All-new for 2026, the Volkl Mantra 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings refines its legacy with a more intuitive and agile feel while preserving the powerful edge grip and all-mountain capability expert skiers love. With subtle updates to construction and profile, this ski carves trenches on hardpack and threads through technical terrain with newfound ease and agility. We paired the Mantra 88 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:

It’s a Mantra through and through—strong, confident, and built for hard snow—but now with better maneuverability for tighter spaces and more dynamic terrain. A winning update to one of the most capable firm-snow skis on the market.

Who it's for:

Best for advanced and expert skiers with a technical background who appreciate a ski that rewards precision and strong input. If you like to push your edges and ski with intent, the Mantra 88 should be high on your list.

Highlights:

The 2026 Mantra 88 incorporates the construction blueprint of the Mantra M7, including Volkl’s Multilayer Wood Core of poplar and beech for strength and snap. A Tailored Titanal Frame runs full width under the core and is segmented up top, dialing in stiffness and damping where needed. Tailored Carbon Tips enhance torsional response and initiate turns with precision. The ski’s flatter overall profile for 2026 boosts pivotability and short-radius agility, improving feel in technical terrain without sacrificing its grippy pedigree. 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:

This is still a demanding ski that requires a committed, skilled skier to unlock its full potential. If your style leans more relaxed or you’re still developing a technical foundation, there are more forgiving options out there.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These ski true to size. Confident skiers can size down for improved agility in tight spots—thanks to the Mantra 88’s robust construction, you won’t lose out on performance in shorter lengths.