2022 Volkl Mantra 102

The Volkl Mantra 102 blurs the line between all-mountain and freeride. Its shape and construction are very similar to what we get in the narrower Kendo 88, but the 102 mm waist width gives it more float in soft snow. With Volkl’s Multi-Layer wood core, Titanal Frame, and Carbon Tips, it’s a very strong ski with a relatively stiff flex pattern. The 170 cm length weighs 2080 g, so it’s fair to say the Mantra 102 is on the heavier side of the spectrum. It has tip and tail rocker, but there’s not much splay, which translates to a long effective edge, but more challenging maneuverability in technical terrain and deeper snow conditions. Volkl also uses their 3D.Radius technology, which features a shorter radius underfoot (20 m in the 184 cm length) with longer radii in the tips and tails (27 m tip and 25 m tail in the 184 cm). Those tip and tail dimensions are pretty big, which means the Mantra 102 should be able to make some big arcs, and should be able to do it through pretty choppy or less than ideal snow conditions.

Jeff Siegel tested the 184 cm length in the Mantra 102, which he thought was the right size for him. Jeff’s highest scores were for stability and overall impression, both earning full 5 out of 5 marks. Quickness/maneuverability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and versatility were just behind with 4 out of 5 scores, while forgiveness dropped to 3 out of 5. Those lower scores aren’t terribly surprising, given the fact the Mantra is relatively heavy and designed for advanced and expert level skiers. While Jeff found plenty of power in the Mantra 102, he didn’t think it was too demanding either. “The new Mantra core is just so, so good. This ski is playful, powerful, easy-to-ski and stable. It gives you tank-like stability with sports car performance. In a 102 waisted freeride ski, I’m not generally looking for a powerhouse, but I thought it was the perfect spring do-everything ski. Arc it through the mush and crud and it uber-confidently plows right through. Keep it flat and the playfulness of the core will have you bouncing from turn to turn. I think what impresses me the most is that there’s so much power and pop in the ski, but it’s so easily accessible and so smooth. Not that it’s effortless, but a monster of a ski like this one has no business being as easy to use as it is. That said, this is a ski for an expert skier who’s looking to looking to drive the ski, rather than surf it.”

Bob St.Pierre also skied the 184 cm length and had similar scores to Jeff. 5 out of 5 for stability and torsional stiffness/edge grip, with flotation, versatility, and overall impression all earning 4 out of 5 scores. Once again, forgiveness dropped to 3 out of 5, and to piggy-back off Jeff’s thoughts, we do think the Mantra 102 is best for an expert level skier, or at least an athletic advanced skier. “Total beast. Loves being on edge and going fast. Amazing stability and edge grip, does not miss a beat when terrain and conditions vary. Heavy feel, not particularly quick.” The ability to stay composed and continue arcing turns through variable, choppy snow conditions is certainly one of the highlights of the Mantra 102. Brooks Curran skied the 184 cm length as well and had more consistent scores than most of our other testers. Stability, forgiveness, torsional stiffness/edge grip, versatility, and overall impression all earned solid 4 out of 5 scores. It’s important to remember that Brooks is a young, strong, and extremely skilled skier, so it makes sense he found it a little more forgiving than Jeff or Bob. “A great addition to the Volkl line. Comes with all the race prowess and history built in. Stiff, but versatile. Loves long arcs and hard snow, but holds up well through chop too.”

Skiers who like to go fast, create high edge angles, and carve massive turns through whatever snow conditions are in front of you will love the Mantra 102. We do think it’s a bit much for an intermediate, however, and Volkl has other skis in the same width range that are easier to ski and more forgiving. That said, those skis don’t have the precision, power, or stability of the Mantra 102. Realistically, there aren’t many skis like it on the market with this width and this level of precision and power. Most skis that get up over 100 mm underfoot start using more rocker, which reduces the effective edge, but the Mantra 102 basically just gives you a Kendo rocker profile in a wider shape, which is nice to have.