When I demoed this ski I was told that it preferred larger more GS turns...but it seemed to do everything I asked it to AND MORE. Stability is the hallmark of this ski as it's ability to keep and edge....loved it. But in the end I bought the Kendo 88 as it made more sense when paired with my wider skis. Having a 96 and a 105 didn't make a lot of sense...but an 88 and 105 did.
just got a set of mantras and that’s totally right on the money. they grab an edge pretty confidently-i think the ripstick black grabs more aggressively(the asymmetry makes turn in really sharp) and if you hold a wide radius you just go and go and go. i noticed if you push for sharp turns, at least at my skill level, they hesitate to initiate
The M6 is a great ski, I have them at 177. They power thru the crud, great in pow. If you are on hard groomers, not the best..but at 96mm under foot that is not the best choice. Just had them out in 2’ of fresh but heavy snow today and they rocked it. For the hard pack, I use my Head eOriginals to carve it up. Nice review.
Neat! First comment. I personally really like the depth Ski Essentials and Blister go into with construction. I wish more reviewers did, laying out the facts on what went into a ski and the thoughts behind the design, as well as what they think it contributes. It’s fair that not every design intention comes to fruition, but if I’m going to buy one particular ski over another, I would like to know what is in that ski. And when demoing skis, it’s helpful to hear how certain design elements feed into your experience, or don’t. Their channel has a lot of ski nerds who love hearing about engineering and design of skis, so this is very much one of the things people come to them for.
You are absolutely correct in your assessment. I work in the ski industry so Skiessentials provides me with essential detailed information that is very useful. With all the different manufacturers they make it easy to stay updated on new models and technical developments.
The break in the metal top sheet in front and behind the bindings gave it flex on bumps that I could definitely feel. Surprised me when I felt it since I knew it was a stiff ski.
Intermediate Skier - mid 40’s - 5’-10” 200lbs. Was on Elan Explore 82 skis for 7 years - my first and only pair. Needed a big time upgrade felt these skis were Holding me back in getting better. I consider myself an intermediate skier, comfortable on blues and blacks. Most skiing done out west No so big on trees or moguls but will ride them occasionally I am still working on my carving technique still skidding down steeps, and love the occasional speed - have topped out at 46 MPH - I don’t consider myself an aggressive skier not getting any younger but I plan to improve my carving skills this year With practice. I didn’t want to get a ski that with time I would eventually overcome and stay stuck with I wanted a ski I would eventually work my skills and techniques into as I gain more experience and settle into it nicely. I don’t plan on buying another pair of skis in a loooong time as I am well invested in the Mantra M6. I did a lot of research on it and i understand it’s an overpowering and demanding ski. I am looking forward to the challenge. I am not concerned about the weight of the skis as I am in good shape and have strong legs turning won’t be an issue or fatigue. I am excited to purchase . Did I make a good choice?? honest thoughts? I am Ready to invest 👍👍
You may really love them, but they're definitely beefy. If you're willing to try something different I would recommend testing a Fischer Ranger 90, based on what you said you might really like them. Cheers.
for some reason I really enjoy making big fast groomer turns on these in the longer lengths, maybe it speaks to my (lack of) ability but they are just so stable and fun to lay over
Bought a mantra last year. Had a love hate relationship first. M6 were good short and medium turn but I struggled long radius turn. This ski punish bad technique and bad position on the ski. I was in the market to resell them. But one day, I find the perfect technique and position for long radius and there are just perfect!!!
I know it's been mentioned, but I can't wait to get your take on the Elan Ripstick / Ripstick Black edition. They are such an interesting construction. First time I skied the black edition, knowing nothing about the ski, I thought it had metal. It blows my mind what they've done with carbon.
@8:30 "precise" and "stability" are a bit of different terms. If you ski the M6 Mantra against the Bonafide 97, for example, which is failry direct reference ski to the Mantra, you will notice that Bonafide is even more stable, but the M6 responds to your input more ... precisely. Bonafide can be skied more ruggedly, just point and push, where as M6 needs a slightly more delicate touch to deliver.
