Mindbender 115 W Boa

TESTED 2023
A freeride boot with a nod to freestyle, with new generation BOA dial and eye-catching colors
  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

    Buyer’s Guide reviews

    Performance by context
    Ascent
    Skiing
    Walking
    Climbing
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    The charts show our impressions from testing
    Product info
    Category average
    Recommended use
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    In lab
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    In words

    Intro
    Not just one, but two BOAs on the new K2 freeride model, which is going all in on the magic dial. It feels like a Mindbender boot, the main materials are Pebax and TPU, but it provides better control for narrow feet thanks to the precise fastening. Also available with a 95 flex.
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    Walking
    It walks like a freeride boot should, with a nice stride. The external size of the boot plus the BOA, which in the new version is more than a little bulky, means it is not very agile when walking on rock or mixed terrain and it might make it hard to use crampons. Having said that, regulating the liner and shell with the patented dial system ensures that there's no slopping around or pressure points.
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    Lab
    The BOA adjustable liner is what we liked the most about this boot. Even if it still has a little way to go, it's a great alternative for those who miss laces; soft and comfortable yet supportive. Putting it on is so easy you'd think you were wearing a Moon Boot. Adjusting the two BOAs on the other hand can take a little time and you risk not being the first up the hill. Once closed it wraps the foot well, without overdoing it. For large feet.
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    Skiing
    The roomy, comfy fit does translate into loss of precision in descent - even when tightened to the limit there are some gaps around the sole of the foot and energy transfer to the ski is slow. The first phase of the turn sees the plastics—which are perhaps a little softer than stated—give way slightly, then they stabilize and return to a progressive flex. The rearward support is decidedly better and very forgiving, even when landing cliffs and jumps. After close analysis, backcountry freestyle might well be this boot's calling.
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    Technical specifications

    LINER MATERIALS
    Pebax
    SHELL MATERIALS
    TPU
    INSERT TYPE
    Tech
    Buckle description
    new generation BOA on the shell with 5 lace guides, two classic cuff buckles
    Sole description
    GripWalk
    Liner description
    PowerFit Pro Tour BOA
    No. of buckles
    2
    Lean forward
    12°/16°
    Available sizes
    22.5–27.5 mp
    Released in
    2023
    Made in
    Italy
    Price
    750 €
    Status
    Novelty
    Declared specsMeasured by us
    We measured the measure 24.5 to get all the details
    1.720 gr
    Individual weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Liner weight
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Shell weight
    XXXXX
    284 mm
    External shell length
    XXXXX
    N/A
    External shell width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Inner shell width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Pin distance
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Force to 20° back
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Force to 20° forward
    XXXXX
    50 °
    Cuff ROM
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum cuff height
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum tongue height
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum forefoot width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Maximum ankle width
    XXXXX
    N/A
    Sole thickness at toe
    XXXXX
    97 mm
    Min. last width
    XXXXX
    100 mm
    Max. last width
    XXXXX
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