Ski: 2022-2023 Volkl Mantra 102, 184 cm
Test Location: Mt. Crested Butte, CO; Sun Valley, ID
Days Skied: ~10
Available Lengths: 170, 177, 184, 191 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length (straight-tape pull): 182.9 cm
Stated Weight per Ski: 2209 grams
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski: 2166 & 2237 grams
Stated Dimensions: 142-102-124 mm
Blister’s Measured Dimensions: 141.3-101.8-124.1 mm
Stated Sidecut Radius (184 cm): (Tip) 30 m / (Middle) 19 m / (Tail) 27 m
Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 60 mm / 20.5 mm
Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: 2.5 mm
Core Materials: beech/poplar + carbon tips + titanal (partial layer) + fiberglass laminate
Base: P-Tex 2100
Factory Recommended Mount Point: -11.35 cm from center; 80.1 cm from tail
Boots / Bindings: Tecnica Mach1 MV 130, Atomic Hawx Ultra 130, Lange RS 130 / Tyrolia Attack 13
Intro
Back when it was released for the 19/20 season, several of us at Blister were quickly impressed by the original Volkl Mantra 102. It was a particularly damp and stable all-mountain ski that was quite versatile. That said, it was also a fairly demanding ski, particularly for those of us who spend a lot of time in tight, technical terrain.
For the 22/23 season, Volkl decided to make some updates to the ski, and as with any time a brand decides to change a product we think is very good, we held our collective breath. Would Volkl’s claims about the new version being more accessible mean that the Mantra 102 would sacrifice much of what we thought was so impressive about the ski?
Well, after a couple days on the 22/23 Mantra 102 last season (see our initial Flash Review) and many more at the start of this season, we (and the vast majority of skiers) can breathe a sigh of relief.
But before we get into why several of us are big fans of this ski, here’s our Blister Summit Brand Lineup video with Volkl, where we discuss how the ski came to be, the new tech Volkl integrated into it, and more:
What Volkl says about the Mantra 102
“With a 102 mm waist, the Mantra 102 is clearly at home off as well as on the piste. Aside from its impressive off-piste performance, the Mantra 102 is a really versatile on-piste freerider. Its new geometry with 3D Radius Sidecut and a centre radius reduced by a metre to 19 m not only places the ski in our All Mountain collection, it also enables it to be used absolutely anywhere. Newly installed Tailored Carbon Tips combined with a Tailored Titanal Frame open up completely new creative possibilities. This means the Mantra 102 is sporty for sure, but it’s also relaxed, and it performs not just off the beaten track but on the piste.”
Construction
As alluded to in Volkl’s description, the 22/23 (aka, “V2”) Mantra 102 gets some fancy new tech. Its overall construction is pretty similar to the original, 19/20–21/22 (V1) Mantra 102, with a beech / poplar wood core, titanal metal layers, carbon fiber in the tips, and a sintered P-Tex 2100 base.
The implementation of the titanal metal has been tweaked; it still utilizes a “Titanal Frame” with separated layers of metal over the edges / sidewall and a full edge-to-edge segment over the binding area. However, this new “Tailored Titanal Frame” varies the amount of metal by size, in an effort to make the ride quality better suited to the skiers who would be using each different size (i.e., more metal in longer lengths, less metal in shorter lengths).
Following the trend, the V2 Mantra 102 features Volkl’s “Tailored Carbon Tips,” which consist of a variety of carbon fibers that are embroidered in a specific way to reportedly optimize longitudinal and torsional stiffness and minimize extra weight.
Again, if you want to learn more about all this new tech and the background of the new Mantra 102, check out our video with Volkl, above.
Shape / Rocker Profile
No big changes change here — the V2 Mantra 102 carries over the minimally tapered shape of the original, as well as its fairly deep but quite low-slung rocker lines.
Flex Pattern
Here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern of the Mantra 102:
Tips: 8.5
Shovels: 9
In Front of Toe Piece: 9.5
Underfoot: 10
Behind the Heel Piece: 9.5-8.5
Tails: 8
The flex pattern of the V2 Mantra 102 feels very similar to the original, with a strong flex throughout, though the new ski feels a bit softer behind the bindings. Interestingly, this version of the Mantra 102 feels slightly stiffer in the front half than in the back.
