I picked these up in the fall and have been skiing them this season (2020/2021) at Silver Star in the interior of British Columbia. I have to say a huge THANK YOU to the guys at SkiEsstenials for the reviews and for helping me decide on these skis. I'm 6' and 185lbs and I went with the Mindbender 99ti in 177 length and they are absolutely amazing. They hold their edges extremely well and carve like they're on rails. And, then when it snows, they provide just the right amount of float in the deep stuff to make it a playful experience. With a bit of power they can turn quickly in moguls and tight spaces. Overall I'm super happy with these skis. Thanks again for all you guys do at SkiEssentials!
These skis are amazing - I daily drove them in Whistler last season. No speed limit, but still more playful than an Enforcer or Bonafide. Thanks to binding inserts, I'm even going to give them a go at touring (they heavy, but imagine how fast I can go!)
I am going out on a limb and picked these up to use as my daily driver. The catch here, I have always been a snowboarder but I am looking for a challenge and thought intermediate to expert skis (according to you and other reviewers) would suffice my craving. I really liked the Blizzard Rustler 10 in 2019 which is why I decided to picked the K2 (I have always liked K2 boards) Mindbender 99ti. I am interested to see how this goes.
Chances are you'll like them! The Mindbender 99 is a little bit more powerful than the Rustler 10, and admittedly a little bit more demanding, but if you're up for a challenge, you'll have no problem on them. As a snowboarder, you understand weighting and edge control, so while it might take a little bit to adjust to them, I don't think you'll find them too hard to ski.
Can you comment on the difference between this ski and Nordica Enforcer 100? Was hoping to try this ski but rented the Enforcer. Super impressed with its ability to carve and drive through crud and variable conditions however it was hard to ditch speed or maneuver at slower speed, how would this ski compare?
Overall, I find the Enforcer 100 and the Mindbender 99 to be very similar skis. They're both stable and relatively powerful, but their shape gives them good versatility too. If anything, I actually think the Enforcer 100 has slightly easier edge release than the Mindbender 99, although that's a really close comparison. So, if you're looking for more maneuverability at slower speeds, MB 99 probably isn't the way to go. Enforcer 104 is an interesting ski to consider. Very similar feel to the 100, but much more tail rocker. Something to think about at least. In general, it sounds like you're going to prefer a ski with a little more rise in the tail to help with the maneuverability/speed dumps.
I skied the Enforcer 100 for a couple seasons and really like it.... but I let it go in favor of the Enforcer 110 which I absolutely love... if the snow is remotely soft. It has similar carving ability and crud ability, but is much more playful and maneuverable at slower speeds and of course much more fun in pow. This season I got on the Mindbender 99 as I was looking for something more suited to hard snow as a two ski quiver with the E 110. (In Colorado) The Mindbender really surprised me in the way it made bad snow feel better. It ate up steep terrain and charged hard but still had a forgiving quality. It is not as maneuverable as the (old) Enforcer 100 and not nearly as maneuverable (pivot-able) as the 110, but I wasn't looking for it to fill that role. (The new Enforcer 100 has stiffened tails that I thought wasn't an improvement.) I like the more directional mount point of the Mindbender over the Enforcer 100 as part of a two ski quiver. The Mindbender compliments the Enforcer 110 very well. But if I had to pick one ski I'd stay with the Enforcer 110. I haven't skied the Enforcer 104, but friends report that it feels more stiff and for playfulness (but without being a noodle) the Enforcer 110 wins out.
More rocker in the Stance 102, which makes it feel "surfier" in soft snow, but a little less precise on firm snow. You get more feedback and responsiveness out of the MB 99 due to the longer effective edge and more camber.
What's the verdict on riding switch on these skis? I know you said they're directional. I typically dont ride switch a ton but sometimes like to mess around heading from the top of the lift over to the crest of the slope before riding down regular. Thanks ahead of time! -Arie
If it's something you just do to play around from time to time, they'll handle some switch skiing, but they're certainly not the best. If you're linking turns switch, I would get something else, but if you just hop to switch and back again from time to time, they'll work.
What would you say is a good mount point? I mounted mine in the middle of true center and the recommended line (-11) about 5 cm in front because I thought there was too much ski in front. I actually like where it's at but I think they may still have some untapped potential.
