Description
The most all-around, all-mountain, all-condition, all-awesome ski out there.
The easy edge-to-edge feel of the Volkl Mantra Ski doesn't require a certain type of snow, terrain, or even an über-extreme skier to wield it. An all-mountain ski in every way, the Mantra lays down controlled turns in the worst crud and hardpack between storms thanks to its vertical sidewalls and titanium reinforcement. Once the snow falls, its rockered tip and fat dimensions ensure flotation, happy little powder turns, and big-mountain slaying until the lifts close.
- Traditional camber, a rockered tip, and 98mm underfoot provide great flotation in the deepest snow while also gripping hard-packed groomers for solid performance every day you're on the mountain
- Sensorwood core, made with vertically laminated poplar and beech wood, provides a stable but forgiving and responsive flex for the whole gamut of snow conditions
- Titanium alloy laminates solidify the ski and let you bust through crud and crusty powder while also providing amazing stability at high speeds
- Power Construction, a form of torsion box construction, yields powerful stability through race-worthy vertical sidewalls and laminates over the core
- Just enough sidecut means the ski turns easily, especially as you lean into turns, and the rockered tip further engages the edge with the snow
- Large sidecut means that this ski wants to go fast and make big, powerful turns
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Volkl Mantra Ski
? Share a...
Not the target market ...but love these!
Amicus
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I am a 56 yo Eastern skier, high school/now beer league racer. I enjoy my AC 50s, but 32" in 5 days at Stowe, VT, (it really did happen) revealed they are work to keep afloat. Off to the demo center. Out of frustration I started with Gotamas. Nice ski, but as the powder got tracked, they began to feel clunky. Fat Rossignols and Dynastars were too flexible, then I tried the Mantras.
Ms. Backstrom is smart as well as super talented. The Mantras are what I had been looking for. I had to learn to ski shaped skis because I was already carving turns. I used to make my best shape ski turns when I was tired and just rolled my ankles.
Mantras can be skied weight forward or back and you can easily change the radius of your turns. You can actually snap these skis around bumps and in short radius turns pretty well. I am 6" 2" and over 250 lbs, so I find them stiffer, but not stiff. I skied them in powder stashes and trees, on the bumps that were forming and on hardpack and ice where the wind was stripping the powder. They performed great everywhere. I did not notice to much chatter and felt secure on my edge on the ice. My AC50s will still make it out for beer league and on cordoroy days, but with any new snow, good glades, and especially in spring corn, the Mantras are my choice. I bought them on the spot.
Loved these skis in the East & West
rbap413735
Member since
Took the Mantras out in the Catskills in NY for a couple days with a few inches of fresh and they ripped. Nice, tight carving turns and plenty of bounce in the moguls and skied-off snow. The wider underfoot ski felt great. Then skied them in Utah at Snowbird, The Canyons and Park City with a foot+ of fresh. They were a lot of fun in the trees, deep snow and moguls. The Mantras shrugged off deep, rutted snow and tore through the powder. The reviews are on point. Great ski for both sides of the country.
I would just watch them on very hard pack and ice. They tend to chatter a bit when slowing down/stopping quickly on ice/hard pack and worked my shins a bit (happens with all my skis). But then, again - that's not ideal conditions for the Mantras. I would bounce off the skied off groomers into the trees or fine some moguls and they felt great. A single inch of snow made all the difference on trail/groomers.
Got the 177cm and I'm 5' 11" and 185lbs.
JAIMERAIS ACHET� CE SKI, AVEZ VOUS...
YVAN LESSARD
Member since
JAIMERAIS ACHET� CE SKI, AVEZ VOUS 177CM
JATTEND VOTRE R�PONSE MON NOM EST YVAN ET JE VIENS DU QU�BEC
MERCI
They Are Sweet!
sfrp122621
Member since
This Ski is an all mountain ski that can handle the powder as well!
Rode them for 32 days straight from groomed runs that they carved harder than a razor! And in 18" of powder in the Backcountry they did just what they were suppose to do! Anyone thinking of a pair of Volkl Mantra's should not think twice....
Do you have Volkl Mantra's @ 177cm?
Jared
Member since
Do you have Volkl Mantra's @ 177cm?
Mark Parrett
Member since
Hi Jared - nope, we are down to just the 170cm right now.
Mantras Rock
JMags
Member since
I am an East skier and have been skiing on 77cm wide skis the past couple of seasons. I was always unsure about skiing on wider planks....Sure there was the occasional East coast powder day where I did not do well on those narrow skis... Then there was the blizzard a few weeks ago when I decided to rent a pair of 88s and all of a sudden a new world opened to me. So now I decide to go to 98 because I have a big European trip planned and I need a more versatile ski... Well after I purchased these Mantras, I will never go back to a narrower ski (except for racing). These things are like rockets strapped to your feet no matter what the conditions. Fabulous on a powdery mogul trail, or in the trees, or down a boiler plate run. I am a big man (5'9 approx 250) and ski fast. The stiffness of the Mantras help me more so than a lighter skier. I bought the 177, but I think the 184 would have been just as easy to handle. My only thing with these skis is that they do make a high pitched tinny sound when going really fast on an icy groomer - but to me that is cosmetic. Have fun with these - and they are coming down in price!
