2026 Volkl M7 Mantra

We get a graphic refresh for the 2026 Volkl Mantra M7, but the ski returns otherwise unchanged. This is great news for advanced and expert skiers who like to lay it all out there and receive an amazing amount of energy and edge grip from a ski. The M7 has been the flagship model of the Mantra line for a long time now, and they just keep getting better and better—especially when energy and dynamism are part of the process. These are some amazing all-mountain skis; replete with all the necessary ingredients for strong and capable performance in a variety of conditions and terrain. While the skis have a top level, they’re not so awesome for the lower levels—there is an entry point here, so intermediates who aren’t looking to put in the work should likely look to more of a moderate ski.

These aggressive skis are built with a multi-layer wood core consisting of poplar and beech. Volkl puts the beech along the outer portions of the ski to emphasize smoothness and power in the edges while the central poplar allows for easier articulation and better soft snow compliance. Below the core we get a full layer of metal and on top, the frame uses three pieces of metal in order to provide power and energy while keeping the skis flexing properly. When you access the whole flex of the ski, you get a lot of rebound. The skis also use Tailored Carbon Tips which lighten the swing weight and add precision to the entry phase of the turn. In the 177 cm length, the skis sit on the scale at 2090 grams per ski. Tester Grant Weiler notes that it’s a “go anywhere, do anything ski that is super dynamic.”

In terms of shape, the skis are at 96 mm underfoot, but they carve a lot better than that number indicates. In addition, they don’t fare quite as well in softer snow even with the width and rocker profile. Volkl uses a flatter overall footprint with these skis from tip to tail and that helps with a smoother overall feel as well as unlocking the 4 Radius Drive. By adding a fourth radius to the ski, Volkl provides a longer second portion of the arc, allowing for increased smoothness and performance at shallower edge angles. Some found the M6 to be on the jittery side at flatter angles, so by adding a longer sidecut radius in the mid-body, the ski becomes smoother and more composed. Underfoot, the ski still has a short turn mentality, noting a 16.8-meter arc in the 177 cm length. The rocker is long and low, allowing you to access all four radii of the ski. Tester Bob St.Pierre states: “This M7 lights it up. There's so much energy here. You can lay it over and get a race-like feel or you can let it slide a bit due to the flatter overall rocker profile. It feels like a high-end piece of modern ski technology with all sorts of parts and pieces acting as a cohesive unit.”

This is a great option for advanced and expert skiers who like to push it when it comes to mixing on and off-trail capacity. It’s not the best choice for skiers who are mellower or more moderate in terms of speed and performance. If you’re in between sizes, you can feel confident in going down—it makes the carving experience a whole lot crisper even though there’s a slight loss in off-piste stability.