Review: Völkl Mantra 102 Skis · 2024
By Curated Experts
Jake Renner and Henry Kvietok
Völkl Mantra 102 Skis · 2024
$479.99
$799.99
40% off
8 photos
The Curated Take
4.6/5
The Volkl Mantra 102 Skis are ideal for advanced to expert skiers seeking versatility and stability at high speeds. With a 102mm waist width, these skis perform exceptionally in varied conditions, offering improved flotation in powder and firm grip on groomed runs. The firm flex rating and metal reinforcement enhance durability, while the 19m turn radius and 3D turn radius tech enhance carving at high speeds. They do require more effort for turn initiation and aren't recommended for playful skiing or for beginners.
Ideal for
- Holds its edge with authority on hardpack and performs well in a variety of snow conditions
- At 102mm underfoot, it keeps afloat in a bit of fresh snow and plows through the choppy snow with ease
- Firm flex rating and a bit of metal in the core help keep this ski damp, smooth, and stable at higher speeds
Not ideal for
- Not very forgiving—better suited for strong intermediate to expert level skiers
- Not the most playful ski; very firm flex rating, not ideal for jumping or freestyle skiing
- Requires speed to get up on edge and transition from side to side while carving
- Weighs a bit more and has a relatively longer turn radius
Flotation
With a waist width of around 102mm, the Mantra 102 skis offer excellent versatility across a range of conditions. They are designed to easily handle both groomed runs and off-piste...Read more
At 102 underfoot and with a bit of rocker, these skis can certainly float quite well in most powder conditions. However, other options will have more flotation on those rare...Read more
Carving
3D turn radius technology helps skiers pick and choose from a tighter medium-long turn radius of 19m underfoot or lock into the more sweeping, longer turn radii offered in the...Read more
As is to be expected from Volkl, the Mantras know what they are doing when it comes to on-piste carving ability. The Mantra 102 takes a bit more effort to...Read more
High Speed Stability
Mantra 102 gets a 5/5 for high-speed stability. The Mantra 102 skis are known for their stability and versatility at higher speeds, making them suitable for aggressive skiers who like...Read more
The Mantra 102 is a burly ski that can blast through chop without getting deflected. I took these on very high-speed groomer runs and did not experience any chatter. As...Read more
Playfulness
The Mantra 102 is not a playful ski at all. Firm flex rating thanks to the profile and build—flat tail, camber underfoot, and metal throughout the ski. I do not...Read more
The Volkl Mantra 102 is the definition of a ski that feels planted, stable, and powerful. "Playful" is really not a term I would use to describe a ski like...Read more
Durability
The Mantra 102 receives a 5/5 rating for durability, as this ski's construction is very solid. A firm flex rating combined with layers of fiberglass, a wood core, and tailored...Read more
During all of my testing, which was done in all sorts of terrain and conditions (even took these in the park!), I did not have any durability issues. Also, none...Read more
Turn Ease
The Mantra 102 offers a bit more float than the other Mantras, but it also feels like I need a touch more speed to get this ski up on edge...Read more
With Volkl's 3D radius technology, these skis actually have three radii baked into just one ski. This can sometimes be hard to feel on snow, but it translates into being...Read more
Versatility
With a waist width of around 102mm, the Mantra 102 skis offer excellent versatility across a range of conditions. They are designed to easily handle both groomed runs and off-piste...Read more
These are ideal for those who ski off-piste most often (and want a smooth ride through rough terrain) but still want the ability to rip a high-speed carve on-piste. The...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Henry Kvietok
About the ski gear
- Model: Völkl Mantra 102 Skis · 2024
Test conditions
- When I tested these: December 2023
- Where I’ve used them: Palisades Tahoe
- How many times I've used it: 2
Expert Reviews of the Völkl Mantra 102 Skis
Jake Renner With a waist width of around 102mm, the Mantra 102 skis offer excellent versatility across various conditions. They easily handle both groomed runs and off-piste terrain, including powder or ice. In terms of performance, the Mantra 102 skis excel in multiple situations. Their width and rocker profile contribute to good flotation in powder and enhanced maneuverability in softer snow. The camber underfoot provides solid edge hold and stability, allowing for confident carving on groomed runs and hardpack. The Mantra 102 skis are known for their stability and versatility at higher speeds; they are suitable for aggressive skiers who like to charge down the mountain. Skiers may feel like they need to open it up and get going faster to engage with their skis sidecut. Larger, sweeping turn radius that they can lean into and dig trenches as they carve. All in all, the Mantra 102 is a versatile downhill ski with speed and handling in mind.
