit the bill for some. Sticking with my ‘different enough’ assessment (which is great, more choices).

[Fishskisurf]

I don't believe the bender 116C is what you're looking for. Heard it gets knocked around quite a bit since its fairly light so you'd need to dial it back quite a bit.

Maybe a Rustler 11 or something a little heavier would fill the niche of a more traditionally mounted pow ski. Blade Optic 114? - It's got a mount point around -7cm?

I also found a deal on them a winter or two ago and pulled the trigger. I did not enjoy them around the resort. Fun in the foods or first two runs, but very unpleasant thru any chop. I offloaded mine.
Maybe the layup has changed, but carbon and lightweight is only good for so long in the resort imo. Touring application would be a different story.

[durangobrad]

Thanks for the feedback any opinions on blade optic 114 vs head kore 117.

Want to be able to ski all day on a good pow day, all the way to tracked out moguls.

The line has me a little intimidated that it might be too much ski for me.

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[griffinmyers]

Yeah, interestingly the MB 116 is quite a bit lighter than the MB 108ti (which I have and like a lot). Been looking for something to replace my black version Pinnacle 118, which is 2300+ grams and great for float and busting chop, but the MB 116 just doesn't seem to fit the bill, at least on paper.

Not sure about the Rustler 11, that barely weighs more than the MB 116.

Maybe QST 118?

I have the 108ti and love that it's a damp, directional, and intuitive ski. I was similarly looking for a wider ski for deeper days earlier this season and ended up with a Nordica Enforcer 115. IMO the two pair quite well. The Enforcer feels especially at home in chop – no real speed limit and can just eat leftovers all day long... for me a pretty ideal inbounds "powder" tool.

[slowroastin]

Anybody find the 99’s tips a bit hooky at moderate speed? Ive already aggressively detuned them past the rocker. Currently mounted on the line and thinking about going +1 or +2.

I love how they ski near top end. Its like a car that tightens up the steering at highway speeds.


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[MD12]

Yeah, interestingly the MB 116 is quite a bit lighter than the MB 108ti (which I have and like a lot). Been looking for something to replace my black version Pinnacle 118, which is 2300+ grams and great for float and busting chop, but the MB 116 just doesn't seem to fit the bill, at least on paper.

Not sure about the Rustler 11, that barely weighs more than the MB 116.

Maybe QST 118?

Maybe kastle zx 115?

[dmcd]

Have you spent a lot of time recently on more progressive skis? I loved my MB108s last season and then this season have spent a ton of time on Wildcats. Going back to the MBs and the directional mount I've felt like the tips are way hookier. I've been thinking along the same lines of doing a +1 or 2 mount to get a more even amount of ski ahead and behind.

[yeahman]

Trying to change a directional ski into a "progressive" ski or vice versa by moving the mount point is a waste of time IMO. Figure out what style of skiing you prefer and buy a ski designed for that style.

[kc_7777]

Have you spent a lot of time recently on more progressive skis? I loved my MB108s last season and then this season have spent a ton of time on Wildcats. Going back to the MBs and the directional mount I've felt like the tips are way hookier. I've been thinking along the same lines of doing a +1 or 2 mount to get a more even amount of ski ahead and behind.

Haha I used to post like this all the time.

Agree wholeheartedly with post just above.

Buy skis that fit your style and mount on rec.

eg. I’m on rec on Hojis, Ravens, Optics, Season Pass, Season Aero, K2 Reckoners, Armada Whitewalkers…. cause they all have progressive mounts.



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[dmcd]

Obviously, but if you've found yourself getting along with progressive mounts more but already have a pair of skis why not move your bindings?

[waveshello]

I like my 116c at +1, but it still feels pretty traditional compared to my more progressive skis--jj, og renegade, devastator, or even the og bodacious. The bode is kind of unique in that it has a pretty traditional mount, but in 3d snow it feels more progressive to me.

I think you'd have to move substantially forward to get a progressive feel and then you'd be well ahead of the center of sidecut.

MB has a lot of qualities I equate with a more traditional shape/mount... flotation and turn initiation feel more tip biased than underfoot biased. Bigger sweet spot, more predictable, not as quick, doesn't respond as much to tiny inputs and shifts in weight. Basically more predictable, sometimes easier to ski, but also sometimes not as fun, imo. It is, however, basically unsinkable for my 160lb self because of those fat rockered tips, and sometimes that makes it the best ski for the day, for me.

