2015 Volkl Mantra Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: Mantra
Product Brand: Volkl
Best Use: Anything you can throw at it on snow
Sizes Available / Specs:
- Lengths: 170, 177, 184, & 191
- Dimensions: 132/100/118 Full Rocker
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Timberline Ski Area
Duration: 4 hours
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: The third generation Mantra is a mild mannered, civilized beast. On a beautiful New Years day I headed up to Timberline for a shake down of this ski, and it rips! Volkl did soften the flex a bit and moved the contact points more toward the middle of the ski, making the ski more agile and forgiving than its predecessors.
It has a propensity for speed and keeps asking for more but when you need to dial it back because the 'red coats' are giving you the hairy eyeball, it does it without skipping a beat. There was no real soft snow so I can guess by the groomed snow attitude of the Mantra, it will excel in softer conditions.
Overall, my new favorite. From intermediate to bobby bad ass, this ski will help you ski better.
A picturesque Mt. Hood backdrop.
The Good List:
- Quick edge to edge
- Stability at speed
- Forgiving flex
- Added width for floatation
The Not so Good List: A bit heavy for touring and it doesn't come in black.
The Bottom Line: A civilized beast. Tip and Rip. This ski will handle it all. And you won't outski it! You should buy it right now. Go ahead you know you want and need this ski!