Sidecut Radius
The V2 Mantra 102 still features Volkl’s “3D Radius” design, which essentially means that it combines three different radii along the length of the ski. The tips and tails utilize a longer sidecut radius, while the radius is shorter underfoot, in an effort to allow the skier to make a variety of turn shapes, carve tighter turns on piste, and minimize “hookiness” in grabby, off-piste conditions.
The V2 Mantra 102 does feature slightly different sidecut radii numbers than the original. Comparing the 184 cm lengths for both models, the new V2 Mantra 102’s stated radii are 30 m (tip), 19 m (underfoot), and 27 m (tail); the V1 Mantra 102’s stated sidecut radii were 27 m (tip), 20 m (underfoot), and 25 m (tail).
Mount Point
Same as before, the V2 Mantra 102 features a very traditional, rearward recommended mount point of about -11.4 cm from true center. That said, it does include two smaller lines marked out one and two centimeters in front of the main line (more on that later).
Weight
The V2 Mantra 102 comes in at a very similar weight as the original: around 2200 grams per ski for the 184 cm length. That’s on the heavier end of the spectrum these days, but we are definitely not complaining.
For reference, here are a number of our measured weights (per ski in grams) for some notable skis. Keep in mind the length differences to try to keep things apples-to-apples.
1707 & 1752 4FRNT Switch, 184 cm (21/22–22/23)
1781 & 1795 Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, 180 cm (21/22–22/23)
1807 & 1840 Atomic Bent 100, 188 cm (18/19–22/23)
1816 & 1819 Head Kore 99, 184 cm (22/23)
1896 & 1942 K2 Reckoner 102, 184 cm (20/21–22/23)
1925 & 1934 Black Crows Camox, 186.5 cm (19/20–22/23)
1929 & 1982 Faction Mana 2, 183 cm (22/23)
1933 & 1943 Norse Enduro, 188 cm (20/21–22/23)
1936 & 2013 Salomon Stance 96, 182 cm (20/21–22/23)
1938 & 2003 Nordica Unleashed 98, 186 cm (22/23)
1960 & 1962 Majesty Dirty Bear XL, 186 cm (22/23)
1970 & 1993 Moment Deathwish 104, 184 cm (21/22–22/23)
1973 & 1997 Volkl Revolt 104, 188 cm (21/22–22/23)
1976 & 2028 Parlor Cardinal Pro, 182 cm (19/20–21/22)
1998 & 2044 4FRNT MSP 99, 181 cm (17/18–22/23)
2009 & 2010 Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, 186 cm (22/23)
2010 & 2023 Moment Commander 98, 182 cm (20/21–22/23)
2022 & 2046 DPS Foundation Koala 103, 184 cm (21/22–22/23)
2024 & 2112 Dynastar M-Free 99, 185 cm (21/22–22/23)
2035 & 2118 Faction Dancer 3, 183 cm (22/23)
2043 & 2089 Volkl M6 Mantra, 177 cm (21/22–22/23)
2049 & 2053 Whitedot Altum 104, 187 cm (19/20–22/23)
2054 & 2063 Salomon QST 98, 189 cm (21/22–22/23)
2074 & 2088 Line Blade Optic 104, 178 cm (22/23)
2077 & 2096 Line Blade Optic 96, 184 cm (22/23)
2118 & 2128 ZAG Harfang 106, 186 cm (22/23)
2120 & 2134 Blizzard Rustler 10, 188 cm (19/20–22/23)
2128 & 2186 J Skis Masterblaster, 181 cm (21/22)
2138 & 2172 Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+, 187 cm (22/23)
2165 & 2186 Wagner Summit 97, 182 cm (21/22–22/23)
2178 & 2195 Volkl M6 Mantra, 184 cm (21/22–22/23)
2166 & 2237 Volkl Mantra 102, 184 cm (22/23)
2218 & 2244 Volkl Mantra 102, 184 cm (19/20–21/22)
2230 & 2290 Line Blade Optic 104, 185 cm (22/23)
2232 & 2242 Blizzard Cochise 106, 185 cm (20/21–22/23)
2233 & 2255 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, 186 cm (19/20–22/23)
2281 & 2284 Blizzard Bonafide 97, 177 cm (20/21–21/22)
2326 & 2336 Nordica Enforcer 100, 186 cm (20/21–22/23)
2353 & 2360 Volkl Katana 108, 184 cm (21/22–22/23)
Now, let’s get into how all of this translates on snow:
FULL REVIEW
We’ve had several reviewers on the new Mantra 102, and while our reviewers are typically very much in agreement in terms of the performance traits of a given ski, it’s fairly rare that this many of them personally really like a ski this much. So let’s get into why that’s the case with the latest Mantra 102, and how that applies to everyone reading this:
Groomers
Luke Koppa (5’8”, 155 lbs / 173 cm, 70 kg): Like the previous version, the new Mantra 102 is a really, really good carver for its width. I actually almost didn’t throw in that caveat about width, cause this ski is just plain good on piste.
