Volkl Mantra Alpine Ski - 2011 BCS

It would be ideal if you could find a demo in a 170 and see if it is too much ski for you right now. If you can't find a demo in that size the safe bet would for you to buy the 163. You have to remember you are buying a much higher end ski. It is a lot wider and stiffer than your Rossi. I think without trying the 170 to know for sure,a 14cm jump up in size and the more demanding nature of this ski might be too severe.

Oh yes, I didn't notice the specs on this page that clearly state it comes in 163cm! Would that be the ideal length or would I just end up wishing I got the 170 later on? A ski length calculator I found says that I should be 167cm

The Mantras start at 163cm. Backcountry doesn't have them in stock at the moment. I think you'd be able to handle the 163s. You'd just have to find them somewhere else.

All things considered why not go with the 177? If your goals are steeps and bumps then the extra maneuverability afforded by the shorter length will help. I am sure you can handle the 184, but I am your height/weight and have skied both the 177 and 184. 184 is in my quiver, but I skied the new ski in the 177 last spring. The 177 is so stable, that there is no concern there. The biggest problem right now is finding them in stock!

Given your locale I think you are correct in steering away from the Mantra (as much as I love this ski!). Check out the Volkl RTM 84 as another option, and demo/rent out west if you get more than 6 inches of new snow, and dont be afraid to go wide (110 plus underfoot). The RTM will be better in moguls and turny in trees.

Thanks! Any other opinions? Also, I know its preference , but where does everyone mount on these skis? +1 or closer to center?

At 6'0" 180, the 184 will work just fine for you, east or west.

The question is what is to be gained by going long? Stability? It's just not an issue anymore in any of the Volkls. I am 6"1' 180 and used to ski 190 through the Volkl line. Sort of by accident I dropped to the 184s and have not looked back. I ski 184 in the old Mantra and skied the new Mantra in a 177 last spring in mixed conditions, exactly what you described, and they were actually great. I suspect 184 is perfect. When you ski Jupiter you don't want a 191. By the way I Park City and Alta as well, so this is apples to apples.

I'm 5'7 145 and I ski happily on the 177s. I do also have an older version of the Mantra that is a 170, but I feel like they are too short now. These skis ski shorter and are still very nimble in the steep trees.

In think the Mantra would be a great choice.. This is a great ski on the groomers, unless it is steeper and you will lose the ability to really hold a turn. The new rocker will work well in the glades and some bumps, and you will love it in the powder. The Kendo is a good choice, but you lose that width for your powder days and Utah trip. The Watea is a nice ski, and the Rossi Experience 98 would fit the same bill. You will like any of these skis for your needs.

This is a great question. I've skied the Mantra since it came out and I love this ski for the reasons that you articulate above. I did ski the new Mantra at Snowbird last spring skiing a combination of groomers, some bumps, and spring crud. I'd say the new ski is a little easier and more forgiving which is what you would expect from the tip rocker. Initiation is a breeze on this, but once in the turn it is that same "locked in" race ski feel. So, I don't think you give anything up by trying out the rocker option. And, it does sound like 177 might be your choice in length.

Thanks for your advice. Do you or does anyone have any thoughts about how the Salomon Sentinel stacks up to the Mantra. At a high-level, reviews and such suggest the Sentinel is a bit more turn-friendly on hard snow and the Mantra a bit more stable. The slight rocker in the Sentinel would give it s a boost in powder, I imagine.

Jamie Preston is right, but if you are going to spend more time in powder, go with the longer length. The float will be better and the turns, in my opinion, are much more pleasurable. Im 5' 8" and 160lbs, and all three of my skis are over 180. (184cm Mantra's (last years) 186cm Gotama's (also last years) and 186cm Donner Party's (my pride and joy!)) I have had shorter skis though, and it comes down to a preference thing.

177 will work great and afford more versatility at your height and weight.

I have skied a Mantra with a Marker Duke for the last 5 years - and it is a great sidecountry setup, but make no mistake, this setup is on the heavy side with all the metal in this ski. It works for a short tour (a couple 45min to hour laps for example), but if you are looking at a 5 day Hut trip or something similar - you better have strong legs!! Obviously, adding a light binding like a Dynafit will change that dynamic, but that assumes you have a Dynafit compatible boot....good luck!

Right on the mark or like Jamie says +.5 is great. Much more versatile ski this year with the new geometry and Tip Rocker.

I actually skied this last spring at .5 and thought they skied great. So, would suggest between your options.

Either way, I'd suggest the 177s. They ski much shorter than they are, and compared to my Black Diamond skis, Volkls measure longer than they are.

Where are you skiing?

This is a brand new version of the Mantra with a slightly wider waist(98mm vs 96mm) then years past and Tip Rocker. If you like to ski faster with longer turn shapes and especially if you will be in open terrain, 177. If you are skiing harder snow conditions and make tighter turn shapes, 170.