Last tested
2023
Status:ongoing
2024

Mindbender 96C

New for 2023-24 for a mix of resort freeride, some groomers, and short ascents, this is the best in terms of the actual skiing, but its weight holds it back on the climb
In brief
Suitable for
those who prefer the descent to the climb
Not suitable for
traditional skimo
Also suitable for
jibbing and new school
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

Buyer’s Guide reviews

Positioning
Handling
New school ski-tourer
Suggested curve arc
Long radius
Used by
Sam Kuch
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
On-snow performance
Hard / packed
Powder
Wind-blown / crust
Damp / wet
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
Trip purpose
Height difference / Engagement
Performance / Line
Skiing / Slope
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Recommended use
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Recommended level
Technical Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
High level
Weight
lightmedianheavy
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in

In words

Intro
Big news out of K2, as they bring us the new 96C and 106C for this winter to expand their Mindbender collection, which has been on the market for a few years now. There product catalog now includes their traditional Wayback line of skimo skis, as well as Dispatch for freetouring and new-school skiing and the Mindbender family, which sports a more traditional shape. The 96C is intended for a combination of resort freeride and the odd jaunt down a groomer, mixed in with short climbs in search of fun lines to ski. The ski features traditional camber and tip and tail rocker that's progressive but not exaggerated, along with a wood and carbon-fiber construction.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
On the snow
We'll just say it: this is the ski we liked the most in terms of the actual skiing. Compared to the competition, though, it's held back a bit by its weight, which you can really feel on the climb. It's super fun in all snow conditions — from powder, where the tip floats even at slow speeds, and in hard snow or crust, aided by its vigorous waist. The work they've done with its (wood and carbon-fiber) construction and sidecut gives you just the right combination of stability at high speeds and easy turning in tight spaces. It may be the only ski of the bunch that can both give a fun ride to even the most sophisticated skiers and help out those who are still working on their ski technique. You can slash through powder or spring snow then carve wide turns on the edges when the snow gets harder. What a blast! Like we said, you can get slowly back up the mountain if you're in good shape, making this the perfect ski for resort freeriding.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Lab
Slightly concave at tip and tail, not fully corrected at the tail after a few runs through our machine. Only smoothed, waxed. Good edges, 2.1 x 2 mm at 90.2°, base edge 1.8°. Finish a bit rough but acceptable, needs tuning, especially along the base.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in

Technical specifications

Construction
sidewall
Materials
aspen, laminates
Base
sintered polyethylene
Available sizes
166, 172, 178, 184
Released in
2023
Made in
China
Price
600 €
Declared specsMeasured by us
We measured the length 184 to get all the details
184 cm
Length
XXXXX
131 cm
Tip width
XXXXX
119 cm
Tail width
XXXXX
96 cm
Waist width
XXXXX
N/A
Edge contact
XXXXX
N/A
Camber
XXXXX
N/A
Tip rocker
XXXXX
N/A
Tail rocker
XXXXX
1.930 g
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Left weight
XXXXX
N/A
Right weight
XXXXX
17,8 m
Sidecut radius
XXXXX
N/A
Load-bearing surface
XXXXX
N/A
Tip torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Center torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Tail torsion
XXXXX
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Top stories
Tutorial
Maintenance and complete check-up of ski mountaineering bindings

The Skialper tutorials

2025
Thoughts
At the heart of every ski

Editorial

2025
Intro
Test center

Where the snow is always present

2025
Intro
Skimo skins

It's not all about grip

2025
Instruction
Boot lab: Boots under the microscope

The laboratory analysis of flex, walkability, and thermal insulation of ski mountaineering boots

2025
Intro
Skimo poles
2025
Intro
Safety, a culture of doubt

Beyond the basic definition, there’s nothing as variable as snow conditions and the human psyche when under emotional stress. That's why, after purchasing the right self-rescue kit and airbag backpack, it’s paramount you do your research, train, scrutinize your decisions and, if necessary, opt for plan B. And, at least for now, don’t rely on artificial intelligence. 

2025
Race
Light
Tour
Free
Awards
Best bindings 2025

Skiaklper's Awards

2025
Intro
Products for mountaineers

Once you’ve chosen your skis, boots and bindings, your thoughts then turn to harnesses, crampons, ice axe and helmet, though perhaps not everyone, and not straight away. While it’s true that when starting out, especially for those transitioning from resort skiing who just want to start surfing some pow, the important thing is to get self-rescue equipment. It’s equally true, however, that the sport we love is a combination of two words: skiing and mountaineering.

2025
Split All Mountain
Intro
Boards, boots, and bindings for splitboarding

Materials are evolving, which is increasing the opportunities for pushing the boundaries of mountaineering splitboarding. It’s no longer just about easy tours, a few jumps and a beer. Thanks to innovative new setups and growing knowledge within the community, long ascents and steep terrain no longer intimidate.

