Volkl M7 Mantra Review

Volkl improves upon their critically acclaimed Volkl M6 Mantra with the M7 Manta. Design updates include Volkl's new 4-Radius Drive technology, which grows from the 3D Radius in the M6 Mantra by building an additional sidecut into the M7's turning radius to blend turn shapes better. The Tailored Titanal Frame is now adjusted to each specific ski length – the idea is that longer skis will have more metal to suit larger skiers while smaller skis have less metal so that the overall stiffness and power transmission are consistent throughout the size line. The carbon stringers in the shovel have also been tailored by size and thickness to match the specific size of the ski better.

Performance Comparison

Stability at Speed

The M7 Mantra tops out scores in this metric, thanks to a beefy blend of materials that keeps this ski on track and stable at any speed. Legendary technologies from past models carry over and have been tweaked within the M7 for improved performance. The multilayer woodcore combines hard and softwoods to try upon the advantages of each. The hardwood is layered adjacent to the sidewall for additional support and improved edge retention, while softwood through the middle reduces weight and increases flex.

The multilayer woodcore is supported by a titanal frame that runs the entire length of the ski. More importantly, this new Tailored Titanal Frame is adapted to the specific geometry of each ski length. This design places the metal frame directly adjacent to the hardwood, sandwiched between the cap and the sidewall. By extending the titanal frame to the edge of the ski, the M7 is torsionally stiffer and does a better job of dissipating vibrations at high speed. The dampness we've come to expect and appreciate from the Mantra feels polished – the M7 interacts with firm snow better than ever before.

Carving Ability

Another one of Volkl's new, innovative technologies is 4 Radius Drive. This new shape builds upon the 3D Radius in the M6 Mantra by adding another radius to the sidecut of the M7. Four different radii, each applied to a different section of the ski, blend along the length of the ski. As revolutionary as this technology sounds, it still takes some time to get used to it. However, after a few runs dialing in our carves, we quickly felt secure and confident with the smooth, progressively flexing M7 underfoot.

Our testers certainly noticed a difference in the carving ability of the M7 Mantra when they skied it alongside the previous M6 build. The M7 still intuitively rolls over to enter turns, but depending on our speed and intent, the edge angle at the start of the turn would drive the outcome.

Turn Radius

Volkl introduced 4 Radius Drive as a new technology with the M7 Mantra. The blended sidecut is broken up into distinct sections along the length of the ski. From front to back: the shovel has a 20-meter radius to help the M7 initiate faster; between the shovel and front binding is a more open, 40-meter radius; under the binding is a 15-meter radius to engage the camber of the ski; and behind the rear binding to the tail is a more moderate 25-meter radius to smooth out turn transitions.

By our calculations, this translates to an average turn radius of 17.9 meters for the 184 cm ski we tested. However, our carving tests prove this hard-and-fast number doesn't tell the whole story. Shallower edge angles allowed this ski to hook up for shorter, more direct, straight-down-the-fall-line turns. For medium-radius and longer turns, our testers noticed that it was necessary to drive the M7 with more aggressive movements to get it to turn higher up on edge.

Powder Performance

Traditionally, this is the metric where most all-mountain skis – skis that measure around 100 mm underfoot – compromise specific performance for overall versatility. The Mantra M7, however, is surprisingly solid in powder. Our testers generally marked it up for overall flotation compared to other skis we tested. We suspect that Volkl's improved Tailored Carbon Tips positively affect this ski's delicate interaction with powder.

By tailoring the carbon stringers' length and thickness to match the shovel's size better, designers shed weight in the tips while improving rebound. Our test team described the M7 Mantra as “well-composed and manageable,” noting that busting through pockets of powder was particularly exciting. Even though this wouldn't be our first choice on deep powder days, the M7 can confidently hold its own, even in heavy Sierra cement.

Waist Width

At only 96 millimeters underfoot, it's no surprise that the M7 Mantra earned top marks for its performance on hardpacked snow. Although some wider skis still outperform the M7 in powder, those other skis are nowhere near as powerful in heavy snow or end-of-the-day chopped-up powder. We'll trade a few millimeters of waist width for additional versatility.

Crud Performance

Crushing crud is difficult for any ski, so the M7 Mantra particularly stands out for its performance in this metric. The technologies inside this ski collaborate beautifully to provide a predictable yet powerful ride. This feeling is dominated by a familiar dampness that absorbs exactly what it needs to get through tough sections of snow.

In certain situations where the tips of other skis in our test flapped nervously, the tips of the M7 absorbed impacts from junky snow underfoot, providing us with the composure to still initiate turns with precision. Through thick glop, refrozen marbles, and every type of crud in between, the M7 responded to our every input with power and grace. Keep this ski engaged with some edge angle, allowing you to ski confidently through any difficult situation.

Terrain Playfulness

Even if it's not designed for the park or skiing tight moguls, the M7 Mantra is still fun to ski. Volkl's Tailored Titanal Frame delivered on its design intentions of improved agility and high-speed control. A few of our testers noted a distinct “click” sensation in the mid-front of the ski – one tester described it as similar to the third movement in a power clean, where you turn your wrists over to catch the barbell before driving powerfully through the rest of the lift. When you engage the M7 correctly, the positive rebound can be addictive.

It feels like the M7 skis wider than its geometry suggests, though it never felt cumbersome like other powerful skis. It's intuitive to pivot around the center of the ski to make quick adjustments to your course mid-mogul run. The M7 still requires a decent amount of effort, skill, and strength to navigate through narrow spaces, but it is very doable, especially for advanced- and expert-level skiers.

Should You Buy the Volkl M7 Mantra?

The well-documented success of seven generations supports Volkl's Mantra line. We have tested this ski since the second iteration, and it's remarkable to note that every model since then has earned our Editors' Choice award. There are no radical changes or unnecessary frills with the M7 Mantra – just finely tuned points resulting in the most polished version of this ski to date. It has the heart of a GS ski with a wider frame and more versatile internals, crafted specifically to take you anywhere you want to go on the mountain.

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