The Mantra 102 makes it pretty easy to get a turn going, tip it on edge, and start arcing across the fall line. It’s not extremely quick in terms of turn initiation (maybe due to that long sidecut radius at the tip), but it still just requires a bit of pressure on its shovels to get things going.
Once on edge, the Mantra 102’s edge hold is excellent. It’s one of the few skis over 100 mm underfoot that I actually trust enough to commit to a properly carved turn on icy, scraped-off sections of groomers.
It’s also pretty versatile in terms of turn shapes, styles, and sizes. I definitely can’t force the 184 cm Mantra 102 into legit slalom turns, but I can make it turn tight enough to keep mellow-ish groomers interesting, while still feeling totally calm and composed when making big, fast arcs at higher speeds. And it’s easy to feather and finesse turns via releasing the tail.
This doesn’t feel like the most lively carver to me, nor is it very quick edge-to-edge like a narrower ski. But those are really the only complaints I can levy against the Mantra 102 when it comes to on-piste performance.
Dylan Wood (5’10.5”, 155 lbs / 179 cm, 70 kg): The Mantra 102 is indeed a very good carver in general, but when you factor in its 102mm-wide waist, that performance becomes even more impressive.
As Luke mentioned, its edge hold is excellent, it is fairly easy to initiate into a carved turn, and it is easy to release and dump speed so long as you have some weight focused on the shovels of the ski.
But what makes the Mantra 102 really stand out to me is how it performs on roughed-up, choppy groomers. It’s easy to appreciate on perfect corduroy, but many skis are. The Mantra 102 sets itself apart from other skis on bumped-up groomers that are topped with piles of pushed-around, loose snow, in that it allows you to still carve big, fast turns.
While it is not ultra plush, it has great suspension that keeps the ski composed when arcing through a roughed-up groomer on edge, and it blasts through piles of snow well, staying on track. Many of the narrower carving skis I’ve been on fall short of the Mantra 102 in scenarios like this.
Jonathan Ellsworth (5’10”, ~180 lbs / 178 cm, 80 kg): Dylan and Luke have it right. And the main thing I want to underscore is the Mantra 102’s edge hold on groomers for a 100+mm wide ski. The discontinued HEAD Monster 98 (and probably Monster 108) is still perhaps the best ever in this regard, but the Mantra 102 is very good.
Powder & Soft Chop
Luke: One of my first outings on the original Mantra 102 was a surprise spring pow day, where I was quickly impressed by the flotation it offered and how maneuverable it felt, given that it doesn’t have very tapered tips or a super splayed-out rocker profile. I feel the same about the new version.
Now, personally, I like a looser, surfier ski in fresh snow, since my preferred style in those conditions revolves around tons of slashes and slarves. The Mantra 102 can definitely make those happen, it’s just that you need to stay forward over its shovels to get its tails to release and throw it sideways. But for people who flock to this sort of heavy, stiff, rearward-mounted ski, I think you’ll find it quite maneuverable for its width in fresh snow, and likely be impressed by the flotation afforded by its shovels. Especially considering how well it carves, the Mantra 102 is a pretty good 102mm-wide pow ski.
Don’t get the Mantra 102 if you want a super loose ski for noodling through mellow-angle trees on a pow day. Do get it if you want an all-mountain ski that stays composed in more challenging conditions without being so one-dimensional that you only feel like sticking to steep, open zones on the days when there’s fresh snow to be found.
And when you do feel like skiing more open terrain but the snow is already pretty tracked out, the Mantra 102’s excellent suspension and high-speed composure will let you ski chop without having to drastically dial back your speed and tighten up your turns.
