REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Playful
REASONS TO AVOID
Inconsistent flex
Delicate despite titanal
K2 Mindbender 89Ti Review
This ski is best suited for smaller, lighter weight skiers who plan to stick to smooth snow
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
RELATED: Best Skis for Men of 2025
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.
Editors' Note: We were able to purchase and test the new 2024-2025 Mindbender 89Ti throughout the 2023-2024 season.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
K2 Mindbender 89Ti | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Men's All-Mountain Ski |  Our Favorite Carving Ski |  Best Bang for Your Buck | ||
| Price | $698.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $850.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $799.95 at Evo Compare at 2 sellers | $409.96 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $549.95 at Evo Compare at 4 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| 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 crud | This legendary ski will help you overcome any challenge the mountain puts in front of you | A versatile design makes for a well-accomplished all-mountain ski that excels in the art of the carve | Strong, athletic skiers will be able to dance down the mountain on this powerful ski | A 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%) | |||||
| Carving Ability (20%) | |||||
| Powder Performance (20%) | |||||
| Crud Performance (20%) | |||||
| Terrain Playfulness (20%) | |||||
| 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 |
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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