Anyone tele these skis? Thinking of getting...
Cort
Member since
Anyone tele these skis? Thinking of getting 184's but not sure if I'm just talking myself into it because 191's aren't available? I'm 6'3",230 and ski crispi boots (stiff orange ones) and NTN bindings, stiff springs. I tele hard and fast on east coast groomers,trees and some b/c when it's good.
Thanks!
Richard Hatton
Member since
Cort,I've been using this ski in a 191 over the winter mounted with NTN, red tubes and prophets. I'm 6'6'' and maybe 250bs. They are awesome except in big bumps. You do need to work them hard but if you're big and ski hard that should be no problem for you. I've been very impressed with them in all conditions, but mostly in my ability to carve them on steep icey slopes.
Much fun ski. I'd like them a little longer in powder, but for smaller folks - no problem!
are these pre drilled? looking to mount a...
step233398
Member since
are these pre drilled? looking to mount a pair of jesters...
Phil Santala
Member since
Nope, not pre-drilled. Gonna have to have a shop do it, or drill yourself. If they were drilled you wouldn't be able to match boot center
great all mtn
js1924119
Member since
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I think Ingrid's review hits it on the head. This ski is a do-it-all and will get you thru everything from ice to powder and everything in between. I like that they are relatively stiff and can bust through crud when needed, but still playful enough to keep you up on the soft stuff. As far as mid-fats go, I have skied many pairs and I think this is the best. Sure, there are better options for the east and better options for Alta's powder but for a 'one ski quiver' this will do the trick. Mounted mine with a pair of jester's and am very happy.
I am planing on buying this skis and puting...
sof965437391
Member since
I am planing on buying this skis and puting dymafit Radical Ft on them for my only ski setup. I normally spend half the time in the backcountry and half the time on the resor but when I backcountry it is normally 3 or 4 days tours so I give more priority to backcountry use. little concerned this could be a bit heavy setup.
Mark Parrett
Member since
This is going to be a pretty heavy setup - I usually get a bit nervous putting dynafit bindings into a ski with metal. If I were you, I'd strongly consider going with the Nanuq - which is a lightened up version of the Mantra. It doesn't have the damp crud busting power of the Mantra, but the same weight that makes the Mantra charge can also take you for a ride if your legs are dead from three days of hauling them uphill.
sof965437391
Member since
Thanks Mark! what do you think of the Nanuq in the resort? proority is backcountry but still spend quite a bit of time in the resort. lastly, what about K2Hardside as another option?
Best crossover for techy skiers
Ingrid Backstrom
Member since
- Gender: Female
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
This ski still is the best if you are a traditional, race-type skier who likes to carve and really get performance out of the ski but who wants to float more in powder. Basically, if you have never skied a fatter ski before and are looking for something that will do it all, the Mantra is your machine.
DoubleB
Member since
I moved over from Fischer GS Worldcup (wicked fast, stable and yet quick with a 2l radius)... and always debated which ski would be better to segway over into a more playful yet performance all mtn & occasional sidecountry... and to hear a review such as yours gives me more confirmation I should of bought a Mantra. Ended up buying a BD Verdict (orange graphics) and though nice not a damp ski (will be selling it soon). Although I hear the new Verdict is much more damp I got a great deal on a G3 Infidel and looking to grab a Icelantic Nomad to round out my quiver. But my mind still wanders back to the Mantra!
Hi,
I've a 184 old model mantra (the one...
Rob
Member since
Hi,
I've a 184 old model mantra (the one in white / silver, 2009 -10'ish??), anyone who could share some thoughts / input on these "old" non rockered ones VS the new line? Also really cool if someone who has skied on two different sizes would share some input (old or new line). I'm looking at buying a new mantra, but 192 instead of 184. This for getting more float in the pow. I own and have skied with wider skis (105, 110, 115, 125 >different brands) but I kind of have come to the conclusion that a max of 100 under the foot is optimal for maximize the versatility . The "old" mantra is / was a killer versatility ski IMHO. Please share your thoughts / experiences on the "new" VS the "old" mantra and 184 VS 192 if possible. I 'm 5'11" 165lbs and regard myself as a strong skier.
Not what I was expecting sadly....
JJ
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Hey All,
So I just got back from Whistler and got to demo the Mantras for a couple of days. I was super excited to get out and ride on these since all of the reviews were of high praise. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy these skis for the following reasons:
-Exceptionally stiff
-Not very playful
-Requires a lot of effort in terms of edge to edge transitioning
Based on the variety of trails I skied on (Greens, Blues, Black - Groomers to Moguls to Cruddy powder) I noticed that this ski performs really well on groomers. The Mantras are a very fast ski that carves well with great grip (If I had to compare these to a vehicle it would be like a tank with racing tires haha). To be truthfully honest, I couldn't help thinking the entire time that this ski is most suitable for the heavier set individual who just likes to "Sunday Ski" down the groomers. I also felt like I was not nearly heavy enough for this ski since it requires a ton of effort to carve (I am 6'2" - 195lbs).
