2027 Volkl M7 Mantra

For 2027, the Volkl M7 Mantra gets a slightly new graphic but otherwise returns unchanged. These are some amazing all-mountain skis; complete 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 an accessible ski as these can feel demanding. For the advanced and expert crowd, however, the M7 Mantra continues to be a top choice for all-mountain carving.

The engineers at Volkl put a lot of thought and expertise into the construction of these skis. 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 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 Nate Sugiyama notes that "These are great skis on and off piste. A fairly ridged ski that responds positively to hard skiing. They get better the harder they are pressed, remaining stable despite challenging conditions." His core of 10/10 for overall impression reflects this feedback for sure.

While Volkl uses a lot of sophistication in the build, the footprint of the ski is equally as intriguing. In terms of shape, the skis are 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 previous version to be on the jittery side at flatter angles, so by adding a longer sidecut radius in the mid-body, the ski became 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 is a bit more groomer and on-trail focused than anything else. It can do bumps, trees, and some powder, but it feels way more comfortable on a groomed trail. It does not care how firm or soft the groomer is."

The M7 Mantra continues to hold a strong spot at the upper end of the upper end in terms of power and performance. 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. If you want to send it super-fast with tons of stability and power, we won't talk you out of the longer ones, either.