Recommended pairing
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
K2
Dispatch Pro
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.525 g
Top match
preview 2024
Boots
Free
Atomic
Hawk Ultra XTD 120 GW
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.826 g
Top match
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
La Sportiva
Vanguard Woman
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.325 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Scarpa
4-Quattro XT WMN
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.345 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Nordica
Unlimited LT 115 W Dyn
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.390 g
tested 2024
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Atomic
Backland XTD Carbon 115 W
Buckles: 2
Weight: N/A g
preview 2025
Boots
Tour
K2
Dispatch LT
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.464 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Dynafit
Ridge Pro
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.250 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Tecnica
Zero G Tour Pro
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.320 g
tested 2024
Boots
Tour
Tecnica
Zero G Tour Pro
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.320 g
SMART CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Scarpa
Maestrale
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.380 g
preview 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Dalbello
Quantum Free W
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.200 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Scarpa
Gea
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.220 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
K2
Dispatch LT W
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.390 g
preview 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Scott
Celeste Tour
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.200 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Tecnica
Zero G Tour Pro W
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.480 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Made for women
Scarpa
Gea RS
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.300 g
preview 2025
Boots
Tour
Scott
Cosmos Tour
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.350 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Scott
Cosmos Pro
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.380 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Scarpa
Maestrale RS
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.460 g
PRO'S CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Scarpa
4-Quattro XT
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.500 g
tested 2025
Boots
Tour
Nordica
Unlimited LT 130 Dyn
Buckles: 4
Weight: 1.480 g
Recommended setup
tested 2024
Bindings
Tour
Free
ATK Bindings
Raider 12 AP
Type: full pin
Weight: 345 g
Top match
tested 2025
Bindings
Free
Ski Trab
TR1
Type: Hybrid pin
Weight: 685 g
Top match
preview 2024
Bindings
Tour
Salomon
MTN Summit 12 BR
Type: full pin
Weight: 400 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
Tour
Plum
Pika Stopper
Type: full pin
Weight: 265 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Salomon
MTN Pure
Type: full pin
Weight: 295 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Tour
Ski Trab
Titan Vario.2 + Stopper
Type: full pin
Weight: 309 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
Superlite 175+
Type: full pin
Weight: 319 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
ST Rotation 14
Type: full pin
Weight: 605 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
ST Rotation 10
Type: full pin
Weight: 599 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
Speed Radical
Type: full pin
Weight: 340 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
Seven Summits+
Type: full pin
Weight: 380 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Free
ATK Bindings
Raider 12 SL
Type: full pin
Weight: 330 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
ATK Bindings
Kuluar 12 SL
Type: full pin
Weight: 180 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Tour
Plum
Guide 12
Type: full pin
Weight: 340 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Tour
Kreuzspitze
EL 2.0
Type: full pin
Weight: 350 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Marker
Cruise 12
Type: full pin
Weight: 475 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
ATK Bindings
Crest 10
Type: full pin
Weight: 295 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
Blacklight
Type: full pin
Weight: 280 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Tour
Atomic
Backland Tour
Type: full pin
Weight: 398 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Atomic
Backland Summit 12 BR
Type: full pin
Weight: 415 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Tour
Marker
Alpinist Free 13
Type: full pin
Weight: 395 g
preview 2024
Bindings
Tour
Dynafit
Blacklight Long Travel
Type: full pin
Weight: 420 g
Similar products
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Kästle
Pika 94
Width Center: 94 mm
Weight: 1.420 g
preview 2025
Skis
Tour
Kästle
TX93 Up
Width Center: 93 mm
Weight: 1.555 g
preview 2024
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Movement
Logic 91 Women
Width Center: 92 mm
Weight: 1.410 g
preview 2024
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Black Crows
Camox Birdie
Width Center: 97 mm
Weight: 1.475 g
preview 2024
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Scott
Pure Tour 90
Width Center: 93 mm
Weight: 1.340 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Movement
Session 95W
Width Center: 95 mm
Weight: 1.420 g
preview 2025
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Elan
Ripstick Tour 94 W
Width Center: 94 mm
Weight: 1.410 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Wedze
Wilder 95
Width Center: 95 mm
Weight: 1.240 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Salomon
MTN 96 Carbon
Width Center: 96 mm
Weight: 1.380 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Scott
Pure Tour 100
Width Center: 98 mm
Weight: 1.480 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Blizzard
Zero G 95
Width Center: 95 mm
Weight: 1.260 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
K2
Wayback 98
Width Center: 98 mm
Weight: 1.260 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Nordica
Santa Ana 92
Width Center: 92 mm
Weight: 1.800 g
preview 2025
Skis
Tour
Movement
Sequence 98
Width Center: 98 mm
Weight: 1.760 g
SKI OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Atomic
Backland 101 W
Width Center: 101.5 mm
Weight: 1.260 g
PRO'S CHOICE TOUR
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Black Crows
Navis Freebird
Width Center: 102 mm
Weight: 1.750 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
WNDR Alpine
Vital 98
Width Center: 98 mm
Weight: 1.750 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
4FRNT
Raven
Width Center: 104 mm
Weight: 1.827 g
tested 2025
Skis
Tour
Rossignol
Sender Soul 92
Width Center: 92 mm
Weight: 1.500 g
tested 2024
Skis
Tour
Made for women
Nordica
Santa Ana 88
Width Center: 88 mm
Weight: 1.715 g