2023 K2 Mindbender 89Ti vs. Nordica Enforcer 88

Joe takes us through a comparison of the K2 Mindbender 89Ti and the Nordica Enforcer 88.
K2 Mindbender 89Ti: theskimonster....
Nordica Enforcer 88: theskimonster....
Some of Joe's favorite gear: theskimonster....
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[@klank67]

I've skied both and the Enforcer is a much better ski. Charges through everything cuz it's heavy. Very damp and not too hooky. The K2 is not as stiff and gets knocked around a little more but is much better than its predecessor.

[@TheSkiMonster]

@Shawn Muller - To each their own Shawn! We agree that the 22/23 Mindbender is better than the previous but both of these skis are awesome in this category, we wouldn't buy them if they weren't. The 2023 Mindbender 89ti offers a little more power and a more precise feel compared to the 23 Enforcer 88. While the enforcer is 100g heavier, it has a more maneuverable feel that offers a touch more versatility compared to the Mindbender.

[@paganskier]

"better" under what conditions? I have both, and hard to beat the smoothness of the Enforcer 88 on roughed up groomers, but in bumped up terrain I'll take the K2's. Enforcer is too stiff for my 160 lbs. And Monster, my scale shows Enforcer is almost 200g heavier per ski in the 179.

[@CC-ys8qq]

Mindbender is much better for high speed groomers, Enforcer is versatile but the rocker hinders turn initiation and is not as stable at speeds. I have both. MB in a 176 and Enforcer in a 172, both great skis.

[@tomasaro4910]

I have been looking at a lot of your comparisions. I ski 90/10, 80/20 on pist and are intermediate. 177cm and 84kg. Looking at Elan Ripstick 96 black, rustler 9, Atomic maverick 95Ti, armada Declivity 92Ti and also Ranger 96. I found your video and seems that you sacrifice some versatility with the less wide Mindbender 89Ti but you get more hard groomers performance. Also sound like it helps you in to turns and have easy release despite the titanal and also a good flexpattern that are not to stiff? I ski most on pist/groomers and we have som icy conditions so a good Carver that also manage some soft snow/powder and are forgiving but also stabil would click in the right boxes. How do the mindbender compare to the other ones I looked at and what is the biggest differences between them? I want something that are good in low speed also and that are fun (I don’t play in the park but have to follow my kids there)?

[@TheSkiMonster]

@Tomas Aro, thanks for the note dude. If you ski 80 or 90% on piste, the MindBender 89ti is a sweet pair of skis. The closest comparison would be the Declivity 92. Ripstick, Rustler, Maverick, and Ranger have less metal and more rocker in the tip/tail so they might be a better choice for a skier who spends a bit more time off trail. Declivity is going to feel a little more energetic than the MB. Carves a nicer turn than the Mindbender and is a bit more forgiving. Declivity is a more well rounded ski and is better at low speeds. More predictable too. Mindbender is going to feel more damp. Pretty close comparison there, Declivity is a better ski. Both of those skis do like to be on trail more than the others you mentioned.

[@tomasaro4910]

@@TheSkiMonster Thanks for the answer. My closest dealer gave me a deal on the mindbender 89Ti with marker Griffon 13 that was 60% of the cost for the Declivity 92Ti or Ripstick 96 black (they were bit more pricy). So 40% less money compared with the Declivity 92Ti made it a simple choice (as long as Declivity 92Ti not are 40% better). I am still looking for a other ski for my wife and any suggestions for a second pair? We are almost same length and almost same boot size so we can use each others skis.

[@TheSkiMonster]

@@tomasaro4910 what does she have for skis now and what is the reason for new ones?

[@tomasaro4910]

@@TheSkiMonster she have a pair of scott freetour ski that she got from her father (he have to many skis). She are a higher level skier then me want something similar that I been looking for. We ski together and it would be a blast to be able to switch skis between us so it would be in the same boxes as the mindbender 89Ti but perhaps little wider and little different from 89Ti.

[@TheSkiMonster]

@@tomasaro4910 Not sure if you are looking at mens skis specifically here, but our lady testers loved Armada Reliance 92ti, Elan Ripstick 94 Black, Blizzard Black Pearl 88. If she is tall enough to ski a 174, you could throw the Black Crows Serpo in the mix as well.

[@JoosepRaid-l6z]

I think the difference between these skis is quite the opposite what was stated. Enforcer is more powerful and has a stronger edge hold. Mindbender is not that strong carver as an Enforcer. Turn initiation is also easier on Enforcer.

[@TheSkiMonster]

The Mindbender has more substance and dampness through the ski so it feels slightly more stable at high speeds and grips a little better. The Enforcer might feel like a stronger carving ski to some because it has more energy, turn initiation is quicker, and it’s still a powerful ski.

[@Tirppa]

What size for 5'9" 150lbs advanced skier on the mindbender?

[@TheSkiMonster]

@Tirppa, since you are roughly 175cm yourself the 170cm Mindbender 89 seems to make some sense. Most of us are testing that ski in lengths that are slightly shorter than us. You could go a bit longer if you value stability at speed and longer turns. You could go a bit shorter if you value control in tight spots but the 170cm should handle a variety of terrain nicely.

[@Tirppa]

@@TheSkiMonster thx for the reply.. I like my freeridey skis a bit longer so I think I'll go with 176. My Ripstick 88 is 180 and feels ok (true length for ripstick is about 177).

[@JayantW55]

I ski Stance 90 2022 in 176. Mostly groomers. Skills low level advanced. Looking to upgrade soon. How will it compare to these 2? And which ski will be upgrade from Stance?

[@TheSkiMonster]

@Jayant W, both these options would be an upgrade from Stance in our opinion. They are more energetic and provide a more stout feel underfoot. Mindbender is the closer comparison to the Stance 90. Enforcer 88 is more maneuverable in technical terrain while providing awesome grip on firm snow.

[@JayantW55]

@TheSkiMonster Thatnks for quick response. Which one will you choose amongst enforcer 88/94, mindbender 89ti, declivity 92 ti and maverick 95ti if you were upgrading from Stance 90?

[@TheSkiMonster]

@@JayantW55 where do you want to optimize performance? What do you like about the stance? What do you not like?

[@JayantW55]

@TheSkiMonster Carv fast and clean turns. I enjoy long turns more than short turns. But sometimes on the runs, there are small obstacles. Jump over those. But very small jumps. Nothing crazy.

[@TheSkiMonster]

@@JayantW55 Armada Declivity. Carves the best out of these skis and offers awesome energy without sacrificing any of the solid feel skiers want on a groomer. It likes long turn shapes while also being able to be pivoted into a shorter turn shape. Declivity lives on plenty of our testers top tested list.

[@levrac68]

I have both the 2023 Elan 96 RS Black in 172 and the Atomic Maverick 95tis in 180. I'm a solid intermediate (5'11" 190LBS) doing 3 trips out west and 6 weekends up to Vermont. I'd like a better choice for the Vermont/NH hard pack/ice. I've been looking at both the above skis along with the Volkl Mantra M6 and the Kendo 88s. Whatever I get will be strictly for the East Coast. Thoughts???

[@TheSkiMonster]

if you are looking for strictly performance on hardpack/ice the Kendo 88 will give you that, but comes at the cost of some versatility. But if you already have a Ripstick 96 black and a Maverick 95 Ti, the Kendo could be a good choice. Don't rule out skis like the Stockli Montero AR/AX or the Fischer Curv GT if you are just looking for hard snow and carving performance on the East Coast though. Those skis rip!