Phat Phred

There are threads about the binding position being forward on the Mantra (see TGR forums). Not sure if that's good or bad. I mounted mine on the factory mark. My 184 Mantras did feel short at first compared to my 183 Scott Missions (me: 6'2", 180lbs. Bindings Sal Z12 on both pair of skis). The 184 Mantras have a 22m radius and my 183 Scott Missions have a 15.5m radius and a more rear binding mount. So the Mantras initiate more easily but don't try to turn across the hill like my Scotts do. So they're more mild mannered in the turn, but running flat on firm the Mantras swim (that's w/ the factory tune).

The Mantras also pound through crud better than the Scotts which got deflected more so I feel more confident on the Mantras and will let them run more. -1 star for the swimming--my Scotts don't do that.

Both skis ride the hardpack well, maybe less chatter from the Mantra. The Mantra is lighter than the Mission (actually made by Fischer).

The tires are ok. I mounted them tubeless after lining a std clincher rim (Sun ME14A) rim with electrical (3M 880) then strapping tapes, a stem cut from an old tube and some stans fluid and was able to inflate w/ a floor pump. Above 35 psi, no burping. They ride ok too.

Rank 3 for function but value bumped it up to a 4.
The jacket is cut well and nice material, breathable, wind resistant like other softshells that cost nearly 2x. But the pockets are to low and to small to fit larger skins. While trying on a large (I'm 6'2 170#), I put a pack on and the waist belt covered some of the zippers. I didn't buy it for this reason. The jacket that cost nearly 2x had higher, larger pockets. If you don't care about that then the jacket is a 4 or 5.

I haven't bought a fleece in a long time... the new Polartec materials are really nice. The surface of the Cairn looks classy, not just loopy polyester fibers, with nice contrast stitching. New, its really soft and warm. Nice pockets and good fit. The cuffs seem to bunch up a bit. The bottom hem flares out a little which isn't a problem when layered on top of other fleece and a pair of shell bibs. The medium fit me well at 6'2" and 170lbs. The BC.com price is nice too... I wish the logo was embroidered with something more subdued instead of white on black.