Bonafide feels more planky than the mantra. Crud cutting and stiffness was on par. Mantra’s segmented top sheet probably gives it more flex when you need it. IMHO
The M6 definitely is designed more for open terrain where you can use momentum to transition from turn to turn. If you spend more time in the trees and bumps there are other modes that would be a better tool for the job. Lots of my senior ski friends who use to ski on GS skis back in that younger days love to tip em and let them rip on the front side runs love the M6. They do hold an edge on firm snow and they are stable at speed. Personally I prefer the Kendo 88 which has the same exact construction but is definitely more nimble and better suited for typical New England snow conditions.
One issue with the Mantras M5, M6 and 102s is delamination issues. Skied Volkls for years - Mantras, Katanas, Superspeeds. Liked them. The delamination issue, however, persisting for several years is disappointing. They need a better adhesive or improved quality control. I’ve moved on to Stockli Stormriders.
Very accurate comments from Rickety! The Mantra is another of the east coast mashed potato smashers! Honestly, this is a direct competitor to the nordica enforcer line and ski's very similarly. The difference is that the vokll is more expensive and probably will last a bit longer. Also, the vokll is technically slightly lighter than the enforcers and moves slightly more quickly. 😊
In one video you asked which skis you should try. Don't know if you have Decathlon in the US, but would be interesting to know if those Wed'Ze skis are good value or just cheap... All i can find about them are Decathlons own videos or paid promotions.
I like this ski for telemark. I’m 53 y/o, 6’5” #250 and use an Outlaw X and Crispi WC with the 191 M6. I set this up against a Head Kore 99 and A Cochise. This is a great carving ski when dropping a knee at 45+ mph on the groomers. Not so much shovel to manage as the Kore 99s. I should leave the Cochise out of this as it’s a hair wider ski for mixed snow conditions or when it’s storming here in the central Sierra Nevada. Day to day though I’m skiing the M6 on groomers or chasing the youngsters through some trees and crud. Kore’s are definitely lighter and are staged for backcountry trips and they do turn with confidence on the tail end of the carve but initiation of a turn to transfer is nailed by the M6.
Accurate. I’m skiing both this season. Kore 99 are great skis. I prefer the Mantra slightly more. Better dampening, better torsional rigidity when carving on day-after snow crud. Better flex on bumps.
You'll have to give the Salmon Stance 96 a rip this year. Would love to see what you think. They are the most direct competitor to the Mantra imo. The Stance line got reworked for '24, trying to make them a touch lighter and softer (they were pretty planky before). I love the energy I get back from my '23 Stance 96, and I can't wait to get on the new ones (and the 102 as well).
Those are the top of my list! I demoed a pair in France this past winter, but I was on Demo Boots, and was mostly just drinking in the views rather than focused on my skis. But I certainly enjoyed them, would love to actually get them on a good surface in my personal boots. I think the ones I had were like a 90 or under.
I demoed these last season and they were great. Super stable and cut through crud like butter. I was just looking for something more forgiving. I felt like these would tire me out by last chair.
Were blessed to have Ski Essentials as there really are soo few Ski reviewers ad none nearly as comprehensive but I would pay them to focus more on ski feel and performance than the got darn tech and constriction. Unless their is something really standout about something new just say a few words and move on. I appreciate how you call this out and often say 'so what'. I love tech but they go way overboard and it takes away from their reviews.
I feel the mantra is too stiff, just as the k2 minbender ti is. I like the feel, but it's too unidimensional, you just have to ski hard or work very hard. I like the feeling of the faction agent more because it's softer and lighter and i can bend it easily without that much work. If i really want to go fast i will just cope with the chatter because i feel it is more easy to use a softer ski because if you are not very technical or very strong you can make the ski do as you please easier in different kind of conditions and it also bends more when jumping. what's your opinion on this take?
I think that's totally accurate, and describes well why I like my Atomic Mavericks. BUT, to be fair, in the western states in the spring skiing when the snow gets heavy, there is something nice about having a heavy crud cutter like the M6 Mantra, or the Mindbender. But the rest of the winter I want my Mavericks. But it's worth pointing out, especially for certain parts of the PNW that will get those wet winters some years.
