Review: Völkl Mantra 102 Skis · 2024

Published on 07/27/2023 · 3 min readCurated Ski Expert Jake Renner shares his experience with using the 2024 Völkl Mantra 102 Skis. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.

By Ski Expert Jake Renner

8 photos

The Curated Take

3.9/5

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, 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 the most playful ski; extremely firm flex rating not ideal for jumping or freestyle skiing
Requires speed in order 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 floatation 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.

Review Ratings

Flotation

4/5

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.

Carving

4/5

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.

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.

Playfulness

2/5

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. Definitely felt that one in my shins.

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.

Turn Ease

3/5

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.

Versatility

4/5

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.

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.

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.

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.

4.98

Jake Renner

Ski Expert

I've skied my whole life, starting in New Hampshire at age 3. As a teenager I started to compete in rail jams, slopestyle, and big air events and continued as a young adult. I attended Season 3 Salomon Jib Academy at Loon Mountain(2009), USASA Slopestyle, and Skiercross National competitions two years in a row representing Team NY (2011) and Team MA (2010). Nationals was the first time I had been able to ski in Colorado- I have returned several years later to Colorado, this time, I'm here as a coach. It is now my 6th year coaching freestyle skiing, I have found my way to Aspen, CO. Along the way, I've also coached freestyle skiing in the Berkshires, MA and at Carinthia, Mount Snow, VT. Many athletes through our program go on to compete in the X-Games and Winter Olympics. It's a great honor to be able to share my passion and skill set with the future of skiing! Coming out of the North East/Ice Coast we don't get as much snow as other places and its drawn me into creative ways of skiing. For example, I've hiked and skied Tuckerman's Ravine on Mount Washington, NH several times in May and April. This is the true back country on the East Coast- gnarly ice falls, avalanches, ripping snow melt rivers, and unpredictable weather at any moment combined with the physical exertion of boot packing! Such a rewarding journey, it puts the phrase, 'earn your turns' into perspective. Although Tuckerman's is a true back country experience, avalanche conditions were almost never on my mind when it came to skiing in the East. On the contrary, my brother and I were constantly building jumps, rails, and other jibs, as well as seshing urban handrails at schools, townhalls, libraries, etc.... our internal dialogue was more like, 'Oh shit, the cops are coming! Get one more rail hit!' I've made it to Colorado and the doors swung wide open! I skied more powder this last season than I've probably skied in 5 years of my life! Now its time to take my bag of tricks from the Terrain Park to Big Mountain! Want to come Shred?

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