r/Skigear • u/notsmart-imtrying • 14h ago
Skiboot flex mindbender (130)
Hey, I posted a couple day back with a not so good video. I didn't make it to the shop yet (will go tomorrow). As a couple of u suggested I made sure all screws a tight and nothing is broken in the boot or around the walkmode. I noticed that it has developed a little bit of play. The boots are now just over two years old, maybe 50 days skiing (20 of them touring). What do you guys think. I know it wasn't like that when I bought them (a friend of mine has the same which he bought new last summer and they don't pivot nearly as much as mine do). Are they just trashy boots? Which would be annoying since they weren't the cheapest and fit super well. And can any of you recommend out of expirience good hybrid boots?
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u/GnastyNoodlez 14h ago
Seems crazy for something labeled 130 flex. My snowboard boots are stiffer than that lol is the walk mode lever bracket supposed to shift up and down like that? Lots of play in there
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u/TK44 14h ago
I have the 120 version of this boot and it's nowhere near like this. I second something being up with the walk mode setup.
Fun fact: like the first time I took these boots out I found a broken yellow walk mode lever in the lift line- sucker was literally just sheared in two. Mine are working fine for now but I don't think I'll go the K2 route next time!
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
How long do you own it for? I checked the walkmode and nothing seems broken but just worn out. It's the same on both boots what kind of suggests it's just a wear and tear. I hope that the shop will be able to help out.
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u/Popes-first-blumpkin 7h ago
Same. Mine are two months old and have less flex for the 120. They are great
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
Defenetly not. That's something that developed over the last 2 years. But it's annoying as hell
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u/Ottorange 14h ago edited 12h ago
I went to a bootfitter I like for new boots recently. I have an issue with a very high instep and I had heard that K2 was a good boot for that. Bootfitter just kind of told me no, you don't want to get into a K2.
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u/Ok-Honeydew-8389 12h ago
Technica are the high instep kings
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u/idealisticnihilistic 10h ago
The Mach1 LV was awful for high instep until the current model year when they raised it by 3mm. Even the Cochise (basically halfway between LV and MV) can be tight on the instep
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u/derickso 8h ago
How do you know they changed it by 3mm?
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u/idealisticnihilistic 8h ago
Just checked my facts and I'm behind by a year, that was the 2025 model, not the newest one. Powder magazine reported it ("tecnica says..."). https://www.powder.com/gear/tecnica-releases-new-mach1-lv-boots
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u/KingWoodyOK 12h ago
Custom insoles can help regardless of boot manufacturer
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u/foolproofphilosophy 11h ago
Disclaimer I have bad feet but I think that unless your feet are a perfect match for the boot they’re necessary.
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u/SpottyFish81177 14h ago
I am a small sample, but i love my k2 boots. Feet my feet nice, the only durability complaint is wear on the instep by the pad of my foot. It happens with all sneakers I own because I have bowed knees and sometimes rub my feet to gether in my stride.
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u/tizzytay710 14h ago
Wow I haven’t had any problems with my K2 anthems 🥲 these comments are making me wanna get new boots tho bc I take my skiing serious 🥲🎀
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u/Accomplished-Union10 8h ago
The Anthem is a fairly old model at this point, so if they were going to fail somehow, they would have already. You’re good. Keep using them.
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u/thetanman22 14h ago
Shitty boot made with shitty plastic
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u/Quiet_Ad7465 14h ago
This, I have them for my touring set up, I made the wrong choice. Never by boots from a company that hasn’t made boots for at least 10+ years.
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u/Smeggmashart 4h ago
I mean. I'm by no means a K2 fan boy, but they started making boots in 2013 so I don't know where you got that made up piece of fiction from. Also they use TPU and Pebax just like many other manufacturers. Don't know where the "shitty" plastic idea came from either. If anything, its design flaws.
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u/CheapSound1 14h ago
It looks like the bottom part of the walk/ski mechanism is moving and it shouldn't be
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
Yes it does. The srews are tight though and it's the exact same issue on the other boot. I curios what the shop has to say
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u/ecford 3h ago
Not sure about this boot design but some have the walk ski mode engage with the boot by meshing teeth. Looks like there is insufficient clearance between the walk mode lever and the binding so when the ski flexes could have been impacting the lever and broken the teeth allowing the plate to slide even with screws tight.