I demo-ed the Mantra 6 last season and absolutely loved them. Skied them in every type of terrain in the Sierras, and since we had more snow last season than in the last 65 years, I took them everywhere. I love going fast and the Mantra's edge is unrivaled (compared to my Bonafide's and Salomon's). I'm 5.10, not heavy-set, I'm pretty athletic cos I climb lots, and I don't mind that the Mantra is heavy or requires a fair bit of work. The title of this review confused me; might it be a reflection of your unequivocal love for the Atomic Maverick's at this moment (only $419 on evo yay!)?
I have found one construction issue with the Mantra's: the top sheet of metal is a weakness that will sometimes peel up or chip off. It happened to my skis before I bought them and I found someone else online complaining about the same issue.
No I like the Mantra's Alot! Very different from the Maverick, but in spring skiing, east coast or PNW I think the Mantra cuts through Crud exceptionally well. Glad you like your pair. I featured them in my Ski Deal video here: ruclips.net/video/DClJ6OlrNkw/видео.htmlsi=jp5q6UuDhodXI6Pq
I have been on this ski for 2 years now. I concur with these reviews. I am 59 and have a strong carving style of skiing. I ski primarily in Oregon. I have 2 main considerations when looking for a ski. It must be strong and stable in NW crud (Mt Bachelor spring skiing) and still be able to carve on steep groomers (Sun Valley, ID). I feel like I have pushed the outer limits of this ski in both conditions. I don't think they do very well in the tight trees. I don't like skiing in the dense NW trees anyway. At SV, I am confident in high speed carving turns on most of the runs. However, I had to check my speed when skiing Peak-a-boo Street run on the Warm Spring side. At Mt Bachelor, coming off the summit, they were awesome at the steeper upper section (Pinnacles). When I opened up to full speed large GS turns in the lower bowl section, I get rocked pretty good going across the fall line rutted out tracks. I am glad I ignored the recommended 171 length and stepped up to the 177. Fortunately, I picked up a pair of Nordica Enforcer Pros for big mountain skiing. (Cue Elliott: Hands on the head. "That ski is way too big for you!) I know. But I am loving it.
177 is probably fine! It's just the shops trying to put me in a 193 that makes me swallow my gum. Thanks for the insight! I love hearing how people who spend a good amount of time like their skis. Awesome insight!
I mean if it fits for you, more power to you. Personally on groomers I like the shorter snappier turns, and where I ski, they're still clearing out bramble from some of the backcountry, so I like having a shorter ski to get in and out of certain sections, but if 191 works where you're at that's awesome. I used to ski a Rossi Radical Gs Ski in a 191 and those things flew. Cheers.
You said it would be good to have on the east coast in this video. And you also said you wouldn't take it to the east coast in the video you roasted Curated. Am I taking things out of context?
I'm an east coast guy and have been looking at these. All the talk about the weight has concerned me. My initial plan was the deacon v werks. I guess I want something snappy as terrain here can change 4 times in one run. (Moguls, hard ice, crud, and heavy powder) The stiffness of the mantra to be able to grip on the ice and cut the crud peaks my interest though. I need the ability to snap turns in icy moguls and ski all day. At 48, 6', 230lbs I feel I may be able to handle the weight of these better than the skinny guys. I've skied 40-50 days a year for the last 40 years. Hopefully I can find a place to demo these before I buy. No one wants to demo the deacon v werks.
I demoed the deacon v werks and deacon 84 which is almost the same ski just lighter and much more expensive. It's not worth the money. If you have the chance to demo the Deacon 84 I think you will have a 95% feeling of the v werks.
When I demoed this ski I was told that it preferred larger more GS turns...but it seemed to do everything I asked it to AND MORE. Stability is the hallmark of this ski as it's ability to keep and edge....loved it. But in the end I bought the Kendo 88 as it made more sense when paired with my wider skis. Having a 96 and a 105 didn't make a lot of sense...but an 88 and 105 did.
Totally! I'm running 88's and 106's myself for the diversity.
just got a set of mantras and that’s totally right on the money. they grab an edge pretty confidently-i think the ripstick black grabs more aggressively(the asymmetry makes turn in really sharp) and if you hold a wide radius you just go and go and go. i noticed if you push for sharp turns, at least at my skill level, they hesitate to initiate
The M6 is a great ski, I have them at 177. They power thru the crud, great in pow. If you are on hard groomers, not the best..but at 96mm under foot that is not the best choice. Just had them out in 2’ of fresh but heavy snow today and they rocked it.
