In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for expert level skiers, offering a blend of power, versatility, and agility. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are known for their supreme grip on edge at speed and their surprisingly easy lateral turns, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are praised for their playful feel and excellent performance in soft snow and off-piste terrain. However, the Mantra may not be the best for beginners due to its high energy, and the Rustler may not be the best for deep powder skiing. In the end, the choice between these two skis will come down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in.

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 are designed with a variable turn radius that provides a plethora of turn shapes for the expert level skier. This makes them an incredibly powerful platform for those willing to push it, and a progressive ski for the intermediate skier with expert level intentions and an applicable athleticism.

The Mantra 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. They are surprisingly easy to turn laterally, despite the long effective edge. However, they may not be the best for beginners due to their high energy and they lack surface area for powder floatation.

The Mantra skis are 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. They are surprisingly light for such an all-mountain ski, and they are built for speed. The lighter tip, due to a carbon spectral braid, also gives it plenty of float off-trail.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a versatile freeride ski that excels in a variety of conditions. They are built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, which gives a blend of attributes that lead to the well-rounded nature of the ski. Two sheets of carbon/fiberglass add stiffness and energy while a single, partial sheet of metal brings the dampness and edge grip to the equation.

The Rustler 9 skis are designed with a metal laminate that is full-width underfoot and tapers to the tips and tails, ending precisely where the rocker begins. This leads to a playful feel and a lighter swing weight in the tips and tails while keeping the underfoot/middle-zone of the ski a bit more business-like.

The Rustler 9 skis carve better than expected while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer and a true master of off-piste terrain and conditions. They are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, making them a versatile choice for a variety of turn sizes and conditions.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are designed for expert level skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions. They both have a playful feel and are built for speed, with a focus on providing excellent grip and control. Both skis also feature a blend of materials in their construction to provide a balance of stiffness and energy, with a focus on maintaining a lighter swing weight in the tips and tails. They both have a versatile turn radius, allowing for a variety of turn shapes and sizes.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for expert level skiers, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are more suited for those who are willing to push their skiing to the limit. They require a bit more energy input and are not ideal for beginners. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a bit more forgiving and versatile, making them a great choice for intermediate to expert skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions.

The Mantra skis are also built with Volkl's 3D Radii sidecut, making them a great choice for skiers who want to make a variety of turn shapes and sizes. The Rustler 9 skis, on the other hand, are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, making them a versatile choice for a variety of turn sizes and conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis take the win. They are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, making them a versatile choice for a variety of turn sizes and conditions.

In terms of power and energy, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. They require a bit more energy input, but they provide a magnetic-like edge grip and propel you into the next turn.

For playfulness and agility, both skis perform well. However, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis have a slight edge due to their lighter swing weight in the tips and tails.

Finally, for durability and construction, both skis are built with a blend of materials to provide a balance of stiffness and energy. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis have a slight advantage due to their 3D Radii sidecut and carbon spectral braid.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are excellent choices for expert level skiers. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and agility, making them suitable for a variety of conditions. However, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in. If you're looking for a ski that requires a bit more energy input and provides a magnetic-like edge grip, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more forgiving and versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a great choice. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. Happy skiing!