2026 Volkl Mantra 88

While the name remains unchanged, the Mantra 88 gets a new build and graphic for 2026. This makes for an amazing option for high-test skiers who love the feeling of endless edge grip and decent soft snow versatility. Skiers looking for a ski in the 88 mm range are looking for versatility with a front side bias. The Mantra 88 is a powerful, strong, and grippy ski that handles the iciest conditions possible for this width—it's an impressive firm snow feel with tremendous rebound and energy. By flattening the overall profile, the skis create a smooth and cohesive character, but the stiffness keeps them from being easily accessible for intermediate skiers looking to improve and progress. If you’re a hard-charging skier who likes to make clean and energetic turns, this Mantra 88 is a total beast.

Volkl likes to put a lot of sophistication and ingenuity into their constructions, and it certainly shows with a Mantra 88. By using a multi-layer wood core consisting of poplar and beech, they put more emphasis on the edges by increasing the amount of beech in that zone. The poplar creates more flex and ease of use in the mid-section of the ski, making it easier to ski in multi-dimensional snow. Under the core, we get a full sheet of titanal, and on top we get Volkl’s Tailored Titanal Frame. This consists of three separate metal pieces which work together to allow for proper flex and grip. They keep the ski damp and stable. In the tips, we see tailored carbon tips—this inlay of carbon stringers provides improved precision through the entry phase of the turn while keeping the swing weight lower. Tester David Raybould states that “There’s a reason why the Mantra 88 (Kendo) and Anomaly are top of this category. Stiff, burly, all-mountain skis that practically do it all. As such, you need to be on top of this ski and demand performance from it. Get lazy, or don’t have great technique and this ski will take you for a ride. Hence, it’s not versatile or playful in the wrong hands. But when you get it right, it’s very rewarding. Hard charger.”

The shape and profile of this ski has gotten turnier and flatter than in years past. The flatter overall profile allows for a smoother feel with more ski connected to the snow. The shape allows for crisper and rounder turns which is impressive given the ski’s already stellar reputation and history for clean arcs. Because of the narrower shape overall, Volkl’s 4 Radius Drive does not filter into this ski as it still relies on the 3D Radius Sidecut. With turn radii splits of 29.2/16.2/25.5 meters in the 177 cm length, the skis feel like a slalom ski underfoot while higher speeds are easier to achieve at lower edge angles in the tips and tails. Volkl uses a flatter profile and long tip and tail rocker to unlock the multi-radius sidecut. It works well and provides a smooth and predictable feel overall. While these skis certainly excel in an on-trail format, their off-trail performance takes a bit more work due to the stiffness and weight. Tester Bob St.Pierre notes that “This ski is super-smooth and locked in to any type of turn you can make. It feels connected to the snow almost to a fault--sometimes I wish it was easier to ski. It's a demanding ski that you have to stay on top of, but when you do, it all makes sense.”

While this isn’t an ideal choice for everyone, especially skiers who are more creative and playful, it is a fantastic ski for hard chargers who like to push the speed limit and the edge angles. If you’re on it, then you can get some decent bump and tree performance, but overall, this ski is meant to carve, and with a wider bodied platform, you get excellent balance and poise as a result.