About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2022.

My take

The classic king of the all-mountain, the new Volkl Mantra M6 are the new and improved skis that can shred any condition from groomer to powder days. These are stiffer skis, so these are catered toward an intermediate to expert-level skier.

About the gear

• Model: 2023 Volkl Mantra M6
• Size: 184cm

About me

• Height: 6’0’’
• Weight: 185lbs
• Experience: 26 years skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: October 2022
• Days tested: 15+ days
• Mount position: Factory Recommended
• Boots: 2022 Salomon S/Race 130
• Boot Size: 26.5
• Bindings: 2022 LOOK SPX 14
• Where I’ve used it: Mt. Bachelor
• Terrain: Groomer, mixed snow, light powder

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for a carving ski that could make big long giant slalom turns, could float well in some soft snow, and have a ski that I could take to the hill and only need one set of skis. I wanted some fast skis that could be fun to cruise groomers and mixed snow.

Why I chose this gear

I knew that for years, the Volkl Mantra had ruled the “all mountain” ski title for some time. Over the last few years, the Mantra has been updated and redesigned not to be so stagnant and stiff. These new updated Volkl Mantras, now being the M6 model, are dynamic and give a lot of pop for a once stiff ski plank. Many great ski options in the mid-90 mm-ski family can crush all-mountain skiing. Other good options are the Atomic Maverick 95 and the Volkl Blaze 94.

What I love about them

• Speed: Not only are the bases really quick right out of the plastic, but these skis have an excellent base material that is resilient and holds up against scratches and damage.
• Edge hold: These have an excellent edge hold, as they come sharp and are ready to rip some good snow. Great edge cut out of the plastic. Even better when it's tuned at home.
• Turns: These were such a delight to turn, both at high speed and when I slowed down. Volkl came up with their 3D Radius Sidecut, which has three radii in one ski shape that gives the ski great versatility. It has long radii at the tip and tail for stability and smoothness and a short radius in the middle of the ski, allowing the user to switch from long turns to short turn tempo.
• Groomers: These handle really well on the groomer. I am pleasantly surprised with how well these carve at slow and fast speeds. With a great edge hold, these crush the groomer.
• Trees: These Volkl Mantras are very nimble and quick to move. These can cut and zip through the trees like they aren’t even there.
• Moguls: Although I did not test these skis on moguls, these skis would charge through them. They are quick and soft enough that the ski could absorb some of that hard bounce but has some stiffness that the ski will bounce back and rebound nicely.
• Backcountry: Having a 96mm underfoot platform, these skis are ideal for the backcountry. Considering the skis are extremely lightweight, these skis are an awesome choice for the touring setup.
• Weight: So incredibly lightweight. It is a wonderful surprise to get the turning quality with the weight of these skis. The Mantras is one of the lightest weight options for that all-mountain/touring ski in the mid-90mm ski range.
• Stability: The metal and wood hybrid core is poppy and soft when I want the ski to work for me. It has a great energy recoil but also won’t chatter if I want to relax and not step on the ski the entire run.
• Versatility: The Volkl M6 Mantra is a fairly versatile ski to have. They can float well, charge through the mixed snow crud, and are known for good carving. A mid-90mm underfoot can allow a skier to do almost anything they want.
• Floatation: With a nice stiff backbone, these Mantras can lean back and float pretty well for a mid-90mm underfoot ski. Unless there are 12 inches or more, these skis will easily cruise through most of the soft snow.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Powder: They are not ideal for powder as they are 96mm underfoot, which wouldn’t provide very much floatation, but they can easily handle a light amount of snow.
• Park: Being a flush ski with no tail rocker, these wouldn’t be so fun in the park.
• Switch riding: Much like park riding, these directional carving skis aren’t made for switch riding.
• Durability: After only a few days of skiing, these skis have already chipped and cut on the topsheet. A bummer, to say the least.

Favorite moment with this gear

When I tried these skis out for the first time, they were really fun and ended up being a great ski to carve big long super-g turns. I took these out on a fresh corduroy day and ripped some big turns. The Mantras made me smile all day, and I wanted to rip these skis day after day.

Value for the money vs. other options

If someone is looking for a great all-in-one ski that can rip big long turns and cruise through the crud and some soft snow, these are great skis to consider. Other options would be the Volkl Blaze 94, the Nordica Enforcer 90, or the Atomic Maverick 95. All are great skis, but I liked the Volkl Mantra M6 just because they crushed the big long turns and cruised through the mixed snow conditions.

Final verdict

Only one ski is better than the Mantra M5, and it's the Mantra M6. The new Volkl Mantra M6 is even more versatile than its predecessor and offers maximum versatility and fun.