Volkl Mantra 102 Skis 2023

THE BIGGER, BADDER MANTRA

The new Mantra 102 is a tank. We were excited to test these skis after they got updated with a carbon tip and size specific metal. The old Mantra 102 (before 2022) wasn't worth writing home about, it lacked energy, was difficult to initiate a precise turn with, and felt heavy underfoot. The 2023 Mantra 102 is none of those things. It's nimble and quick enough to slash and slarve through tight terrain or softer snow but is by no means nervous. It feels stable at speed, but not dead, and has good power undefoot to lay down some mean turns for a ski over 100mm. In comparison to the more narrow Mantra M6 the Mantra 102 is a bit less precise, slightly more playful and it pivots better. If you really do like exploring terrain all over the resort there aren't many skis that can offer this kind of power or stability in a wider waisted platform.