In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Head Kore 99 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and offer a plethora of features that make them stand out. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are known for their supreme grip on edge at speed and their surprisingly easy lateral turns. On the other hand, the Head Kore 99 Skis are loved for their versatility, lightweight design, and exceptional performance in various snow conditions. While both skis have their strengths, they also have their differences. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are not ideal for beginners due to their high energy, while the Head Kore 99 Skis may not be the best choice for those who prioritize stability at high speeds. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2023 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a new school build on a construction that has been a proven package for strength and versatility. They offer a variable turn radius that provides a plethora of turn shapes for the expert level skier that can put forth the variations of energy needed. This makes them an incredibly powerful platform for those willing to push it, and a progressive ski for the intermediate with expert level intentions and an applicable athleticism.

These skis are ideal for supreme grip on edge at speed and offer a variable turn radius that gives progressive grip no matter the turn shape. Despite the long effective edge, they are surprisingly easy to turn laterally. The Mantra lives up to Volkl's renowned impeccable edge hold; these things basically feel as if they have magnets between the edges and the snow. Plus, the Mantra is built with Volkl's 3D Radii sidecut, which means the ski is just as at home making short turn radius turns as it is making longer, more high-speed turns.

However, these skis may not be the best for beginners as they are a high energy ski. They also lack surface area for powder floatation.

Head Kore 99 Skis · 2023 summary

The Head Kore 99 Skis are a light, versatile, all-mountain charger. They are a 99-millimeter waisted, all-mountain ski for a variety of conditions. Despite being incredibly lightweight, these skis remain exceptionally torsionally stiff. This translates into a ski that's perfect to strap on your backpack for accents and is built to conquer everything the big mountain resorts throw at you.

The Kore 99s are stable at speeds, have excellent grip in the hardpack, and float like a dream in the pow. They are very playful and have great float and are snappy, nimble, and energetic enough to play in even the tightest, most sketchy terrain.

However, these skis are not super damp, and that's a trade-off for the lightness of the ski. They are also not a good ski for beginners, or even lower intermediates. This is a ski that responds really well to aggressive input and is agile.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Head Kore 99 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are known for their versatility and performance in various snow conditions. They both offer excellent grip on edge at speed and are built to handle a wide range of turn shapes. Both skis are also praised for their responsiveness and stability, making them ideal for skiers who like to push their limits on the slopes. Additionally, both skis are not recommended for beginners due to their high energy and demand for aggressive input.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for skiers who love to push their limits and enjoy a high-energy ski. They are perfect for those who want a ski that offers supreme grip on edge at speed and a variable turn radius that gives progressive grip no matter the turn shape. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners or those who prefer skiing in powder due to their lack of surface area for powder floatation.

On the other hand, the Head Kore 99 Skis are perfect for skiers who value versatility and lightness. They are a great choice for those who want a ski that can handle any snow condition, from hardpack to deep powder, and excel in the bumps and crud. However, they may not be the best choice for skiers who prioritize stability at high speeds or enjoy park/freestyle skiing.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Head Kore 99 Skis take the lead due to their ability to handle any snow condition, from hardpack to deep powder, and excel in the bumps and crud.

In terms of weight, the Head Kore 99 Skis are the clear winner. Their lightweight design makes them nimble and easy to maneuver, which is a significant advantage for skiers who value agility and speed.

For edge grip and turn shape versatility, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. Their supreme grip on edge at speed and variable turn radius that gives progressive grip no matter the turn shape make them a favorite among advanced to expert skiers.

Finally, when it comes to stability, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis take the lead. While the Head Kore 99 Skis are stable at speeds, they may not be as stable as the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis at high speeds.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Head Kore 99 Skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer versatility, excellent edge grip, and stability. However, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are perfect for skiers who love to push their limits and enjoy a high-energy ski, while the Head Kore 99 Skis are ideal for those who value versatility and lightness. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a speed demon who loves to carve up the slopes or a versatile skier who enjoys exploring different terrains, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!