Henry Kvietok I was super stoked to hop on the Mantra 102 at Palisades Tahoe. We had a mixture of ice, slush, chalk, and some pockets of powder, which made for ideal conditions in which to test these skis. I skied it in moguls, groomers, off-piste, a few jumps/drops, and trees. This ski is designed for the technically proficient advanced to expert level skier. (I say this because it is on the stiffer and less forgiving side of things). Strong intermediates would also get a lot out of this ski. I consistently felt planted and smooth on these skis on all terrain.
The Mantra 102 is quite similar in terms of construction to the Kendo 88 and Mantra M6 (96 underfoot), with the key difference being the waist width. At 102mm underfoot, the Mantra 102 is more off-piste oriented than its narrower siblings, but it can still absolutely lay down a clean carve on groomers.
If someone finds themselves skiing off-piste most often but still wants the ability to rip a high-speed carve on-piste and a smooth ride through rough terrain, these are the skis to consider.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | All Mountain |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Flotation
5/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. With a waist width of around 102mm, the Mantra 102 skis offer excellent versatility across a range of conditions. They are designed to easily handle both groomed runs and off-piste terrain, including powder. The Mantra 102 skis excel in various conditions. Their width and rocker profile contribute to good flotation in powder and enhanced maneuverability in softer snow. Definitely provides more float in fresh snow than a narrower ski. I gave it 4/5 for float because the one feature that could improve its maneuverability and flotation in fresh snow would be added tail rocker, but other than that, everything lines up to keep skiers on top of the fresh powder.
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. At 102 underfoot and with a bit of rocker, these skis can certainly float quite well in most powder conditions. However, other options will have more flotation on those rare super-deep days. But they are stable for busting through chopped-up snow, which is oftentimes the more common snow type skiers find at resorts.
Carving
5/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. 3D turn radius technology helps skiers pick and choose from a tighter medium-long turn radius of 19m underfoot or lock into the more sweeping, longer turn radii offered in the nose and tail. All in all, this ski requires a bit of speed to get up on edge and maneuver, but it holds its edge extremely well and remains stable at higher speeds without forcing skiers into one turn radii or the other.
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. As is to be expected from Volkl, the Mantras know what they are doing when it comes to on-piste carving ability. The Mantra 102 takes a bit more effort to get up on edge and carve compared to a narrower ski (this is to be expected), but it performs great nonetheless.
High Speed Stability
5/5
Jake Renner gave 5 of 5 stars. Mantra 102 gets a 5/5 for high-speed stability. The Mantra 102 skis are known for their stability and versatility at higher speeds, making them suitable for aggressive skiers who like to charge down the mountain. However, they also maintain a level of agility and maneuverability that allows for responsive turns and quick adjustments when needed. Ultimately damp at Mach 9 and in the chop and slop while holding its edge and remaining smooth, calm, and stable even if skiing fast down hardpacked snow and groomers.
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. The Mantra 102 is a burly ski that can blast through chop without getting deflected. I took these on very high-speed groomer runs and did not experience any chatter. As I described the Mantra M6 as a sports car (great handling, stable at speed), the same holds true for its wider sibling here.
Playfulness
3/5
Jake Renner gave 2 of 5 stars. The Mantra 102 is not a playful ski at all. Firm flex rating thanks to the profile and build—flat tail, camber underfoot, and metal throughout the ski. I do not recommend jumping and trying to flex this ski. Although I got away with a nose butter 360 on this ski—I weigh about 165lbs—I do not recommend it. I had to put all of my body into the nose of this ski and still only got minimal flex. I definitely felt that one in my shins.
Henry Kvietok gave 3 of 5 stars. The Volkl Mantra 102 is the definition of a ski that feels planted, stable, and powerful. "Playful" is really not a term I would use to describe a ski like this. If skiers are looking for something playful, then they'd be better off looking at Volkl's Revolt series.
Durability
5/5
Jake Renner gave 5 of 5 stars. The Mantra 102 receives a 5/5 rating for durability, as this ski's construction is very solid. A firm flex rating combined with layers of fiberglass, a wood core, and tailored titanal metal throughout the ski really holds it together well. I did not experience any delaminating, edging, or sidewall mishaps throughout my time on the hill.
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. During all of my testing, which was done in all sorts of terrain and conditions (even took these in the park!), I did not have any durability issues. Also, none of my customers with these skis have reported any kind of durability or quality issues with the Mantra 102.