I personally really like the way they feel right on the recommended line. It is pretty far back from center, but having tested them quite a bit, I got used to having a lot of ski in front of me. The directional construction (Titanal Y Beam) is a big reason why I don't like moving it too much.
@@SkiEssentials thanks for the reply I live in the Midwest and make a trip out west every year my final question would be with where I mounted the bindings will I struggle in powder out west or no?
What width would you recommend? I ski vail, breck, and keystone and am either in the trees or in the bowls and I really enjoy the powder. I demoed the 99ti at vail and breck and really liked the performance and thought it was good in the waist deep powder but I was wondering if I could get more performance out of a wider ski? Also on length I am 5’10” so is 177 good enough or should I go 180+?
The 99 will provide a better balance of performance characteristics for more mixed conditions where the 108 is geared more towards softer snow. The 99 will provide a quicker edge to edge feel and better edge hold on groomers, but they still provide great float in deeper or softer snow. A 177 would work well for you, but length is ultimately your decision to make based on your desired performance from the ski. A longer ski will provide more stability at higher speeds and more float in deeper snow, whereas a shorter ski will provide more ease of maneuverability.
If I’m an intermediate skier, 5’10”, but solid 190 lbs should I go with 177 or 170? I’ve been skiing a 177 cm k2 amp rictor 82xti since 2015 but here in BC I rarely get to enjoy true piste and want a more versatile and playful ski hence the question. And help would be appreciated!
@@SkiEssentials curious - what happens when a ski is too short? I don't have access to different skis to try and have to rely on what I read online hence the question. Most sources talk about stability at speed being sacrificed but what if I prefer control over speed and short turns? Thank you so much for such an informative channel!
how would this compare to the qst 99 or similar? I'am looking for an all around resort ski to put shifts on and be able to hit the back country when the conditions are good, we don´t get that many pow days where I ski
Fairly similar, although the Mindbender feels more powerful. More stability at speed, a little more edge grip, although it's heavier and not as playful as the QST. A little more challenging or fatiguing to maneuver in tight terrain.
@@SkiEssentials thanks! for the MB 99 i am not sure what my size would be, I am 1,70m so idk if a 170cm would be ok or if I should go up to the 177. I am an advanced skier but this would be my first time touring
@@borjagraciauson6179 I think 170 would be more appropriate. That should be plenty of ski for your size and will be a touch lighter for touring as well.
I dont know decide between K2 Mindbender 99Ti and Volkl Mantra 102. I'm looking for all-day skies. I know that both this skies are very stable. What is different in soft snow conditions and in tight terrain ?
Seconding this question. These skis look very similar on paper. Obviously both are heavy, stable, good carvers for their width. The open question is which of the two is more maneuverable and easier to pivot in tight places.
Mindbender is going to be a little easier to pivot and a little more forgiving in deep snow. The tail has slightly less torsional stiffness, allowing it to swing around more easily. That said, neither is particularly nimble in tight terrain as Marcus mentioned.
Stormrider is smoother and more precise from the squared-off tail. More vibration damping and a slightly softer flex pattern that really feels like it absorbs everything you hit. Mindbenders feel a little heavier and a touch stiffer, but also more versatile in softer snow conditions.
@@ljroot I’m identical specs as you and my shop recommended these in 177. Just picked them up yesterday so I haven’t gotten them on snow but they certainly seem to be a good size fit. Comes right to my eyes.
@@sanguisbibimus thanks - I actually ended up getting a pair of J Skis Masterblaster, 181cm, and can't imagine a better all-round ski: incredibly stable and damp for its size, plenty of weight and stability to cut through chop, super fun to carve, and easy to slash and pivot when needed. Incredible ski.
I picked these up in the fall and have been skiing them this season (2020/2021) at Silver Star in the interior of British Columbia. I have to say a huge THANK YOU to the guys at SkiEsstenials for the reviews and for helping me decide on these skis. I'm 6' and 185lbs and I went with the Mindbender 99ti in 177 length and they are absolutely amazing. They hold their edges extremely well and carve like they're on rails. And, then when it snows, they provide just the right amount of float in the deep stuff to make it a playful experience. With a bit of power they can turn quickly in moguls and tight spaces. Overall I'm super happy with these skis. Thanks again for all you guys do at SkiEssentials!
So glad you're enjoying them Peter! Have a fantastic remainder of your season and don't ever hesitate to reach out if you need anything!