Dylan: I never got the Mantra 102 in true powder, but I did have it in some forgiving, soft resort chop. Like Luke, I tend to gravitate toward more rockered, forward-mounted skis for skiing soft snow since I love to throw my skis sideways rather than always be charging down the fall line in these conditions.
But when assuming a more directional style and, well, mostly pointing the tips down the fall line, I quickly gained an appreciation for the Mantra 102’s composure and stability in soft chop. The Mantra 102 does require deliberate pressure on its shovels to be thrown sideways in soft snow, and it can be a chore to dump speed if you need to all of a sudden.
I’d never say that I like to ski out of control in soft chop, but sometimes I do find myself getting pretty loose. The Mantra 102 definitely punished me a few times in chop, but after adjusting to a more controlled, deliberate style, I really enjoyed the stability and precision this ski provided in soft snow.
Jonathan: Luke just called the Mantra 102 a “pretty good” pow ski ( I’d agree), and a very good soft chop ski (I agree with that, too). I now have about 5 days on the Mantra 102 in soft chop, and Dylan and Luke have it exactly right — a ~100-105mm-wide ski with more tip and tail splay can feel looser and arguably more “fun” than the Mantra 102, but for directional skiers that want to really open it up in soft chop — without needing to always ski with reckless abandon — ought to consider the Mantra 102. As Dylan says, if you do get tossed into the backseat the Mantra 102 isn’t going to just let you get away with it, but the front half of the ski is solid and strong enough to make it pretty easy to stay on the front half of the ski, which isn’t always true of other skis that have soft shovels and stiff tails
But let’s move on to how the Mantra 102 does in other specific conditions, then we’ll talk about the sum of all of these parts…
Firm Chop & Crud
Luke: For me, this is where the Mantra 102 really starts to set itself apart from the rest of the ~100mm-wide all-mountain category. It’s not a very lightweight ski, and that becomes a big plus when you encounter firmer, rougher, more variable conditions.
Compared to its numerous lighter counterparts, the Mantra 102 does a notably better job of muting out the harsh vibrations from nasty snow and doesn’t require you to anticipate, react to, and absorb every little patch of chop or crud in order to feel like you’re in control. There are a couple skis in this class that are more damp and /or stable than the Mantra 102 in these conditions, but it’s a pretty short list. The Mantra 102 doesn’t make chop and crud completely disappear underneath you — I still need to slow down on it when the snow’s really rough — but it gets closer to doing so than most other skis in its class.
Dylan: True. I will often say in reviews of other lighter, softer skis “if you want to ski fast in firm crud, there are better skis out there.” The Mantra 102 is one of those “better skis.”
Jonathan: Some folks still imagine that in firm chop and crud, you just want a stiff ski that will blast through it all. I disagree with that, and have for years talked about how stiffness isn’t the key, it’s the suspension of the ski that is the key. And in firm chop and crud, the suspension of the Mantra is very good. The ski still won’t let you get away with sloppy skiing, but it has a pretty broad sweet spot, a supportive flex pattern, tips that don’t feel twitchy or quick to deflect, and a swing weight that I’d call quite appropriate for a ski in this class — i.e., the swing weight is noticeable, but it will also follow your lead and be both predictable and precise as you pilot the ski (rather than causing you to spend your energy keeping the tips tracking).
Moguls, Trees, & Tight Terrain
Luke: We just talked a lot about how impressive the new Mantra 102 is when it comes to suspension and stability, but the old version was just as good (maybe a touch better?) in that regard.
(Jonathan: I’ll interrupt here to say that yeah, I’d give the nod to the V1.)
Where the new V2 Mantra really shines compared to its predecessor is on the opposite end of the spectrum — tight terrain and slower speeds.
I can’t pinpoint exactly how Volkl accomplished this, but the new Mantra 102 feels notably quicker and a bit more forgiving / accessible in tight spots, relative to the original, despite the two not being far off in terms of suspension and high-speed stability.
Is the new Mantra 102 an ultra-nimble, easy-going ski? No. There are loads of skis around this width that have lower swing weights, are easier to release and pivot, and that are more forgiving if you get in the backseat. But again, context is important — compared to the (few) skis that match or beat its high-speed stability, the new Mantra 102 feels surprisingly accessible in tight spots. It’s impressive.
