Ski Reviews

2023-2024 Volkl Mantra 88, 184 cm

Reviewer Username: Dennis C

Reviewer Height: 5’8″

Reviewer Weight: 205 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 1 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Crested Butte

TEST CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow | Firm, off-piste chop or crud

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 6/10

FORGIVENESS: 7/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 7/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 4/10

STABILITY: 7/10

SUSPENSION: 6/10

EDGE HOLD: 7/10

PLAYFULNESS: 1/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

This ski is not very playful and does not air well, there is a decided “slap” and “ping” that reverberates through the ski on landing.

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (184 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Firm groomers | Softer groomers | Firm moguls | Softer moguls

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

This seems like a great ski for an intermediate to advanced skier coming from a traditional background who is not interested in slashing around or getting airborne. RT

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

This was a very atypical ski for me to be on and so do not have a ton of reference for the class.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

While I felt this ski was very competent both on piste and in moguls, its lack of playfulness and pizzazz left me wanting. I almost felt as if I was being punished any time I hit a side hit or roller and the ski came down with an audible “p-tannggg” which reverberated through my boots.