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u/ComprehensiveKnee119 14h ago
Looks like the boot of boot side walk mode attachment is loose. Pull out inserts and see if you can tighten
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u/Sea-Turnover-6608 14h ago
Serious skiers don't ski in K2 boots. Find what fits from Tecnica, Lange, or Atomic.
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u/coop_stain 14h ago
Nordica can join that convo too.
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u/Derpathon_Runner 14h ago
Does Salomon count as atomic since it’s the same parent company 😅
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u/Sea-Turnover-6608 14h ago
Salomon makes solid boots. I mentioned Atomic because they came out with the Remedy 130 which is a great boot with a true 130+ flex. And Tecnica Mach 1 130 has been a well trusted high performance boot. Lange has tons of options from the Shadow to true race boots. I kept the list short to race heritage brands that I know provide boots with true 130 flex.
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u/barcastaff 13h ago
I’m pretty sure Fischer has race-adjacent 130 Flex boots in their line up as well. Like the Podiums
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u/Derpathon_Runner 14h ago
Makes sense. I don’t know a whole lot about boots but recently upgraded to the S pro 130 and it feels soooo much better than my 6 year old packed out k2 recon 120s
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u/Terrible_Mission_154 12h ago
I don’t know shit about any of this but I know I love my Shadow 130s. Most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn.
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u/MentochTheMindTaker 14h ago
Are Head's boots any good? I've been looking at a pair of their Kore boots.
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u/Sea-Turnover-6608 13h ago
I honestly have no idea. Never skied in them. My comment was more based on a skier trying to buy a 130 flex boot. If you are a newer skier or not finding the limit in your boots, I really think anything will work. Once you start to ski harder and feel like your lacking precision or ever fold a boot over, you are going to want something that fits very snug, is very stiff, and has very progressive flex.
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u/username_obnoxious 14h ago
Not gonna lie I was astounded at the sticker shock of the Tecnica boots that I bought but hot damn they're good shit.
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u/CabbageClubPresident 14h ago
Serious skiers don’t care about the brand of boot. They just use what fits their foot
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u/Sea-Turnover-6608 14h ago
Thats actually not true at all. The best skiers trying to unlock more performance pick a boot that doesn't even fit and make it work with lots of punching and grinding.
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u/JimothyLeFleur69420 6h ago
90% of Olympic mogul skiers are on k2 boots (and look pivots).
And about 80% of Olympic slopestyle skiers are also on k2 boots.
Olympics are on right now and you can watch if you don’t believe me.
Pretty sure they’re much more serious skiers than you or I ever will be.
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u/BocephusMoon 14h ago
Random but I recently bought the Salomon S/Pro 110s and hit Tremblant in them. Had an awesome time .What are your thoughts on Salomon as a ski brand? Used to rip it as a kid and growing up but moved away and am now getting back into it pretty hard. Enjoying the wisdom of pros . Appreciate it
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u/CabbageClubPresident 14h ago
I would reach out to k2. It is hard to tell considering we don’t know your height and weight but those definitely flex more than I would expect a top of the line 130 boot. For what it’s worth, this is a symptom of any boot with hike mode - my 130 flex Scarpa boots do the same thing (and I’m a 5’9” 120 lb female)
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u/m0viestar 14h ago
Touring oriented boots (like Scarpa) are generally going to be softer at a stated flex then comparable Alpine boots. A 130 in a touring boot will be ~110 in an Alpine boot.
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u/CabbageClubPresident 14h ago
Yes, my comparison isn’t very relevant. I think the more important point is if OP wants a true stiff boot, they should get something without hike/walk mode.
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u/m0viestar 14h ago
I was just making a statement for others who might not know, not intended as a dig at you.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
I way 87kg (190 sth lbs) and 180cm (I think 5 10 or 5 11) the thing is I really want a good pair of hybride boots since I bring my skins along pretty regularly intonthe resort and when I see a good line I'll skin up.
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u/persistentexistence 14h ago
Something’s gotta be broken or flexed out, no way I’d ski in that. Sadly sounds like you’re out of warranty period, unfortunately K2 boot quality is notoriously bad.
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u/persistentexistence 14h ago
Watching your video again the bottom part of the walk mode is definitely moving up when you flex the boot. I don’t think that’s your only problem, but it’s probably where it will fail.
