In this comparison, we are looking at two high-performance skis: the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis and the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis, both 2024 models. The Fischer Ranger 90 Skis are praised for their versatility, being stiff enough to hold an edge on hardpack, but wide enough to have fun in soft snow. They are also suitable for touring. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis, on the other hand, are known for their stability and agility, offering a smooth ride in various terrains and at high speeds. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are capable in all conditions. However, the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis are more forgiving and won't punish you if you exhibit bad form here and there, while the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis require a strong, capable driver.

Fischer Ranger 90 Skis · 2024 summary

The Fischer Ranger 90 Skis are a redesigned version of Fischer's best-selling Ranger series. They feature a full wood core that keeps the skis poppy and playful, ideal for tight turns and overall maneuverability. A metal insert underfoot makes the skis damp and stable on groomers and at high speeds. The Ranger 90 is the slimmest of the Ranger series, but it is the stiffest in regards to flex.

These skis are a great bridge between the more narrow carving skis and the bigger, stiffer all-mountain skis. They are a great option for intermediate to lower advanced skiers looking to up their skills in moguls, trees, and steeper terrain. The skis are forgiving and won't punish you if you exhibit bad form here and there.

The Ranger 90 Skis also have a waist of 90 millimeters, making them a great ski for the east coast on a soft day or a western daily driver. They can carve and offer a stiffer platform, making them a versatile choice for various skiing conditions.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a hard-charging all-mountain ski that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder. They feature a multilayer wood core and tip and tail rocker. The newly designed ski body has been adapted to a 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame. By adapting the Titanal components to the various ski lengths and thus to the skier’s proportions, not only can the tip and tail ends be weight-optimized, but the torsional stiffness can also be influenced, thereby improving the ride qualities.

The Mantra M6 Skis retain the familiar stability of a Titanal ski while also being noticeably lighter and more agile to control. The new handling characteristics of the Mantra M6 are also enhanced by the tailored carbon tip. The dedicated positioning of the carbon fibers results in a precise tip response and vastly improves the ski’s torsional stiffness.

These skis are ideal for advanced to expert skiers and require a strong, capable driver. They are not recommended for beginner to intermediate skiers or those transitioning from rental gear due to the amount of metal in the core of the ski.

Similarities

Both the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis and the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are capable in all conditions. They both feature a full wood core and tip and tail rocker, providing stability and agility on various terrains. Both skis also have a metal insert or frame that enhances their torsional stiffness and improves their ride qualities. They are both versatile skis that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis are more forgiving and won't punish you if you exhibit bad form here and there. They are a great option for intermediate to lower advanced skiers looking to up their skills in moguls, trees, and steeper terrain. On the other hand, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis require a strong, capable driver and are not recommended for beginner to intermediate skiers or those transitioning from rental gear.

The Ranger 90 Skis are the slimmest of the Ranger series and are the stiffest in regards to flex, making them a great bridge between the more narrow carving skis and the bigger, stiffer all-mountain skis. The Mantra M6 Skis, however, have a larger shovel and are a hard-charging all-mountain ski that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

In terms of versatility, both skis perform well in various conditions, but the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis have a slight edge due to their forgiving nature and ability to handle both hardpack and soft snow.

For agility and control, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top with their tailored Titanal frame and carbon tip that enhance the ski's torsional stiffness and improve its ride qualities.

When it comes to ease of use, the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis are the winner as they won't punish you if you exhibit bad form here and there, making them a great option for intermediate to lower advanced skiers.

Finally, for stability, both skis offer a stable ride due to their full wood core and metal insert or frame. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis have a slight advantage with their tailored Titanal frame that retains the familiar stability of a Titanal ski while also making the ski noticeably lighter and more agile to control.

Comparison Table

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Fischer Ranger 90 Skis and the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are high-performance skis designed for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer versatility, agility, and stability, making them capable in all conditions. However, they cater to different types of skiers. The Fischer Ranger 90 Skis are more forgiving and are a great option for intermediate to lower advanced skiers looking to up their skills in moguls, trees, and steeper terrain. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis, on the other hand, require a strong, capable driver and are ideal for those who enjoy skiing fast, carving hard, and blasting through crud. Therefore, the choice between the two would depend on the skier's skill level and preferred skiing style.