Volkl Mantra 102 Ski Review (2023/2024)

Redesigned for the 2022-2023 season, Volkl's Mantra seeks to preserve the big-mountain feel of a full-metal layer ski while allowing more natural flex in chop and powder -- and a more comfortable ride. If that sounds interesting, you should definitely give it a try.
From the 2023 WWSRA on-snow demo at Mammoth Mountain, California.

[@darinsmith2458]

ZZZ... it did not put me to sleep.. i tried the 102 but i want to give full context..
i started the day demoing a pair of Stormrider 95s.. before i even got to the hill i realized that one of the skis was blown out at the heal.. i still did 6 runs but i didn't push it.. then it took me 2 hours to swap from the 95s to the 102s but i still think that i had energy left..
my first run on the 102s went really well but i did not turn my Ski Tracks back on so i don't have any stats.. the snow was turning to slush with ice underneath.. i thought the skis turned really easy and they were floaty.. the skis did not seam to wear me out.. and that was on some black groomers (peak 10 in BRECK).. then i started going into some bowls and i noticed that the skis were floaty.. i could feel all the crud underneath but i could turn the skis pretty easily.. a skier fell down and couldn't put their ski on and i spent a good amount of time helping..
the reason that i said all of that is because i did have energy when i started and when i left but i really didn't try to use up my energy whereas a lot of times when i ski i am just exhausted..
my takeaways was the floatiness in which i still felt the crud but underneath but i slid over it and how easy it was to turn or you could say how easy it was to get on and off the edges..

[@otisregatoni617]

Good summary. Kaboom

[@jamesbgreat]

How would you compare Mantra 102 to a 100 enforcer? Looking to get a hard charger crud type ski for my quiver. Aggressive skier Advanced/intermediate. 210lbs 5’11” Thanks!

[@AndyLewicky]

I liked the Mantra a lot. That probably means the Mantra is more directional--oriented more toward traditional carved turns. I do wonder if at your size you might prefer the Enforcer. That might be the stiffer choice overall. Try both if you can. Either is a terrific ski.

[@Bushwacked487]

Andy, missed your reviews this season!

[@AndyLewicky]

sorry about that--weather got in the way this year, but I should be reviewing skis again next season :)

[@aloebeara]

I like this 'King of the Hill' talk. The Bonafide are 97mm which is closer to the Mantra M6. How do you think the Mantra 102 compares to its little brother, the M6?

[@AndyLewicky]

Have not tried it, but from the specs I would expect it is very similar to the 102, but with the narrower waist probably a bit more nimble and carvy. I think (but this is a guess) the 102 remains the flagship of the line. Hope that helps!

[@davidbarton6702]

compared to Nordica Enforcer 104 ? Thx!

[@AndyLewicky]

quicker edge-to-edge so I give the Mantra the nod for carving; for soft snow, matter of taste

[@DogTrekker]

How about compared to Black Crows Justis, which has a lot more rocker, but also has the titanal frame?

[@AndyLewicky]

Did not try so can't give you a fair comparison -- sorry!