Gear Review: K2 Skis and Ski Boots
9-23-2025 – Steve Taylor, the Snowman, here with my K2 Story and Review. I started skiing on K2 gear in the Fall of 2016 when I got a new pair of K2 Pinnacle skis.
Those are the orange skies you see in the powder videos from seasons 16/17 & 18/19. Those skis were amazing and took my skiing to a whole new level at 50 years of age.
The first season I had them was a record-breaking one, and we skied all the way until August 6th, with many days of deep, deep powder followed by endless corn snow days off the top.
Those first K2s never missed a beat that season and just ripped the entire mountain from opening day to closing day. I was impressed to say the least.
Below is one of the insane Riders of the Storm Days that I got riding those skis in 2017.
The video below shows you how good the skis rip the powder on Lincoln.
Fast forward a couple of Years, to 2019, and I was given a pair of the K2 Mind Benders Skis, specifically the 99ti models, and a pair of Recon Ski Boots. The K2 Rep said he loved the Snowman Vibe and wanted to support me with some gear. How cool was that?
I had those skis mounted, and once I got on the hill, I had the biggest smile on my face ever; the 99ti’s were my new magic ski. That first day I rode those skis, I was like, ‘Oh boy, these are my kind of skis.’ ‘I could rip lines down the Avy Chutes and Drop Outs with ease. The Mind Benders also ripped up the Mammoth Groomers. Below is a video of some of that fun.
Putting the Recon ski boots on, they felt great from the time I put them on, snug and ready to ski. I put a pair of Sven’s Cork Orthotics in from Kevin at Footloose Sports, and I was off to the hill. The Rekon Ski Boots were fabulous, as they were the first lightweight boots I had ever tried. I’m in the next generation of the Recon ski boots for the 25-26 ski season.
In 2022, K2 sent me what I call my speed racer ski, which was an all-mountain/groomer ski that changed my skiing. I went short for the first time at 172, and everyone was surprised. It was a great move, as the change helped alleviate the pain in my knee, especially when standing around taking photos. Those skis were terrific, especially on the Top, mid-mountain, and groomers. In the video below you can see me on those skis ripping down a firm groomed Scotties run.
As of Fall 2025, I have a brand-new pair of 99ti Mind Benders ready to go here in the studio. I’m eager to launch them into the snow on November 14th.
Over the years, I have tried numerous K2 skis and ski boots, and they have all performed well for me when I’m skiing daily or 2-3 days a week. You can demo K2 Skis and Boots at Footloose Sports in Mammoth Lakes.
Steve Taylor, the Mammoth Snowman