For the hard pack, I use my Head eOriginals to carve it up.
Nice review.
Neat! First comment. I personally really like the depth Ski Essentials and Blister go into with construction. I wish more reviewers did, laying out the facts on what went into a ski and the thoughts behind the design, as well as what they think it contributes. It’s fair that not every design intention comes to fruition, but if I’m going to buy one particular ski over another, I would like to know what is in that ski. And when demoing skis, it’s helpful to hear how certain design elements feed into your experience, or don’t. Their channel has a lot of ski nerds who love hearing about engineering and design of skis, so this is very much one of the things people come to them for.
Totally! I guess I more meant, I like it when it connects to the time on snow more, but overall I love their reviews as well!
You are absolutely correct in your assessment. I work in the ski industry so Skiessentials provides me with essential detailed information that is very useful. With all the different manufacturers they make it easy to stay updated on new models and technical developments.
The break in the metal top sheet in front and behind the bindings gave it flex on bumps that I could definitely feel. Surprised me when I felt it since I knew it was a stiff ski.
Intermediate Skier - mid 40’s - 5’-10” 200lbs.
Was on Elan Explore 82 skis for 7 years - my first and only pair. Needed a big time upgrade felt these skis were Holding me back in getting better.
I consider myself an intermediate skier, comfortable on blues and blacks. Most skiing done out west No so big on trees or moguls but will ride them occasionally I am still working on my carving technique still skidding down steeps, and love the occasional speed - have topped out at 46 MPH - I don’t consider myself an aggressive skier not getting any younger but I plan to improve my carving skills this year With practice. I didn’t want to get a ski that with time I would eventually overcome and stay stuck with I wanted a ski I would eventually work my skills and techniques into as I gain more experience and settle into it nicely. I don’t plan on buying another pair of skis in a loooong time as I am well invested in the Mantra M6. I did a lot of research on it and i understand it’s an overpowering and demanding ski. I am looking forward to the challenge. I am not concerned about the weight of the skis as I am in good shape and have strong legs turning won’t be an issue or fatigue. I am excited to purchase . Did I make a good choice?? honest thoughts? I am Ready to invest 👍👍
You may really love them, but they're definitely beefy. If you're willing to try something different I would recommend testing a Fischer Ranger 90, based on what you said you might really like them. Cheers.
Thanks for the input! Love the video!!
for some reason I really enjoy making big fast groomer turns on these in the longer lengths, maybe it speaks to my (lack of) ability but they are just so stable and fun to lay over
Bought a mantra last year. Had a love hate relationship first. M6 were good short and medium turn but I struggled long radius turn. This ski punish bad technique and bad position on the ski. I was in the market to resell them. But one day, I find the perfect technique and position for long radius and there are just perfect!!!
Oh awesome, yeah the bite is in an odd spot, but once you get used to it they are very nice skis. Glad you're enjoying them now!
I know it's been mentioned, but I can't wait to get your take on the Elan Ripstick / Ripstick Black edition. They are such an interesting construction. First time I skied the black edition, knowing nothing about the ski, I thought it had metal. It blows my mind what they've done with carbon.
@8:30 "precise" and "stability" are a bit of different terms. If you ski the M6 Mantra against the Bonafide 97, for example, which is failry direct reference ski to the Mantra, you will notice that Bonafide is even more stable, but the M6 responds to your input more ... precisely. Bonafide can be skied more ruggedly, just point and push, where as M6 needs a slightly more delicate touch to deliver.
Good distinction
Bonafide feels more planky than the mantra. Crud cutting and stiffness was on par. Mantra’s segmented top sheet probably gives it more flex when you need it. IMHO
You can see the original video by Ski Essentials Here: ruclips.net/video/UfBEMNImEzg/видео.html
The M6 definitely is designed more for open terrain where you can use momentum to transition from turn to turn. If you spend more time in the trees and bumps there are other modes that would be a better tool for the job. Lots of my senior ski friends who use to ski on GS skis back in that younger days love to tip em and let them rip on the front side runs love the M6. They do hold an edge on firm snow and they are stable at speed. Personally I prefer the Kendo 88 which has the same exact construction but is definitely more nimble and better suited for typical New England snow conditions.
