The Volkl Mantra V.Werks is an exceptionally lightweight all mountain ski that’s largely based off the Mantra, but has quite a different feel and is significantly lighter. Volkl builds the Mantra V.Werks with their 3D.Ridge Carbon construction. This allows them to achieve an impressive weight, while still using titanium to strengthen the ski. The ICE.OFF topsheet and integrated Skin Pin suggests that Volkl has alpine touring in mind when they developed this ski. It’s definitely an excellent choice as an alpine touring ski, but could also be used as just a lightweight alpine ski for those who really value a light ski. Let’s see what our testers thought of this unique, technologically advanced ski.
Justin Perry skied the 178 cm length and gave the Mantra V.Werks really high scores across the board, with torsional stiffness hitting the high point with a 5 out of 5 and forgiveness being the lowest score, coming in at just 2 out of 5. Justin described it as a “great ski that’s superlight weight as per the V.Werks line.” If you’re familiar with Volkl’s V.Werks skis, this new Mantra essentially follows the same patterns we’ve seen in previous V.Werks models, but with obvious Mantra influence in its shape. Justin thought you “did not need much energy to pop out of turns. Also very easy to lay over and can handle some high speeds.” It’s nice to know that Justin found it to be stable, as oftentimes skis this light can be a bit unnerving at speeds. Justin did mention that it chattered a little bit through variable, bumpy terrain at really high speed, but it doesn’t seem like that bothered him very much.
David Wolfgang also was on the 178 cm length and he was absolutely blown away by the Mantra V.Werks. So much so that he started to question it. “How can a ski be so light, but so there?” We agree, David, it’s definitely very impressive. David didn’t give the Mantra V.Werks a single score under 4. Whenever we see scores like that we know the tester really, really liked it. David went on to describe the Mantra V.Werks in more detail: “The ski gives you total confidence at all speeds on all surfaces. Amazingly quick from edge to edge, with a touch of pizazz.” That’s really high praise, and that confident feeling is a great attribute for a potential AT ski. The last thing you want in the backcountry is to feel a lack of confidence in a tricky situation.
Mike Aidala also really enjoyed skiing the Mantra V.Werks, and it seems he thinks it would be a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an alpine touring ski. “The Mantra V.Werks provides a lightweight feel underfoot. You will be impressed by the power and torsional stiffness the ski provides from the carbon construction while maintaining such a lightweight feel.” That’s really what we’re looking for out of a lightweight ski like this. Feeling light on your feet is pointless if you don’t have the necessary performance to actually have fun skiing. For those looking for an adventurous AT ski, Mike thinks this would be just about perfect, “put a Kingpin on the setup and you are ready to get after all the lines you have been daydreaming about.”
We do think the Mantra V.Werks is at its best as an AT ski, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t use it as an alpine resort ski. You might not benefit from the light weight as much when you’re skiing lift serviced terrain, but for those who value a lightweight ski it, doesn’t get much better than this. Well done, Volkl, we hope you keep these V.Werks skis coming!