[yeahman]

Easier to resell a ski with one mount as opposed to swiss cheese.

But if you don't care about resale value, go for it and report back. Be curious to hear what you think.

[dmcd]

Appreciate the thoughts, but it seems like a weird attitude to take in Tech Talk on TGR. Do you think the people mounting their Heritage skis before or behind recommended in those threads are making mistakes as well? What about the Blister reviewers?

[yeahman]

Appreciate the thoughts, but it seems like a weird attitude to take in Tech Talk on TGR. Do you think the people mounting their Heritage skis before or behind recommended in those threads are making mistakes as well? What about the Blister reviewers?

Then stop fucking asking and do it.

[Bandit Man]

The Mindbender 108 has a soft shovel and a stiff but somewhat smeary tail. If you find the sweet spot and can bend the ski the right way, it’s a lot of fun. If you push it too hard, the tip lets you know and you have to throttle back a bit. Ski it on smooth groomers or fresh pow and it’s great. It starts to loose something in the variable.

I sold mine after deciding that compromise wasn’t worth making. So, screw with the mount point, but it’s still a ski that has to be skied a certain way to work.

[kc_7777]

Easier to resell a ski with one mount as opposed to swiss cheese.

But if you don't care about resale value, go for it and report back. Be curious to hear what you think.

I think the point above is you are at a point where you have a choice….and that choice could impact you economically.

Eg Sell em now with 1 mount. And you may get a decent price, and buy something with a more progressive mount. Eg sell yours for $250US, and buy a Blade Optic from Corbetts for $350US. You’re out approx $100. Pretty low cost swap.

Or Put more holes in the MB’s, and ski em forward of rec, then possible sell them for way lower if you don’t like them. Risk is you’re out more.

There is also the “do it for science” angle. That I’ve done that many times. Eg M102s at +2.5cm. You’re always wondering if you’ve fucked up the ski and are too far forward in front of the side cut.

Then there was once the time I talked to a K2 pro athlete who was at +7cm on his MB108Tis.

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[altacoup]

The Mindbender 108 has a soft shovel and a stiff but somewhat smeary tail. If you find the sweet spot and can bend the ski the right way, it’s a lot of fun. If you push it too hard, the tip lets you know and you have to throttle back a bit. Ski it on smooth groomers or fresh pow and it’s great. It starts to loose something in the variable.

I sold mine after deciding that compromise wasn’t worth making. So, screw with the mount point, but it’s still a ski that has to be skied a certain way to work.

This sums up my feelings on the mindbender 108ti. I have mine mounted at +2, as -10 is just way to far back. If snow is predictable, they’re pretty good. But I’m not a huge fan in variable, which is kind of where I want a 108 ski to excel. They seems to want to make ski school turns. I much prefer the green top sheet Qst 106. I also had to detune the crap out of the mindbender to make them skiable. They are super stiff right behind the binding, I think that more tail rocker would make them much more compliant and versatile.


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[yeahman]

I think they ski really well in variable for a ski that also has excellent soft snow performance. Ideal DD for Big Sky IMO, I never need to think twice about what the conditions are, just ski it. However I would not use it as a PNW DD where the snow is heavier.

That said I've been curious to try the QST 106, but wondering which year is best for what I want. Hand flexed some Blanks yesterday and was surprised at how floppy they felt.

[whyturn]

108 vs 99 go. Have mostly 114 and above skis. 99 seems more practical for groomers and we have a long spring in Utah. I’m not practical and this year had a lot of pow. want to hear thoughts form owners and any downsides or nonsense. Thx


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[CHAIR_97]

108 vs 99 go. Have mostly 114 and above skis. 99 seems more practical for groomers and we have a long spring in Utah. I’m not practical and this year had a lot of pow. want to hear thoughts form owners and any downsides or nonsense. Thx


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99 and 108 are a lot different. Tail on 99 is flatter and less releasable. 99s are slightly damper. 99s like to stay In the fall line whereas 108s like to cut across it more. 108s good in bumps 99s kind of suck in bumps too much work

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[CHAIR_97]

I've got a 191
pair 9
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