Clothing

Outdoor Gear

Best Sellers

Gear Question

G3 Tonic Ski

Item #GGG0175 | 5 in Stock

How does the Tonic (and Saint) measure up against the Volkl Mantra? I...

By Ranked #47 - Telemark Skis and Alpine Touring Skis February 1, 2012

How does the Tonic (and Saint) measure up against the Volkl Mantra?

I have the 10/11 BD Verdict... very nice ski but a bit soft. I need more dampness and a snappier ski. thinking of the Saint or Tonic... but I keep reconsidering the Mantra. Any suggestions?

THX

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By Ranked #40 - Telemark Skis and Alpine Touring Skis March 1, 2012

Zoom

I have both the 2012 Mantra (184) and my second pair of Tonics(177). You are trying to compare apples and oranges! The Mantra is a great all round resort ski, heavy stable, carves ice, loves long GS turns. It is also a reasonably quick turning ski, with the early rise tip. I have NTN Freeride bindings on my Volkls. I call them the Panzer skis, hammer through anything. The Tonics on the other hand are a light, quick, turny ski, very fast edge to edge, lively on fresh snow. Not as rock solid as the Mantras at high speeds. The rockered tips handle cut up snow very well too. On ice, hard bumps with the reduced edge hold (tip rocker) they have far less grip than the Mantras. On even an inch or two of fresh, they are a joy to ski. My Tonics have the NT Bulldog binding, a lite setup, with more ROM for skiing and a free-pivot too.. I usually tour on the Tonics, so they are a great, all round ski for the East. The Mantras come out when the resort is icy, or I try to keep up with my teenager on the groomers. I ski both skis with the NTN Prophet boots.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By Ranked #47 - Telemark Skis and Alpine Touring Skis February 2, 2012

Referencing Jeff Chrisler's comment below.... Jeff, of the Tonic and Saint you demo'd... which has more damping and a snappier feel? Does one come closer to feeling like the Mantra? G3's are coming up on SALE and fits my budget better...

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By Ranked #13 - Telemark Skis and Alpine Touring Skis February 1, 2012

Personally, I don't think you can beat the Mantras. I have tried all the skis you mentioned as many of the resorts have free or very cheap demo days around me. I have two pairs of the Mantras in 170s and 177s, and they just rock. I feel like they can do everything very well. I'd give them a solid 9 out of ten on hardpack, nicely groomed, trees, and moguls. I'd give them a 10 out of 10 in the crud, and a 7 out of ten in pow. Awesome ski, and definitely one for a one ski quiver.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Tech Specs:

Length:
172 cm, 177 cm, 185 cm, 192 cm 
Dimensions:
132 x 100 x 123 mm 
Turn Radius:
(192cm) 24 m 
Profile:
early rise tips, traditional camber underfoot 
Construction:
sandwich 
Core:
wood 
Base:
P-Tex 2000 
Tail:
raised 
Binding Included:
no 
Weight:
7 lbs 14.4 oz 
Recommended Use:
all-mountain, big mountain freeride, powder 
Manufacturer Warranty:
60 days 

More from the Gear Guru on the G3 Tonic Ski

See More

Close This Window

Change me.