Dylan: This is probably where the Mantra 102 surprised me the most. This ski has a surprisingly low swing weight given its very rearward mount point and overall weight. I found it impressively easy to flick around in trees and bumps relative to how well it skis with a point-and-shoot attitude in more open terrain.
It definitely likes to be on edge, though, and it isn’t easy to just slarve and drift around in tight spots. It requires deliberate turns and good anticipation — quickly reacting to obstacles can be a challenge on this ski, and it definitely bucked me a few times when trying to make a last-minute turn from the backseat. But it is very fun to ski with a dynamic, aggressive style, utilizing this ski’s good rebound to get airborne between turns and situate the ski into the next mogul trough.
Jonathan: I agree with everything Luke and Dylan just said. What I want to add is … this ski is still a f’—ing Mantra, after all. It’s not a Rossignol Soul 7, nor should it be, and it is not trying to be.
That said, every company would love to make a ski this strong and stable yet accessible. And, like Luke, I don’t really know exactly how Volkl pulled this off either, but this is one of those rare cases where it seems like they have increased the accessibility of this ski a bit without sacrificing the stability and strength that a ski with the “Mantra” name ought to have.
Mount Point
Luke: We all skied the Mantra 102 on its recommended mount point (-11.4 cm from true center) and enjoyed it there. It feels like a very directional ski that responds best to a forward stance, but it’s an intuitive, cohesive one.
Since Volkl opted to put two smaller marks one and two centimeters in front of the main recommended line, I also tried the Mantra 102 mounted around -9 cm from true center. (I probably would’ve done that anyway, since I typically prefer skis with mount points around -8 to -5 cm from true center, but the marks being there made me feel better about doing so.)
Mounted around -9 cm from true center, the ski didn’t feel very different, but I also didn’t notice any big downsides for my skiing style, and I was able to ski it just a touch more centered when I felt like it. So most people should stick to the main recommended line, but it’s nice to know that you can mount a centimeter or two ahead of it and not totally ruin the ski, while also making it feel just a hair more balanced.
Jonathan: I’ve only skied the Mantra 102 on the recommended line, and haven’t felt compelled to move forward. That said — and given what Luke just wrote — if you still are a bit worried about the weight or swing weight of this ski being a bit too much for you, bumping forward by a cm or two at least won’t introduce downsides. I’m open to moving forward a little, but haven’t felt the need to.
Who’s It For?
Luke: Like the original, the new V2 Mantra 102 is best suited to those who want an all-mountain ski that is quite damp, stable at speed, and precise on piste. However, the V2 Mantra 102’s ideal demographic is a bit broader than the first version, due to the new ski’s lower swing weight and slightly more forgiving flex pattern, which is most noticeable when skiing tight terrain like moguls and trees. Relative to the original, I’m less hesitant to recommend the new Mantra 102 to folks who prefer a strong, damp, stable ski, but who also spend a lot of time in that sort of tight, techy terrain.
If quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and/or a very forgiving flex pattern are ranked higher in your priorities than suspension, edge hold, and high-speed composure, the new Mantra 102 is still far from your best option on the market. But those who know they prefer a heavier, more planted, stiffer, and rearward-mounted ski will likely find the new Mantra 102 surprisingly adaptable when the terrain gets tighter and the speeds slow down. And if you’re someone who’s been interested in this class of heavier, stronger, less rockered all-mountain skis but have been worried about how demanding they’d be in moguls and trees, you definitely have reason to consider the new Mantra 102.
Dylan: I really wasn’t expecting to like the Mantra 102 as much as I did. I appreciated its carving performance across a wide range of conditions, stability, suspension, precision off piste, and how it encouraged me to ski with good technique without immediately punishing the smallest of mistakes. There are dozens of better options if a loose, forgiving, and/or playful ride are what you’re after in a ski, but the Mantra 102 provides a high level of performance all over the mountain that aggressive skiers could really enjoy.
Jonathan: Piggybacking off my previous comment, I find myself thinking that this is a ski that is (1) very deserving of the “Mantra” name, and (2) is an excellent and notable addition to the Mantra’s family history. In short, Volkl nailed it. The better your technique and the stronger you are physically (and assuming you like the sound of everything we’ve said in this review), then the more confident I am that you will like — or love — this ski. And, no question, it would be safest here to say that this ski is best suited for advanced and expert skiers — beginners and low-intermediate skiers would likely be better off on something else. But higher-level intermediates that are physically strong and have a willingness to continue to improve their technique could certainly progress on this ski.