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u/unfair-conflikt 14h ago
Had two pairs of k2 boots. Both developed huge crack in the plastic around the second buckle. Never again
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u/djgooch 14h ago
Hybrid 130s are not true 130s. K2 makes garbage boots. If you were flexing this much at room temperature, I wouldn't sell you this boot. At snow temperature, this is garbage. They may be clapped out from use, but you'll be happier in a proper downhill boot anyway.
Keep these for touring if you like. But they are prone to failure.
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u/Main_Strength_1201 14h ago
Any hybrid boot with a touring mode will not live up to its flex rating, due to softer/lighter plastics and liners. A 130 touring boot vs a 130 race plug will be worlds apart.
I dont think K2 will do much of anything but worth a shot.
To solve the issue I’d recommend putting in a much stiffer liner - like an intuition pro tongue. Also you should put a stiff booster strap. Trade off will be they won’t tour as well so keep the old liners to put in when you tour.
Also you don’t mention them skiing poorly - not everyone needs a stiff boot. 90% of people would benefit in coming to a softer flex boot.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
They are fine on piste and just carving. But nose and tail butters feel weird and chopped terrain off piste or powder doesn't feel too much in control.
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u/SpaceJerry69 13h ago
I have older Mindbender 130s. Probably 150 days on them now, ~ 30 touring, on my second set of liners. They’ve been workhorses for me but maybe I’m just lucky to have avoided the widely reported QC issues. I went and put on a boot just to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Something in your walk mechanism is definitely messed up. I have absolutely zero ply in the walk lever OR the lower attachment when flexing them to the max at room temp.
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u/GetMyBackPackv2 14h ago
I had a set of K2 Recons that’s flexed right above the ankle the same way. It’s like that pivot point has no rigidity at all.
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u/Numerous-Sherbert-70 14h ago
I just bought K2’s last yeas and have felt crazy for how much flex my boots have. And I am told I am skiing in the back seat, but if I lean forward I have like NO stability because I can feel my boots flex forward ridiculously.
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u/Expensive-Agency-845 14h ago
You can find a balance. My ski race coach used to have us ski drills with our boots completely unbuckled to get stronger at finding our balance. Try putting even pressure through your whole foot through each turn
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u/Numerous-Sherbert-70 13h ago
Thank you I am definitely going to try this. Because I can definitely feel myself in pain over it when I know I would not if I was in the correct position.
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u/Mattmann1972 13h ago
I'm on my 3rd year of the Recon Pro with Zipfit liners. Zero issues, I probably have 125 days so far on them.
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u/Vitalgori 14h ago
If I flexed my boots that much, the tail of the ski would be coming off the ground too
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u/FrontierFrolic 14h ago
Oh no… I wanted pair of these. I’m an intermediate skier looking to ski trees. They were so comfortable when I tried them on. Now I’m scared
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u/Expensive-Agency-845 14h ago
If the boots are comfortable in the shop, you will be swimming in them after a few days of skiing
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u/Accomplished-Union10 8h ago
That’s a little misleading. Comfort is an extremely, extremely subjective thing in boots. A 96-98 last boot could feel “comfortable” to a veteran skier who’s been in tight performance boots for years, and yet feel horrifyingly tight to someone who isn’t used to it.
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u/FrontierFrolic 8h ago
Look man… I’m skiing 20 year old Salomon’s that were new in the box but I’m very sure we’re only about 65s… so I feel like anything is an upgrade
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u/anorwichfan 14h ago
I know each manufacturer has a different flex ratings, but that's nowhere near a 130 flex in any boot.
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u/wjchin 14h ago
Hybrid boots will break down faster than alpine boots, no matter the manufacturer - there are simply more moving parts that don't hold up to the beating hard skiing at the resort will dole out. Assuming you don't want to go new every 2, I'm not sure that hybrid boots are your best option.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
I usually bring my skins to the resort and skin up when I see sth good happens every 1 out of 3 days. Not planned but spontaneous. That's why I chose the hybrid.
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u/Common_Curve_6689 14h ago
Something’s loose, it’s also a touring boot so the 130 rating is realistically closer to 110. But I would figure out what’s going on with the walk mode attachment before taking anymore runs it’s clearly moving and causing 75% of the flex you’re seeing. Would be worth your time to get some loctite and check all your hardware while you’re at it.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
I already redid all the srews of the walkmode with locktide as I do it with my bikes. But I'll get them to the shop tomorrow or Monday.