I hate to be the black sheep of the reviewers, but this is my honest opinion. I hope this was insightful and helpful!
I love it.
AndrewKingsBeach
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
enough written about this ski ....... I have skied this in all conditions and I LOVE it..... not much more to say. If you don't believe all the reviews then at least rent it, demo it and then you will want it / buy it. This ski rocks.
Impressed after day one
Brice
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I just skied the Mantra for the first time and was very impressed. I purchased the Mantra as an all-mountain, do-everything ski. So far, I haven't gotten to try it in deeper snow, but it felt great on the groomers. I know now that the additional width and rockered tips don't decrease the carvability of this ski at all. I charged my turns hard all day and the ski responded with stability and energy. I can't wait to get on the powder! One interesting thing I noticed is that the skis make a kind of clinking sound when they touch (like toasting with two glasses). It's different from other skis I've had that were all wood. Not a good or bad thing, just interesting.
Hi There,
I am trying to decide between...
Ian
Member since
Hi There,
I am trying to decide between a few skis and it is proving quite difficult; if I had more time I would demo them all, but I do not.
First, I cannot seem to decide between a 88-90 mm waist, and a 98-ish waist. I live on the West Coast of British Columbia, and love to rip in the glades. I am 6'2" and 175 lbs, and a confident skier. I currently have 181 Salomon Ten Eighties (http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-teneighty-ski). I find them a bit too narrow for the snow out here. I still like to be able to carve hard on piste, but comfortably enjoy the wonderful off-piste conditions we have here.
Enough back story. I am looking at (in the 88-90 mm range): K2 Sideshow, Volkl Kendo and Rossi Experience 88. And in the 98mm range, the K2 Hardside, Volkl Mantra, and Rossi Experience 98.
I would appreciate any thoughts you might have. I am worried about making too big of a jump from my Ten Eighties in the waist, but as long as it is controllable, particularly in the trees, I will be happy.
Cheers! Ian
Jamie Preston
Member since
For your described conditions, you just cannot go wrong with the mantra - wide enough for BC powder (except super deep), but nice and quick through the trees. And, when you are on groomers, you can arc turns on these skis.
Very forgiving, but a bit boring
chartguy
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I arrived at Steamboat with a foot of fresh pow. I went straight from the Gondola to the rental yurt, and they put me on Mantras. They were extremely easy, but after two runs, I went back and said "these are boring". They put me on Shoguns, which I bought that night. The Shoguns are not as forgiving, but they've got more "pop" to them. Keep in mind, I'm a big (6'3", 230#) guy, who tends to attack the fall line. What I loved about the Shoguns was that they begged me to turn. The Mantras just did whatever I asked them to do. Not a bad thing, but not what I wanted.
I have a new pair of 184 volkl mantra and...
sof965437391
Member since
I have a new pair of 184 volkl mantra and plan on puting dynafyt radical FT for use in the resort and in the backcountry. does this look like a good option?
Schifoan
Member since
Yes, I'd say a perfect combination for resort and backcountry skiing. I ride my Mantras with TLT vertical FT and my Katanas with TLT radical FT, and I must say that the TLT radical FT are worth the extra dime. The climbing system for instance is much more convenient.
Phil Santala
Member since
Mantra's are gonna be heavy to tour with, but if your ok with that...
Get 'er DONE!
Phil Santala
Member since
German engineering at it's finest people. Let me tell you a story, the story of how I skied over 300 days on a pair of skis, compressed one edge put at least 30 core shorts in both skis, blew off 2 edges in the worst season the Wasatch has seen in some time, skied ALL of the camber right off these, and still consider them my go-to skis!
300 days, yup that's about right, call it 280 just to be sure. Ice, powder, crud, bumps, crust, grapple. These are my go-to skis. 95% of the time these work 100%! The other 5%, well days of 18+inches these skis, mounted with dukes are just too weighty and not wide enough so they nose down. O thats right, did I mention I've toured in these things as well. Yeah, they are heavy, but kinda like Frankenstein running a marathon, it can be done...
The heavy, damp ski stil rides like a champ, even with out much of it's camber. The compressed edge would have been a blown edge in most other skis (i've done it one Fischers, not much fun). And the blown edges your ask, would have leveled me and the ski on anything else, as it was on these Panzer tanks, I skied the run out. The Core shorts are all over the skis and lots of them pull right too the edge and are BIG. I'm talking 1/4 inch gashes that ride deep and out the edge of the ski going down thru the metal thru all the p-tex and plastic graffix but leaving the edges fine..Jumpin' Joseph Smith, now that's s sidewall!
I've skied these things on ice groomers, they bite great into them, that's what you get with a heavy ski with wood and metal through out.
I've hammered these bad boys, rode them over more rocks than I can count (early season at J-hole, the 2011-2012 season in the Wasatch, and any season at Big Sky, MT). I'm 172lbs, 5'11" and I ride on the 184's. Marker Duke bindings and Agent AT/Dynafit Zzues boots.
Jamie Preston
Member since
That about sums it up! Nice.

sof965437391
Member since