Great insight, I want to get on the Kendo this year. I felt like the m6 would have been perfect for heavier snow in the Pacific Northwest.
One issue with the Mantras M5, M6 and 102s is delamination issues. Skied Volkls for years - Mantras, Katanas, Superspeeds. Liked them. The delamination issue, however, persisting for several years is disappointing. They need a better adhesive or improved quality control. I’ve moved on to Stockli Stormriders.
That's super disappointing, I actually had my Stormriders delam at the tip, but I bought them used and I think it was from the previous owner.
Very accurate comments from Rickety! The Mantra is another of the east coast mashed potato smashers!
Honestly, this is a direct competitor to the nordica enforcer line and ski's very similarly.
The difference is that the vokll is more expensive and probably will last a bit longer.
Also, the vokll is technically slightly lighter than the enforcers and moves slightly more quickly. 😊
In one video you asked which skis you should try.
Don't know if you have Decathlon in the US, but would be interesting to know if those Wed'Ze skis are good value or just cheap... All i can find about them are Decathlons own videos or paid promotions.
Thanks for the recommendation, I will see what I can do to find a pair!
I like this ski for telemark. I’m 53 y/o, 6’5” #250 and use an Outlaw X and Crispi WC with the 191 M6. I set this up against a Head Kore 99 and A Cochise. This is a great carving ski when dropping a knee at 45+ mph on the groomers. Not so much shovel to manage as the Kore 99s. I should leave the Cochise out of this as it’s a hair wider ski for mixed snow conditions or when it’s storming here in the central Sierra Nevada. Day to day though I’m skiing the M6 on groomers or chasing the youngsters through some trees and crud. Kore’s are definitely lighter and are staged for backcountry trips and they do turn with confidence on the tail end of the carve but initiation of a turn to transfer is nailed by the M6.
Cool insight, I don't know much about telemark tbh
Accurate. I’m skiing both this season. Kore 99 are great skis. I prefer the Mantra slightly more. Better dampening, better torsional rigidity when carving on day-after snow crud. Better flex on bumps.
You'll have to give the Salmon Stance 96 a rip this year. Would love to see what you think. They are the most direct competitor to the Mantra imo. The Stance line got reworked for '24, trying to make them a touch lighter and softer (they were pretty planky before). I love the energy I get back from my '23 Stance 96, and I can't wait to get on the new ones (and the 102 as well).
Those are the top of my list! I demoed a pair in France this past winter, but I was on Demo Boots, and was mostly just drinking in the views rather than focused on my skis. But I certainly enjoyed them, would love to actually get them on a good surface in my personal boots. I think the ones I had were like a 90 or under.
I demoed these last season and they were great. Super stable and cut through crud like butter. I was just looking for something more forgiving. I felt like these would tire me out by last chair.
Totally! I can see how that would happen, they're definitely on the beefy side.
They have a 2022 review with bob and Jeff showing more skiing.
Were blessed to have Ski Essentials as there really are soo few Ski reviewers ad none nearly as comprehensive but I would pay them to focus more on ski feel and performance than the got darn tech and constriction. Unless their is something really standout about something new just say a few words and move on.
I appreciate how you call this out and often say 'so what'. I love tech but they go way overboard and it takes away from their reviews.
Agreed! I love their stuff too, but that's how I felt when I was buying my skis.
I feel the mantra is too stiff, just as the k2 minbender ti is. I like the feel, but it's too unidimensional, you just have to ski hard or work very hard. I like the feeling of the faction agent more because it's softer and lighter and i can bend it easily without that much work. If i really want to go fast i will just cope with the chatter because i feel it is more easy to use a softer ski because if you are not very technical or very strong you can make the ski do as you please easier in different kind of conditions and it also bends more when jumping.
what's your opinion on this take?
I think that's totally accurate, and describes well why I like my Atomic Mavericks.
BUT, to be fair, in the western states in the spring skiing when the snow gets heavy, there is something nice about having a heavy crud cutter like the M6 Mantra, or the Mindbender.
But the rest of the winter I want my Mavericks. But it's worth pointing out, especially for certain parts of the PNW that will get those wet winters some years.
