2021 Volkl Mantra 102

The 2021 Volkl Mantra 102 gets a graphics refresh, but the meat and potatoes of the ski are still intact. Like Volkl's other skis in the all-mountain freeride range, the Mantra 102 has a multi-layer wood core, two sheets of metal, including the titanal frame, carbon tips, and the 3D Radius sidecut. Tip and tail rocker complement the ski's strong off-piste nature, but the most surprising thing about this ski is how it absolutely rails turns on groomers with the speed and stability of a locomotive. Not quite as agile in shorter turns as the narrower M5 or Kendo 88, the Mantra 102 is better suited for longer carves. The 3D radius really comes in handy on a ski like this because it allows the skier to vary turn shape and style depending on snow conditions and terrain. In the 184 cm length, the skis generate multiple radii of 25, 20, and 27 meters, so it's on the long-turning side of the spectrum. This is especially handy when it comes to soft snow, as the tails of the skis will allow for straighter lines and higher speeds with increased smoothness. When the weight goes up, the quickness goes down, so skiers who prefer a light and nimble ski might be on the disappointed side of things. Our contributors were still very enamored with the skis, especially their stability and carving prowess for their width.

We had some larger testers on this ski, and they were all pretty darn impressed with the smoothness of the 102. Markus Shakun, Bob St.Pierre, Parker Herlihy, and Brooks Curran are all north of six feet so they have some leverage to put into the ski. Marcus and Parker both tested the 191 cm length while Bob and Brooks were on the 184. In the longer length, Marcus notes that "if you're Mantra skier and just need a bit more or a western daily driver, here's your answer. It has some unique characteristics to it with the 3D Radius sidecut and the titanal frame. When you slow it down and drive the shovel in, it will make a quicker turn - by no means a slalom turn, but quicker than a normal GS turn." Parker also notes the ski's ability to make "strong arcs that have the traditional Volkl character, just not as quick." His score of 5 out of 5 for stability falls right in line with everyone else, as that's more than just a hallmark of the Mantra 102, it's like its whole personality.

On the 184, Bob St.Pierre (who normally would ski the 191), still found the Mantra 102 to be a "total beast-loves being on edge and going fast." Another unsurprising score of 5 for stability from Bob here to go along with his other 5 for torsional stiffness. That titanal frame in this width really starts to sing when you get it up to speed. "Amazing stability and edge hold-does not miss a beat when terrain or conditions vary." On the downside, Bob notes that they are "heavy and not quick." Certainly some effort is required to make some faster turns on this burly ski. Also on the 184, Brooks Curran calls the 102 "an awesome ski in the Volkl line. Comes with all the Volkl race prowess and history built in. Stiff but versatile, loves long arcs and hard snow but also holds up through plenty of chop."

Tip to tail carving power, smooth and solid edge grip, and stability for days are the selling points of the Mantra 102. Now in its second year, it's likely to gain a bit more momentum either as a complement to a front side ski such as a Deacon, or as a one-ski quiver for aggressive skiers who love to push the envelope in any and all conditions and terrain. These freight trains will plow through anything and everything that gets in their way, and they are a lot of fun when doing so.