Bottom Line
“We made it more accessible, but don’t worry, we didn’t compromise anything by doing so.”
That phrase or something like it is one we hear fairly often when learning about new products, but very rarely is the end result as accurate as it is in the case of the latest Volkl Mantra 102.
With this redesigned ski, Volkl managed to avoid seriously hampering what made the original great — smooth suspension, excellent high-speed stability, impressive on-piste performance — while somehow also making it appreciably more nimble and accessible at lower speeds and in tighter terrain.
It is an extremely well-executed take on a strong, damp, stable, and versatile all-mountain ski.
Deep Dive Comparisons
Become a Blister Member to check out our Deep Dive comparisons of the Mantra 102 to see how it compares to the original Volkl Mantra 102, Volkl M6 Mantra, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Salomon Stance 102, Folsom Blister Pro 104, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Salomon Stance 96, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Blade Optic 96, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Faction Dancer 2, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 98, 4FRNT MSP 99, Head Kore 99, & Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+.
This ski is so friggin good. I’ve spent a lot of time on most of the skis in the all mountain more stable section, and it would be a close call between this and the Wagner 97 if I could only have one. My only minor complaint about the 102 in 184 is that it’s not tons of fun (little dead, not tons of grip) at lower speeds – if this new version closes the gap – this is a true one ski quiver for anything short of surfing in despise fresh snow – from east coast bulletproof icy groomers (grips just as well as most mid 80s underfoot skis) to Vail back bowls (won’t get knocked off track). Already ordered a new pair.
Don’t be scared off by the stout flex – the construction keeps your tails and tips in place well, but flexes so nicely underfoot that this is one of the more forgiving skis in this category that I’ve been on in tight techy spots. No bucking, just gently supports. Well done volkl.
I have a lot of skis but ski the 21/22 Mantra 102 most days. I tried the 22/23 on a demo day at Alta and it was a good day to try it. Variable after storm conditions. I actually like my 21/22 better. I’m 6’4 205 and drive shovels hard and didn’t like the feel of the turn engagement as much on the new ski. I wish I could articulate it better, but the 22/23 tips didn’t want me to lean on them as much. One of the things I like about the 21/22 is I could ski the 184 and never for a second felt like I had downsized – I would typically ski 187/88 kind of range in +/- 100 under foot like the 97 Bonafide in 187. The new ski worked better if I backed off some. Same holds true for the Kendo 21/22 v 22/23. If you’re a bigger guy and like the past model, I would try the new one before buying.
At 6’1” 205 and a fan of the 184 cm M1 M102, unsure this redesign is a step in the right direction. When I need something more versatile, I opt for an Enforcer 104Free in 186. The Mantra is the daily driver on days without fresh snow. On those days, I want to go fast fast fast and the stability is appreciated. I think I’ll hold on to the first generation model.
I’ve been on the v1 Mantra 102 for several years. I got it in a 177 (I’m 6’1 220lbs for reference). Got the smaller size as at that point in my life I was skiing with younger kids (they’re still youngish but better skiers now) and it was a more sensible ski. Before that I was skiing on the old Cochise (pre-carbon tip).
I absolutely love my 102 Mantra. It carves like a beast, bulldozes crud, and is a very good powder ski for anything up to boot top length (I’m a purely directional skier). Also, at that size decently nimble in trees and bumps.
That said, as my family becomes better skiers and my opportunity for charging faster longer lines comes back on the horizon, I’m considering switching to the 184 in the next year or so. I do occasionally miss that sense that the ski is asking to take longer faster GS turns like my old Cochise would whisper in my ear (“faster buddy, more direct, I got you”)
How much added maneuverability does the does the new 184’s shovel design grant? Is it comparable with the old version in a 177?
Demo-ed the previous version of the Mantra 102. On day 2 the Titanial frame just under the top sheet delaminated right behind the binding. I am 6’3” and 200lb and have blown edges and delaminated several skis before, but never in just 2 days.
Has anyone else had issues with the Mantras delaminating?
If it was a demo ski, then it seems fairly certain that it had more than 2 days on snow.
