The 2027 Volkl Mantra 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings sits right in the versatile-with-a-frontside-bias sweet spot. This is a powerful, grippy all-mountain ski that handles the iciest hardpack in its class with tremendous rebound and energy, while a flatter, turnier shape adds a measure of soft-snow capability for hard-charging skiers. 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:

Edge grip on firm and icy snow is the calling card, because few skis of this width lock in the way the 88 does. The 3D Radius Sidecut also gives it a slalom-quick feel underfoot that is genuinely fun once you get it on edge.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who want endless edge grip and clean, energetic turns on firm snow. Built for hard chargers with strong technique who like to push speed and edge angle on trail.

Highlights:

Volkl pours real engineering into this one, starting with a multi-layer poplar and beech wood core that adds beech toward the edges for power while central poplar keeps the mid-body workable. A full sheet of titanal sits under that core with the three-piece Tailored Titanal Frame riding above, keeping the ski damp, stable, and grippy. Tailored carbon tips sharpen turn entry while trimming swing weight. Because an 88 mm waist calls for a narrower shape, Volkl specifies its 3D Radius Sidecut rather than 4 Radius Drive, splitting a long tip radius, a slalom-tight center, and an open tail to deliver crisp, rounded turns with a smooth, predictable feel. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

Demanding and stiff, this ski needs to be driven; get lazy and it will take you for a ride. Off-trail performance takes more work thanks to that stiffness and weight, so creative, playful skiers may find it too serious. Carver first, everything else second.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Length runs true on the 88, so go with your normal number, or size down for a crisper, quicker carving feel and a slight loss of high-speed stability.