The eagerly awaited 2025 Volkl M7 Mantra has arrived, and paired with the Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings is better than ever. The M7 combines impressive high-speed performance with enhanced compliance at medium and slower speeds. While it continues to excel in high-speed carving and all-mountain versatility, the latest updates to its sidecut (4 Radius Drive), Tailored Titanal Frame, and Tailored Carbon Tips have refined the Mantra, elevating it to new levels of performance while maintaining its iconic status. We paired the M7 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

The M7 delivers exceptional stability and precision, providing outstanding carving control. It stands among a select group of all-mountain skis that effortlessly hook up and hold through the entirety of a carve, placing the M7 firmly among the best in this category.

Who it's for:

This ski is designed for advanced to expert skiers seeking versatile all-mountain performance with a focus on carving. Intermediate skiers may find the M7 challenging due to its requirement for refined technique and strong legs.

Highlights:

Volkl’s Multilayer Wood Core, composed of poplar and beech stringers, delivers targeted energy and stiffness where it’s most needed, giving a solid foundation for the M7. Added to that is the Tailored Titanal Frame, which features a full sheet of titanal beneath the core with a segmented frame above, providing tailored flex for exceptional edge grip while adding some forgiveness for a more intuitive ride. Tailored Carbon Tips incorporate hand-laid carbon stringers to enhance torsional stiffness, improving turn initiation and precision. Finally, Volkl’s all-new 4 Radius Drive sidecut offers four different turn radii depending on which section of the ski is engaged, including specific sidecuts in the tips, two underfoot zones, and the tail, allowing for maximum versatility in turn shapes. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission

Things to consider:

The M7 Mantra demands significant skier input and must be driven hard to perform at its best; otherwise, you might feel more like a passenger than the pilot. It’s best suited for physically strong skiers with considerable experience and refined technique.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis are true to size. For increased maneuverability, consider sizing down, as this will not significantly impact stability or edge grip.