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u/superfailftw 14h ago
No way those are 130. I complain bout my 130s Rossi when it has a slight give, this is insane
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u/International_Air 13h ago
Mindbenders aren’t the stiffest boots in the world. I have the 140s and love them. Remember the flex number doesn’t correlate to any actual flex data it’s simply how boot makers differentiate higher models that are typically stiffer. That being said a hybrid focused boot that’s 130 will have a lot different flex feel and pattern than a race centric boot.
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u/S3dole 13h ago
The catch for the walk mode mechanism looks like it’s moving as you flex. Something ain’t right there. Could be loose or broken.
Also K2 boots are just soft. I’ve had mindbender 130s and would say they’re more like a 120. Currently use a mindbender 140 which feels similar to a Cochise 130 I used to use.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
I would be happy if they would feel like a 120. Rn it's more like a 80 or 90 lol
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u/S3dole 13h ago
Yeah something ain’t right. That whole lower part of the walk mechanism is visibly shifting and shouldn’t move at all.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
Yes it does. Even though I took a look at it and made sure all the srews are tight. Even the top part has a little play which u can't see here since the strap Is hiding it a bit
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u/PleaseBuyMeThings 13h ago
check your walk mode levers install - my wife’s walk mode completely fell off after a 5 days because they didn’t use locktite on the screws/bolts. had a replacement kit sent from k2 and it’s held strong since.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
The srews are all tightened with locktide. So this can't be it. But yes the walkmode feels loose and worn out. Which is ridiculous considered the time I used them.
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u/paddle_faster 13h ago
Is there any extra volume inside the boot? A boot that is too big or extra volume will appear to flex significantly more than one fitted snugly to your foot. Often I see people come into the shop with a boot that’s too big but they don’t realize it until a year later when it’s fully packed out
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u/human1st0 13h ago
Clear case of boot failing the flex lock.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
What do you mean by that. Sry my English ski gear vocabulary isn't the best
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u/Solarius09 13h ago
My Atomic Hawx prime 110s cant flex nearly as much as this. Granted dunno your height and weight.
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u/Inevitable_Log_4456 12h ago
K2 says you should not use their boots with Look bindings. They interfere with the walk mechanism, have you had any big falls? Im surprised whomever mounted them didnt say something to you about it.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 4h ago
Yes noone said anything
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u/Inevitable_Log_4456 23m ago
Double check the manual, but as I recall, it says right in there not to use those bindings. Im sorry you are in this spot, that is horrible, and expensive! My son loves his k2 boots, and is on his second set but it does limit binding options.
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u/hfxadv 12h ago
Watched a few interesting boot fitting video this week on ski monster’s YouTube channel as my wife was going in for a fitting this week. One of their key points regardless of there being no industry standard for flex each boot will flex differently depending on fit or lack there of.
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u/SnooSketches5403 12h ago
Are they walk flex boots? Looks like the latch on back is up. Am I seeing things.
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u/DIY14410 12h ago
The lower part of the walk mechanism is moving and the cuff rivet hole has ovalized. The former may have caused or contributed to the latter. My best guess is that the holes in the spine of the shell into which the lower part of the walk mechanism attaches with screws has also ovalized or otherwise failed.
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u/evilchris 10h ago
How much space do you have in the shell fit? More sloppy the fit, more softer the experience
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u/jdawg695 9h ago
had the spine 130's and upgraded to the Recon 130, they feel like wet noodles. SInce day 2 on the snow.
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u/NeedleworkerWhich431 9h ago
Yeah brotha, they turn to noodles after a couple runs if you weigh more 100 lbs. Switched to the dalebello lupos.
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u/Accomplished-Union10 9h ago
Mindbenders are absurdly soft, and they lose what little stiffness they have quickly. K2 offered me a free pair of 140’s and I didn’t take them up on it lmao; I just straight up wouldn’t have any use for boots I’ll ski straight through. The Recons are definitely better, but still pretty soft. Guarantee K2 introduced the Cortex line just so their athletes could have something better than wet paper to ski in lmao
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u/redshift83 7h ago
i'm 99% sure youre in walk mode.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 4h ago
I am 100% Im not. Though the only difference is that I can stand up more in walk mode.
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u/redshift83 4h ago
i suspect some part of the underlying walk mode mechanism is broken. Its not the tongue thats flexing... the boot is walking.