Did the shop tell you that they had been brand new skis? If not then you don’t know what previous users might have done with them, and you can’t draw any valid conclusions about strength.
FWIW, I’m over 200# and have destroyed many skis, including Volkls. Other than the carbon V-Werks models I don’t think they’re more susceptible than any others.
Yes, I lost several big chunks of my top sheets on day 2 with my 20/21 M102s. I put some epoxy over them and haven’t lost any more, but the edges (of top sheet) are like a serrated knife now. No more shoulder-carrying. Still, I love the way they ski and will most likely pick up the V2s when they go on sale in March.
I’ve owned 2 different Volkl M frame skis, the kendo and the mantra 102. They both have had serious delam issues on same spot. Just behind my heel the titanal delams from the top sheet. Bought the Kendo’s first, gave Volkl the benefit of this being a one off thing.
The kendo lasted about 20 days, the mantra 102 delaminated after 2 days also. Skied the ski for the rest of the day and both skis delaminated in the same spot. I absolutely love the way the mantras skied, my favorite ski by far, but am reading reviews looking for the most suitable replacement.
I’ve got the same problem with the same skis. 2020 Kendo and 2021 Mantra 102. The titanal frame is delaminating right behind the heel. On the Mantra it’s only on the right side of both skis, so it seems definitely like a manufacturing issue. 40 days on the Kendo and 20 days on the Mantra, they shouldn’t be falling apart this soon.
Pretty disappointing, I’d advise people to avoid Volkl. The skis feel great on the snow, but build quality is garbage. “Made in Germany” doesn’t mean anything.
Blake,
I ski often with a buddy that delaminated Mantras – 3 pairs of the 102 and 3 pairs the 96 in that same spot, some after a day or two, and some after ~week. He charges hard and is about 180lbs. He eventually switched brands.
KZ
I’ve had 3 pairs of mantra 102s and have a pair of m6s. Lots of time on all of them. 6’2 and 200 lbs. no delaminating issues – have held up very well.
I have Mantra M4 (the rockered generation) where edges started separating on both skis after a tune. Granted I was probably approaching 100 fun days on those skis. I still lost trust in the brand that produces skis with such a failure mode. I could pull edges out with my nails.
That sounds like the tune may have overheated the ski and delaminated the bases, which would in turn allow the edges to pull out. All skis can fail that way.
Anybody has experience with the new 102 and M6? Do they also have the delaminating issues?
Just finished on your 2023/24 reviews w/Volkl fellas . Great Review!! Questions though ; I’m 73 adv. skier (was expert/racing) back 5o yrs ,ski Mt Bachlor Or. today.,four days a week,
fast runs / carving back side, groomers ft. side , all 60/40, last being powder(8-12) , some crud ,ski half days, two new knees , two new hips , &
two back surgeries all in last 15 yrs. Deciding between Volkl Man. 102 / 177 or the NEW 2024 Blizzard Rus. 102/180. With A LOT of recent discussions
with Vol. what are your decisions on this questions ?
Regards
Mike
Regarding delam issues, I had a pair of the ’22 model and they delam’d after about 25 days of skiing.. Got them replaced with the ’24 model and they delam’d after about 30 days. Both times right behind the heel and on the right side. Really bums me out as I absolutely love the skis, but, never again.
Exactly what I had (see recent comment). Bummer. What did you buy instead?
I’ve now had identical delamination on two pairs of brand new Volkl M6 Mantras, 184 cm. The first pair delaminated behind the rear binding on day 4 or 5 at Sun Valley. Volkl replaced them (it took three weeks, mid-season), and then after about 10 days the second (also brand new) pair delaminated in exactly the same spot. The problem is the raised frame / top layer that has an abrupt edge just ahead of, and just behind the binding mount area. So it’s easy for your opposite ski to catch that lip, and pull up on the frame which causes it to delaminate. I’ve been skiing 55 years and never had a ski delaminate like that, so I don’t think there’s anything unusual about my skiing technique or style.
It’s an awesome ski, I loved skiing it, but now Volkl has said they will issue a shop credit but not replace the ski a second time. I think it’s just a defective design. My shop here in Sun Valley has sent back about 7 pairs of them just this season.
I’d like to buy a similar ski that performs as well as the Mantra M6, any ideas?