The new M5 Mantra marks the fifth version of this iconic ski. Gone is the reverse camber shape and two full sheets of metal we saw in the previous Mantra. Instead this new version gets camber underfoot again, with rockered tips and tails, and uses Volkl’s new construction technique called Titanal Frame. A full sheet of metal runs along the base of the ski, but the top layer of metal is divided into horseshoe shaped laminates that run along the edges, through the tips and tails, but do not connect underfoot. The idea is to give the ski a bigger sweet spot and to flex more easily underfoot for different turn shapes. It stills retains the strength, power, and vibration damping found in the previous versions, however.
Bob St.Pierre certainly thinks they did a good job. Bob skied the 177 cm length and gave the M5 Mantra 4 out of 5 for every single category on our test form. Not many skis had that level of consistency across the board. Bob’s “not sure what else a ski should be, but the M5 is a phenomenal representation of the freeride category.” Bob thought it “felt light and playful and strong and steady all at the same time.” That’s quite a compliment for a ski, and seems to be exactly what Volkl was going for with this new construction. Bob also added that it “rips turns of any shape, style, or speed.”
Dave Raybould also scored the M5 Mantra 4 out of 5 for every single category, except he bumped it up to 5 out of 5 for overall impression! Dave was also skiing the 177 cm length. He commented that “this ski feels very versatile. It will skid and pivot effortlessly, but will also lay over and rail turns on demand.” That’s really piggy-backing nicely off what Bob said about it making all different types of turns. Dave added that “the shape of the ski gives good pop on turn exit, but doesn’t hook or grab. Very playful and forgiving, but serious when needed.”
Annie MacDonald couldn’t resist giving the M5 Mantra a go and her response was awesome: “Yep. This skied like butter in the corn snow. Big thumbs up! Loved it! Forgiving, but stable. A rocket ship.” We wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Annie on a pair of these next season. Although on paper she’s a bit small for the 177 cm length, she didn’t seem to mind, giving the ski 4 or 5 out of 5 in every category!
Hans von Briesen thought it was a great ski for variable terrain. He commented that it’s a “directional all mountain ski for a person that makes very rhythmic turns.” We totally understand where Hans is coming from as the M5 Mantra feels very balanced and loves to link turns. It’s definitely a ski that you can get into a rhythm on, and it’s approachable enough that you don’t have to be an expert to do so. Hans skied the longer length, the 184 cm.
Troy Dehm rounded out the responses to the M5 Mantra nicely after skiing it in the 177 cm length. He commented that it has “reliable edge hold with a variable turning radius,” which is something a lot of our testers mentioned. Troy went on the say that the M5 Mantra felt “stiff when you need it, but allows for easy turns in the trees.” We love Troy’s last quote about the new Mantra, so we’re going to leave it for you to end this write-up:
“Lighter than you’d expect, but not weak. Advanced intermediates to experts would really enjoy this ski every day. It’s best as a one ski quiver. It can do it all and do it all well.”
