At first glance, the Mantra 88 and M7 Mantra seem incredibly similar.
They're both Volkl.
They both have metal.
They both carve incredibly well.
They're both stable.
They're both part of the legendary Mantra family.
So...which one should you buy?
After spending a lot of time on both skis, I actually think the decision is easier than most people make it. It doesn't really come down to ability level. It comes down to where and how you ski.
The Similarities
Let's start here because these skis share a lot of DNA.
Both skis have that unmistakable Volkl feel.
They're smooth.
They're quiet.
They grip incredibly well.
They reward good technique.
Neither ski is trying to be playful or surfy. They're built for skiers who appreciate precision and confidence.
If you've never skied a Volkl before, one thing you'll notice immediately is how connected they feel to the snow. There's very little vibration, and both skis inspire confidence the faster you go.
The Biggest Difference
The width isn't actually the biggest difference.
The personality is.
The Mantra 88 wants to carve.
The M7 wants to ski the mountain.
That sounds simple, but it's the easiest way to understand these skis.
Groomer Performance
This is where the Mantra 88 earns its keep.
At 88 mm underfoot, it's quicker edge-to-edge, easier to tip over, and feels more precise from the very first turn.
If your favorite part of skiing is laying trenches on freshly groomed corduroy, the Mantra 88 simply feels better.
Not because the M7 can't carve—it absolutely can—but because the narrower platform makes everything happen just a little faster.
You'll notice:
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Faster edge-to-edge transitions
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Quicker turn initiation
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Slightly tighter, cleaner carved turns
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Less effort throughout the day
If you ski mostly groomers, the Mantra 88 is hard to beat.
Winner: Mantra 88
Off-Trail Performance
This is where the M7 starts separating itself.
That extra width doesn't just help in powder.
It helps everywhere the snow isn't perfect.
Crud.
Trees.
Soft bumps.
Spring snow.
Windbuff.
Variable conditions.
The M7 is calmer, more planted, and noticeably better when the terrain becomes unpredictable.
It also releases from a turn more easily than older Mantras, making it surprisingly maneuverable for how powerful it is.
If you regularly ski off trail, the M7 is the easy choice.
Winner: M7 Mantra
Which Ski Is More Demanding?
This surprises a lot of people.
The M7 is actually the more demanding ski, usually the wider siblings are more forgiving.
It likes speed.
It likes pressure.
It likes being driven with a strong boot.
The Mantra 88 is still an advanced ski, but because it's narrower and quicker underfoot, it's easier to balance on and easier to ski at slower speeds.
That doesn't make it a beginner ski.
It simply has a broader performance window.
Stability
Both skis are incredibly stable.
But they're stable in different ways.
The Mantra 88 feels incredibly planted on firm snow.
The M7 feels incredibly planted everywhere.
Once the groomers get chopped up or you venture into variable snow, the M7 starts pulling away.
It simply has more suspension and more composure when the mountain gets rough.
Which One Is More Fun?
This is completely personal.
Personally...
If I'm skiing Vermont, the Midwest, or spending a day lapping groomers?
I'm grabbing the Mantra 88.
If I'm skiing out West, chasing storms, or only bringing one ski on a trip?
I'm grabbing the M7.
The Mantra 88 is more precise.
The M7 is more versatile.
Who Should Buy the Mantra 88?
Choose the Mantra 88 if you:
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Spend most of your day on groomers
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Love carving more than slashing
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Want quicker edge-to-edge response
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Occasionally ski bumps or trees
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Want a ski that's a little easier to access than the M7
Who Should Buy the M7?
Choose the M7 if you:
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Want one ski for the whole mountain
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Frequently ski off trail
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Value stability in chopped-up snow
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Ski fast and aggressively
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Want maximum versatility without giving up carving performance
TL;DR
Volkl did something really smart with this lineup.
They didn't make three versions of the same ski.
Each Mantra has a distinct personality.
The Mantra 88 is the frontside specialist.
The M7 is the all-mountain charger.
Neither replaces the other.
In fact, I think they complement each other perfectly.
If your skiing is mostly on groomers with the occasional trip into the trees, buy the Mantra 88.
If you spend as much time exploring the mountain as you do carving it, buy the M7.
Either way, you're getting one of the best skis in its category.
Buy the Mantra 88 if: You spend 70% or more of your day on groomers, love carving, and want a ski that feels quicker and more energetic underfoot.
Buy the M7 Mantra if: You want one ski to ski the entire mountain, spend meaningful time off trail, and prioritize stability when conditions get rough.
Neither is "better." They simply excel at different jobs.