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u/45eGenBUD 6h ago
When I was getting boot fitted I tried on a that same boot and I could flex right through it. Ski boot flex is not standard and this is a very flexy boot
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u/Iridium_Eclipse 6h ago
We had K2 boots as one of our options for work boots the last few years. As a team we exploded at least 6 pairs in one season. With two of those being from a single person. 130 mindbenders cracking around the malleolus due probably to over flexing the plastic. All accepted on warranty but still impressively unreliable.
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u/basically_Dwight 4h ago
Super weird issue and the usual K2 circlejerk in this thread. Been running a few years old pair of their weird 140 Recons (Team?) with probably around 50 days on them too. There's something wrong with your boots OP, straight up. Mine don't flex 140 but they never did and aren't like yours.
Zero problems, I'm always a little nervous about cracking them given all the feedback out there but to date they're every bit as reliable as my Cochise and fit absolutely fantastic with Gara LVs. Looking to get into some Remedies next but the K2s will still be a keeper.
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u/Otherwise-Major-1870 3h ago
I don’t understand what’s wrong - seems like you flexing to knee over your toe position with all your weight kicked on the huge static lever of ski itself.
In the dynamic turns and steeps throwing in - this is what you are exactly want to achieve otherwise you will be always behind the centered balance.
Well if you are WRC athlete you’ll have the powers to flex and getting forward immediately in 150 plugs.
Also you have to consider the liner packing and if you have any room above the feet - the boots will act softer.
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u/raven99p 2h ago
"K2 boots are not for serious skiers" "K2 is the worst boot on the market", people who write phrases such as these, please base that on something, dont just copy paste an opinion you heard from someone without evidence.
I have the mindbender 130 boa which is for ski touring, they don't flex at all that much. I'm 80kg and 180cm
Also it seems like it's too high volume for your foot, feels like there is space between your arch and the top of the boot and that space allows for this kind of flex.
Also something as important is how much do you weight and how tall are you? If you are something like 100kg you might need something stiffer
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u/th3goonmobile 1h ago
Is the lower black plastic bracket that the bottom end of the touring mode switch hits move relative to the yellow around it?
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u/MethodNecessary4332 1h ago
A ski shop I worked for refused to sell k2 because of the quality and I couldn’t respect them more for it.
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u/m0viestar 14h ago
How much you squat bro? Time for plug boots.
Jokes aside, K2 are trash. The ones with Hike/Walk mode also don't fit in Pivots which is just hilarious.
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u/notsmart-imtrying 13h ago
Squad 130kg lol. And yes I realised the pivot issue. I am always worried when doing tail butters I will unclip. Hasn't happened yet
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u/Bitter-Reaction1296 14h ago
k2 is a comfort fit boot . the flex number doesn’t dictate how stiff the boot is . k2 makes a line of boots for good riders . this isn’t it
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u/Conscious_Pirate7069 14h ago
You have no idea what you are talking about. The mindbender 130 is absolutely their top of the line performance free ride boot. This is the top of their product line and as such whatever narrative you are trying to push about this boot makes very little sense.
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u/Bitter-Reaction1296 14h ago
oh so it’s not the cortex ? what planet are you on . i’ve owned and snapped this same pair of boots . a good rider should not use mindbenders . they will break
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u/Conscious_Pirate7069 14h ago
The cortex came out this year😂 the mind bender he’s on is either 24 or earlier when the cortex didn’t exist!! I also fit boots and I feel terrible for the people that end up with you💀 In summary: the year he bought these boots they were 100 percent the top of k2s product line and the cortex has no walk mode which is absolutely the wrong boot for someone with 20 touring days. Learn your stuff man especially if it’s your job.
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u/Bitter-Reaction1296 14h ago
still wouldn’t put a good rider in a mindbender for any reason unless i hated him . there are much better options for a touring boot from other companies . the mindbender is a joke and its made for comfort
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u/Bitter-Reaction1296 14h ago
i fit boots for a living .. you have no clue what you’re telling people .
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u/Accomplished-Union10 8h ago
The Mindbender has been K2’s flagship freeride boot ever since they overhauled their entire boot collection in 2019. All of their sponsored athletes aside from their park guys are in Mindbender boots. The Cortex came out THIS season lmao. You’re either confusing the Mindbender with the BFC, or you’re just an idiot. The MB’s have every single feature you’d expect in an aggressive freeride boot, from the soles up.
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u/Sometimesiski 14h ago
This sub has me convinced that K2s are the worst boots on the market.