Here in Utah , where it snows a lot, the mantra is great on groomers. I’m also a heavy skier and the stiffness of the mantra is perfect.
My 2008 Volkl Unlimited AC40 has enough camber to drive a truck under them.
Can you review the 2024 Mantra 102 please?
Would love to if I can find them
I demo-ed the Mantra 6 last season and absolutely loved them. Skied them in every type of terrain in the Sierras, and since we had more snow last season than in the last 65 years, I took them everywhere. I love going fast and the Mantra's edge is unrivaled (compared to my Bonafide's and Salomon's). I'm 5.10, not heavy-set, I'm pretty athletic cos I climb lots, and I don't mind that the Mantra is heavy or requires a fair bit of work. The title of this review confused me; might it be a reflection of your unequivocal love for the Atomic Maverick's at this moment (only $419 on evo yay!)?
I have found one construction issue with the Mantra's: the top sheet of metal is a weakness that will sometimes peel up or chip off. It happened to my skis before I bought them and I found someone else online complaining about the same issue.
No I like the Mantra's Alot! Very different from the Maverick, but in spring skiing, east coast or PNW I think the Mantra cuts through Crud exceptionally well. Glad you like your pair. I featured them in my Ski Deal video here: ruclips.net/video/DClJ6OlrNkw/видео.htmlsi=jp5q6UuDhodXI6Pq
I have been on this ski for 2 years now. I concur with these reviews. I am 59 and have a strong carving style of skiing. I ski primarily in Oregon. I have 2 main considerations when looking for a ski. It must be strong and stable in NW crud (Mt Bachelor spring skiing) and still be able to carve on steep groomers (Sun Valley, ID). I feel like I have pushed the outer limits of this ski in both conditions. I don't think they do very well in the tight trees. I don't like skiing in the dense NW trees anyway. At SV, I am confident in high speed carving turns on most of the runs. However, I had to check my speed when skiing Peak-a-boo Street run on the Warm Spring side. At Mt Bachelor, coming off the summit, they were awesome at the steeper upper section (Pinnacles). When I opened up to full speed large GS turns in the lower bowl section, I get rocked pretty good going across the fall line rutted out tracks. I am glad I ignored the recommended 171 length and stepped up to the 177. Fortunately, I picked up a pair of Nordica Enforcer Pros for big mountain skiing. (Cue Elliott: Hands on the head. "That ski is way too big for you!) I know. But I am loving it.
177 is probably fine! It's just the shops trying to put me in a 193 that makes me swallow my gum. Thanks for the insight! I love hearing how people who spend a good amount of time like their skis. Awesome insight!
@@RicketySkiReviews I was referring to the Enforcer Pro. It was only made in a 194 length.
My error. The 2019 Enforcer Pro was only available in 191 length.
I mean if it fits for you, more power to you. Personally on groomers I like the shorter snappier turns, and where I ski, they're still clearing out bramble from some of the backcountry, so I like having a shorter ski to get in and out of certain sections, but if 191 works where you're at that's awesome.
I used to ski a Rossi Radical Gs Ski in a 191 and those things flew.
Cheers.
You said it would be good to have on the east coast in this video. And you also said you wouldn't take it to the east coast in the video you roasted Curated. Am I taking things out of context?
lol I have the Bent 100 and M6 Mantra. I have way more fun at speed on the M6.
I'm an east coast guy and have been looking at these. All the talk about the weight has concerned me. My initial plan was the deacon v werks. I guess I want something snappy as terrain here can change 4 times in one run. (Moguls, hard ice, crud, and heavy powder) The stiffness of the mantra to be able to grip on the ice and cut the crud peaks my interest though. I need the ability to snap turns in icy moguls and ski all day. At 48, 6', 230lbs I feel I may be able to handle the weight of these better than the skinny guys. I've skied 40-50 days a year for the last 40 years. Hopefully I can find a place to demo these before I buy. No one wants to demo the deacon v werks.
I demoed the deacon v werks and deacon 84 which is almost the same ski just lighter and much more expensive. It's not worth the money. If you have the chance to demo the Deacon 84 I think you will have a 95% feeling of the v werks.
@@rtabucic I think I'm going to give the new peregrine 82s a shot. I like what I'm seeing. I did demo the mantras and did not care for them.