The 2025 Volkl Mantra 102, while wider than 100 mm underfoot, skis like a race ski and accomplishes this with an impractical amount of stability and smoothness. Although it is on the wider side for an all-mountain ski, the 102 possess a robust construction and somewhat short radii which, in turn, puts it squarely in Volkl’s all-mountain category. By enlisting to use of titanal and carbon in its construction, it is certainly one of the strongest skis in the +100 mm genre.

Why we like it:

For a 102 mm waisted ski the amount of smoothness composure, and carving performance to be had in this ski is just astounding. It truly feels like a race ski in a carved turn.

Who it's for:

Advanced to Expert skiers who are physically strong and always drive a ski hard. All-mountain skiers who emphasize carving and prefer a wider platform.

Highlights:

Volkl’s 3D Radius sidecut gives the Mantra 102 3 different turn radii depending on which portion of the ski is driven and weighted. The tip, underfoot zone, and aft portions of the skis have specific sidecuts. Tailored Titanal Frame is made up of a full sheet of titanal under the core with a segmented frame above the core to allow tailored torsional and longitudinal flex to specific portions of the ski to provide incredible edge grip but also provide some forgiveness for intuitiveness. Tailored Carbon Tips use hand-laid carbon stringers in the tips to adjust their torsional stiffness to boost turn initiation smoothness and precision. Volkl’s Multilayer Wood Core utilizes poplar and beech stringers to provide energy and stiffness to particular sections of the ski where it is most needed.

Things to consider:

The Mantra 102 is a burly ski that can be difficult to control if skied in a more laid-back manner. The lack of taper and tip and tail rocker make it not the best performer in deep snow as they are not as smeary or playful as other skis in this category. Instead, the 102 is focused more on skiers who want to high end carving performance with a wider platform underfoot.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to size. If you want more snap or more mobility, consider sizing down in length.