Turn Ease
4/5
Jake Renner gave 3 of 5 stars. The Mantra 102 offers a bit more float than the other Mantras, but it also feels like I need a touch more speed to get this ski up on edge and carve with. With a firm flex rating, flat tail, and a touch of camber underfoot, the profile of this ski leads to ultimate stability at higher speeds but also takes a little more emphasis and energy concerning initiating and exiting carves. Definitely not a beginner ski. I would recommend the 102s to more of an advanced intermediate to expert skier. Average rating regarding turning ease—not the easiest to turn but still not the hardest to maneuver.
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. With Volkl's 3D radius technology, these skis actually have three radii baked into just one ski. This can sometimes be hard to feel on snow, but it translates into being able to make short, medium, and long radius turns depending on how skiers engage it. I found this particularly advantageous because sometimes I want to make short, tight turns, and other times I want to open it up.
Versatility
5/5
Jake Renner gave 4 of 5 stars. With a waist width of around 102mm, the Mantra 102 skis offer excellent versatility across a range of conditions. They are designed to easily handle both groomed runs and off-piste terrain, including powder. In terms of performance, the Mantra 102 skis excel in various conditions. Their width and rocker profile contribute to good flotation in powder and enhanced maneuverability in softer snow. The camber underfoot provides solid edge hold and stability, allowing for confident carving on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. Mantra 102 gets a 4/5 for versatility because the one area that I would not recommend bringing them is the terrain park.
Henry Kvietok gave 5 of 5 stars. These are ideal for those who ski off-piste most often (and want a smooth ride through rough terrain) but still want the ability to rip a high-speed carve on-piste. The Mantras can take on deep powder storms and are especially useful in heavy powder conditions on the West Coast and Pacific Northwest.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Jake Renner My favorite moment on the Mantra 102s was when my buddy Hayden and I got to take them out on a powder day at Aspen Snowmass. We had about 8-10" of fresh snow, and it was a blast getting to test out the level of flotation they provide at 102mm underfoot. We got into the Hanging Valley Glades, and I got to drop a few little pillow lines and ski the trees with ease. I definitely prefer more tail rocker for those powder days, but how the Mantra 102 blended performance carving with flotation and off-piste performance really made this ski shine.
Henry Kvietok My favorite moment with these skis was railing carves down a chopped-up groomer. These skis felt stable and powerful.
Why did you choose this product?
Jake Renner I wanted to get on a ski that could keep afloat in powder yet still get up on edge and carve nicely if on harder snow. With a waist width of around 102mm, the Mantra 102 skis offer excellent versatility across a range of conditions. They are designed to easily handle both groomed runs and off-piste terrain, including powder. The Mantra 102 skis are known for their stability and versatility at higher speeds. They are suitable for aggressive skiers who like to charge down the mountain. However, they also maintain a decent level of agility and maneuverability, allowing for responsive turns and quick adjustments when needed.
Henry Kvietok I chose this product because I tried the Kendo 88 and Mantra M6 and wanted to test the more off-piste-oriented version.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Jake Renner Due to the solid construction, the Mantra 102 from Volkl offers a ski that will stick with skiers for many seasons to come. The build is bombproof with titanal metal, layers of fiberglass, and a firm flex rating. The Mantra will hold its own on those days when someone really pushes it. I recommend the 102s for more advanced or expert skiers, as they are a touch heavy. That being said, they are well worth the money. As for alternative ski options, The Mantra 102 rides a bit differently but is in the same wheelhouse as the Nordica Enforcer 100 and Stockli Stormrider 102's, which tend to be a touch more pricey than the Volkl Mantra 102. All in all, the Volkl Mantra 102 is worth the money.
What do you love about this product?
Jake Renner I really enjoyed the overall stability and edge hold of the Volkl Mantra 102s. Ultimately damp in the nose, absolutely no chatter, and when I got this ski up on edge, it held its turn with authority. The 102mm underfoot allows for a bit more flotation in fresh snow without feeling too bulky to get up on edge if on hardpacked snow or groomers. Firm flex rating, wooden core with layers of fiberglass, and specifically tailored titanal metal sections keep this ski feeling super stable even at extremely high speeds and in choppy terrain.
Henry Kvietok I love how composed these skis felt in choppy snow conditions. They do not get deflected at all.
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Jake Renner
Ski ExpertHenry Kvietok
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