2025 Volkl Mantra 88

It may take us some time to fully absorb the Kendo name into the Mantra world. We’ll get there. Kendo 88 is now Mantra 88 for 2025, even though the ski hasn’t changed structurally. This may seem confusing, but it’s all about consolidation. For years, the Kendo has been known for its precision and knife-like qualities. Those continue for 2025, just without the individualistic naming. Skiers looking for an all-mountain weapon that slices and dices the groomers while remaining strong and capable in off-trail situations and scenarios. The Mantra 88 still operates with a titanal frame, tailored carbon tips, and 3D Radius Sidecut for optimal performance and snow few. The ski is so easy and fun to stand on but the harder you push it the more it responds—that's a defining characteristic of this ski. It has an achievable starting point, but no real top end. Advanced skiers, experts, and former racers will all find something to love about the 2025 Volkl Mantra 88.

Volkl uses their poplar and beech multi-layer wood core to start the build and adds two layers of titanal to the mix. The lower layer is a full sheet while the upper laminate is divided into three different sections. This Tailored Titanal Frame allows the engineers to put more emphasis on the sides and edges while leaving the central portions of the forebody and tail more flexible and amenable to proper flexion. Underfoot, the plate keeps the ski strong and grippy. With Tailored Carbon Tips in the front, the ski hooks into the snow instantly, providing quick and agile responsiveness. The older frame was simply wider in this zone, but by replacing the metal with carbon, the stiffness increases to go along with energy. Tester Matt Stromecki notes that it’s “Extremely powerful and sturdy ski that would be a wonderful morning groomer ski. Loads of edge grip and stability but not very playful at all, would be tough to maneuver in tight areas. Would be a dedicated carving ski only in my personal quiver.” That lack of playfulness is a common thread as this ski means business for most skiers.

At 88 mm underfoot, these skis are right in the sweet spot for true all-mountain performance. Mantra 88 isn’t the most versatile ski out there at this width, but it could certainly be argued that it’s the most complete carver. Additionally, the 3D Radius Sidecut makes it one of the most predictable turners. With varying radii through the ski—shorter turns underfoot and longer arcs in the tips and tails—the Mantra 88 can switch up turn shape and style instantly. When you stand on the ski in the middle, it cuts a clean carve across the fall line. If you let it run at a shallower angle in the front and back, you will achieve high-speed turns with ease and stability. It’s a very natural way to shape a turn, and you don’t have to think about it in the least—very intuitive turning style here. Volkl uses long and low rocker in the tips and tails to increase the smoothness and make it easier to switch turn shapes. Bob St.Pierre states that “This is a better groomer ski than anything else, which is pretty rare for an all-mountain ski that's supposed to do everything well. It's not that you can't take it into bumps or trees or soft snow, rather, the on-piste performance is just so good that it makes you not want to take it anywhere else. The metal frame is dialed, and the carbon tips allow for instantaneous initiation.”

This type of on-trail performance is typical of a precision-oriented company like Volkl. Whatever you want to do in an off-trail format is up to you, but you will have to put in some more effort if you are looking for versatility. Stronger skiers shouldn’t have too much trouble here, but there are more playful and creative skis in the 88-90 mm range for sure.