The Sixth-Gen Volkl Mantra
Editor’s Note: The 2023-2024 Volkl Mantra M6 is unchanged from 21/22 version we rode back in 2021 when this review was written. We’ve updated it with fresh images and notes from other ski testers.
“Mantra” has become one of the most recognizable names in skiing over the past decade-plus. After releasing the reimagined M5 Mantra in 2018, Volkl now ups the ante for 2021-22 with the M6 Mantra. On the women’s side, the update is mirrored in the Secret 96 which is identical in construction.
While that M5 release was noteworthy because it featured an entirely new ski, the story with the M6 is more about refinement than overhaul.
Volkl M6 Mantra Review: Field Notes
In releasing the M5, Volkl debuted a new technology: Titanal Frame. One of the first skis to popularize today’s trendy “metal-where-you-need-it” concept, the M5 featured U-shaped titanal wrapped around the tips and tails of the skis. The thought was to provide the power and stability of metal without making the ski bulky. Needless to say—it worked. The M5 rocketed to the top of the men’s all-mountain ski category, where it’s stayed since.
The M6 features a new take on Titanal Frame, which Volkl calls “Tailored Titanal Frame.” Rather than build the same amount of metal into every M6, Volkl decided to vary the length of the metal by ski size. So, the longer the M6, the more titanal it contains. Same goes for the Secret 96. The intention? Give bigger, heavier skiers more power, support, and oomf while maintaining maneuverability on the shorter sizes for smaller skiers who don’t need as much metal to get the same performance. Essentially, Volkl is trying to match the flex pattern to the skier and give skiers of all sizes a ski they can bend without buckling.
Similarly, Volkl varied the carbon in the tips (Tailored Carbon Tips) to make the skis more intuitive and precise to turn and more energetic. Those criss-crossing lines of carbon also vary by ski size, and they help keep the M6 both maneuverable and torsionally rigid at high speeds.
Lastly: Volkl brought 3D Radius Sidecut, the variable sidecut radii seen in recent models like the Kendo 88, Deacon 84, Blaze 94, Blaze 106, and Mantra 102, to the M6. This upgrade gives the ski a longer turn radius in the tips and tails and a shorter radius underfoot. The idea: Double down on the skis’ versatility and skiability at all speeds and making all turn shapes.
So…how did Volkl do?
Groomers
So many skiers raved about how the M5 rallied down groomers with an unmatched blend of precision, energy, and stability. Heck, the first time I skied it, I was having so much fun that I almost went topsy turvy launching a mid-groomer roller at Copper Mountain. After getting the M6 up to Mach 5 on that same run, I can report that the new Mantra compromises zero of its predecessor’s hard-snow prowess. The M6 grips hard, explodes in and out of carves, and probably thanks to that 3D radius sidecut and those refined tips, may actually be smoother at linking turns of different shapes and sizes. It responded instantly when I went from big long Super G carves to quick and nimble slalom wiggles.
That intuitive skiability does raise an interesting point about the M6. While that “Mantra” name appeals, by design, to advanced and expert skiers, this ski is actually less demanding—than some other similar skis out there. To me at least, the Salomon Stance 96, Blizzard Bonafide 97, and Kastle MX98 all feel more bomber when you’re skiing at top speed, making long turns. While that’s great for some people, I wouldn’t put an intermediate skier or an aging ripper looking to dial things back on any of those skis. The M6 hits a nice sweet spot in that it’s more of an everyman ski than you might think.
It is worth noting, too, that the next size up (for me that’s 184cm) comes with more metal and a sturdier platform. So if you’re really looking for high-speed stability and are between sizes, you could consider going longer.
Bumps and Trees
The M6 isn’t the only ski in recent memory to feature subtle changes—more like refinements, really—off of its predecessor. Nordica did this a year ago when they re-released the Enforcer 100. Blizzard did it when they added TruBlend to the Brahma 88 and Bonafide 97. Each of these skis is a well-loved, even iconic, model among advanced and expert skiers. In changing them, brands run the risk of screwing them up. Personally, I don’t think that happened with any of those other skis. And I don’t think it happened with the M6.
In fact, I found that the M6 skis noticeably better in varied terrain than the M5. It still isn’t the kind of ski that I, a mediocre freeride skier with eyes larger than my stomach for powder and big lines, get stoked to buy. However, while I found the M5 to be a bit hooky and clunky in tighter spots like moguls and trees, the M6 felt more comfortable releasing its tails and sliding around. It still locks into bump lines and feels like a ski you can push. The added smoothness, probably again thanks to the 3D radius sidecut, helps you maintain your flow.
Keep in mind, though: The M6 still wants to be driven. An intermediate skier who slips into the backseat down a bump run or tree alley will not have a good time.
Powder and Mixed Snow
The reason I said the M6 isn’t a ski I get stoked about buying only boils down to the fact that I ski a lot of powder and mixed snow and prefer wider, surfier skis. It’s not a knock on the M6; it’s my personal preference. So, when I got to Copper and found a sneaky pow day, I almost left the M6 in my Tacoma to save testing for another day.
That’s no attitude to have if you care about testing skis, though, and I’m glad I stuck with the M6.
Burning laps on Union Peak’s headwall, the chutes off the Three Bears chair, and an impromptu rope drop on the backside, I liked how the M6 handled in powder and chop. Again, it’s smoother in those types of snow than the M5, and it feels fairly nimble for a directional metal ski. Skiing continuously top-to-bottom, I never felt like the M6 was clunky or heavy. Again, it does want to be driven, but it skis better at slow and medium speeds than I thought it would. The fact that I never pined for my fatter, surfier sticks says a lot.
Off-piste, the M6 may not blast through everything in its path. Skis with two full sheets of metal tend to do that better. What it does give you is solid float, great edge grip, nimble precision, and enough versatility to go exploring. In fact, this is arguably the most versatile Mantra to date.
Downside
By now, if you are looking at a Mantra, you probably know what type of ski this is. It’s a directional all-mountain ripper. So we can’t criticize it for not being playful or freestyle-y or surfy, etc. That’s not what it’s going for.
Compared to other skis in this category, though, the Mantra could actually prove to be a little too balanced for some people. Put another way: Some could think it’s bland. Again, expert skiers who want power may prefer more metal. Intermediates, meanwhile, may lean toward a more forgiving/fun ski with no metal (although, again, the M6 is more forgiving than the M5). It’s that “good at everything, not the best at anything” situation.
To Volkl’s credit, the Tailored Titanal Frame update goes a long way in making sure there’s an M6 for everyone.
Bottom Line
Thing is, scads of skiers are the types who the M6 Mantra is made for. They’re the people who just want a “really good all-mountain ski,” no more and no less. They love the precise feel of well-made planks. They’re like Coach Boone of Remember the Titans: “I run six plays, split veer. It’s like novocaine; just give it time, it always works.”
Statistically, you’re probably one of them.
So my takeaway: Like the Enforcer 100 and Bonafide 97, the M6 Mantra skis like a refined take on a time-tested favorite. If you named the M5 the best Mantra ever, you’ll be happy to re-assign that crown to the M6. And if you are new to the Mantra line, you picked a great time to enter the fray.