These skis are amazing - I daily drove them in Whistler last season. No speed limit, but still more playful than an Enforcer or Bonafide. Thanks to binding inserts, I'm even going to give them a go at touring (they heavy, but imagine how fast I can go!)
Thanks for sharing your feedback! Great skis for sure.
How would these do on moguls? That’s something I couldn’t tell it they mentioned in the video
How come you don’t have them in your quiver?
I am going out on a limb and picked these up to use as my daily driver. The catch here, I have always been a snowboarder but I am looking for a challenge and thought intermediate to expert skis (according to you and other reviewers) would suffice my craving. I really liked the Blizzard Rustler 10 in 2019 which is why I decided to picked the K2 (I have always liked K2 boards) Mindbender 99ti. I am interested to see how this goes.
Chances are you'll like them! The Mindbender 99 is a little bit more powerful than the Rustler 10, and admittedly a little bit more demanding, but if you're up for a challenge, you'll have no problem on them. As a snowboarder, you understand weighting and edge control, so while it might take a little bit to adjust to them, I don't think you'll find them too hard to ski.
Can you comment on the difference between this ski and Nordica Enforcer 100? Was hoping to try this ski but rented the Enforcer. Super impressed with its ability to carve and drive through crud and variable conditions however it was hard to ditch speed or maneuver at slower speed, how would this ski compare?
Overall, I find the Enforcer 100 and the Mindbender 99 to be very similar skis. They're both stable and relatively powerful, but their shape gives them good versatility too. If anything, I actually think the Enforcer 100 has slightly easier edge release than the Mindbender 99, although that's a really close comparison. So, if you're looking for more maneuverability at slower speeds, MB 99 probably isn't the way to go. Enforcer 104 is an interesting ski to consider. Very similar feel to the 100, but much more tail rocker. Something to think about at least. In general, it sounds like you're going to prefer a ski with a little more rise in the tail to help with the maneuverability/speed dumps.
I skied the Enforcer 100 for a couple seasons and really like it.... but I let it go in favor of the Enforcer 110 which I absolutely love... if the snow is remotely soft. It has similar carving ability and crud ability, but is much more playful and maneuverable at slower speeds and of course much more fun in pow. This season I got on the Mindbender 99 as I was looking for something more suited to hard snow as a two ski quiver with the E 110. (In Colorado) The Mindbender really surprised me in the way it made bad snow feel better. It ate up steep terrain and charged hard but still had a forgiving quality. It is not as maneuverable as the (old) Enforcer 100 and not nearly as maneuverable (pivot-able) as the 110, but I wasn't looking for it to fill that role. (The new Enforcer 100 has stiffened tails that I thought wasn't an improvement.) I like the more directional mount point of the Mindbender over the Enforcer 100 as part of a two ski quiver. The Mindbender compliments the Enforcer 110 very well. But if I had to pick one ski I'd stay with the Enforcer 110. I haven't skied the Enforcer 104, but friends report that it feels more stiff and for playfulness (but without being a noodle) the Enforcer 110 wins out.
Hi. How do the 99s ski compared to the Stance 102? Thanks.
More rocker in the Stance 102, which makes it feel "surfier" in soft snow, but a little less precise on firm snow. You get more feedback and responsiveness out of the MB 99 due to the longer effective edge and more camber.
What's the verdict on riding switch on these skis? I know you said they're directional. I typically dont ride switch a ton but sometimes like to mess around heading from the top of the lift over to the crest of the slope before riding down regular. Thanks ahead of time! -Arie
If it's something you just do to play around from time to time, they'll handle some switch skiing, but they're certainly not the best. If you're linking turns switch, I would get something else, but if you just hop to switch and back again from time to time, they'll work.
What would you say is a good mount point? I mounted mine in the middle of true center and the recommended line (-11) about 5 cm in front because I thought there was too much ski in front. I actually like where it's at but I think they may still have some untapped potential.
I personally really like the way they feel right on the recommended line. It is pretty far back from center, but having tested them quite a bit, I got used to having a lot of ski in front of me. The directional construction (Titanal Y Beam) is a big reason why I don't like moving it too much.
@@SkiEssentials thanks for the reply I live in the Midwest and make a trip out west every year my final question would be with where I mounted the bindings will I struggle in powder out west or no?
Hi i am about to buy the 99ti but i am considering the length 170 or 177 i am 6’’, what will you suggest ?
Hi Harry! I would go with the 177 cm. Sorry for the delay getting back to you, we've been busy testing skis!
What width would you recommend? I ski vail, breck, and keystone and am either in the trees or in the bowls and I really enjoy the powder. I demoed the 99ti at vail and breck and really liked the performance and thought it was good in the waist deep powder but I was wondering if I could get more performance out of a wider ski? Also on length I am 5’10” so is 177 good enough or should I go 180+?
The 99 will provide a better balance of performance characteristics for more mixed conditions where the 108 is geared more towards softer snow. The 99 will provide a quicker edge to edge feel and better edge hold on groomers, but they still provide great float in deeper or softer snow. A 177 would work well for you, but length is ultimately your decision to make based on your desired performance from the ski. A longer ski will provide more stability at higher speeds and more float in deeper snow, whereas a shorter ski will provide more ease of maneuverability.
If I’m an intermediate skier, 5’10”, but solid 190 lbs should I go with 177 or 170?
I’ve been skiing a 177 cm k2 amp rictor 82xti since 2015 but here in BC I rarely get to enjoy true piste and want a more versatile and playful ski hence the question.
And help would be appreciated!
@@S0larW1nd I would go 177 if I were you. That will be stable at speed, but also fun and maneuverable. 170 feels short for your weight in my opinion.
@@SkiEssentials curious - what happens when a ski is too short? I don't have access to different skis to try and have to rely on what I read online hence the question. Most sources talk about stability at speed being sacrificed but what if I prefer control over speed and short turns?
Thank you so much for such an informative channel!
Anyone using this with a 22 Design AXL telebinding?
I do think Bob has tried them as a tele setup, I can ask.
how would this compare to the qst 99 or similar? I'am looking for an all around resort ski to put shifts on and be able to hit the back country when the conditions are good, we don´t get that many pow days where I ski
Fairly similar, although the Mindbender feels more powerful. More stability at speed, a little more edge grip, although it's heavier and not as playful as the QST. A little more challenging or fatiguing to maneuver in tight terrain.
@@SkiEssentials thanks! for the MB 99 i am not sure what my size would be, I am 1,70m so idk if a 170cm would be ok or if I should go up to the 177. I am an advanced skier but this would be my first time touring
@@borjagraciauson6179 I think 170 would be more appropriate. That should be plenty of ski for your size and will be a touch lighter for touring as well.
G'day. 183 cm 200lb advanced skier be on the 184 or 177? Cheers n.
I would go 184 cm if I were your size. 177 cm could potentially feel a little twitchy, unless you prefer shorter lengths.
I dont know decide between K2 Mindbender 99Ti and Volkl Mantra 102. I'm looking for all-day skies. I know that both this skies are very stable. What is different in soft snow conditions and in tight terrain ?
Seconding this question. These skis look very similar on paper. Obviously both are heavy, stable, good carvers for their width. The open question is which of the two is more maneuverable and easier to pivot in tight places.
I’ve skied both and tight terrain isn’t a strong suit for either but the mind bender does slightly better in my opinion. Both are great on soft snow.
Mindbender is going to be a little easier to pivot and a little more forgiving in deep snow. The tail has slightly less torsional stiffness, allowing it to swing around more easily. That said, neither is particularly nimble in tight terrain as Marcus mentioned.
vs Stormrider 95?
Stormrider is smoother and more precise from the squared-off tail. More vibration damping and a slightly softer flex pattern that really feels like it absorbs everything you hit. Mindbenders feel a little heavier and a touch stiffer, but also more versatile in softer snow conditions.
Skiessentials.com thanks! 6’2” 180, advanced but not expert, think I could get away with 177cm? Still stable enough on fast groomers and steeps?
@@ljroot I’m identical specs as you and my shop recommended these in 177. Just picked them up yesterday so I haven’t gotten them on snow but they certainly seem to be a good size fit. Comes right to my eyes.
@@sanguisbibimus thanks - I actually ended up getting a pair of J Skis Masterblaster, 181cm, and can't imagine a better all-round ski: incredibly stable and damp for its size, plenty of weight and stability to cut through chop, super fun to carve, and easy to slash and pivot when needed. Incredible ski.