In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are two titans that have proven their worth on the slopes. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, offering a blend of power, precision, and versatility. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are renowned for their impeccable edge hold, variable turn radius, and surprising lightness, making them a top choice for those who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are known for their quick edge-to-edge agility, stiff and stable ride, and off-piste chops, making them a great choice for those who want to carve serious turns on the slopes. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately 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 are designed with a variable turn radius that provides a plethora of turn shapes for the expert level skier. This feature allows for supreme grip on edge at speed and progressive grip no matter the turn shape. Despite the long effective edge, these skis are surprisingly easy to turn laterally.

The Mantra M6 is built with Völkl'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. It's surprisingly light for such an all-mountain ski, and it's built for speed. The lighter tip, due to a carbon spectral braid, also gives it plenty of float off-trail. This is essentially the ski that all other all-mountains skies are defined by.

However, the high energy ski may not be best for beginners and it lacks surface area for powder floatation. But for the intermediate skier with expert level intentions and an applicable athleticism, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are an incredibly powerful platform.

K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis · 2023 summary

The K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are a highly versatile ski that sports a strong and stiffer front edge and midsection due to K2's patented Titanal Y-beam design. This design lays two prongs of metal over the front edges of the ski, and then has the prongs meet underfoot to provide a stable and strong platform from which to direct the ski. But the metal then tapers into the tail, making for a more versatile ski on the backend.

The result is a ski that you can drive hard when you are centered, but one you can also release easily out of any manner of turn. It can go fast if you want, but can also shut it down and get playful due to the rocker in the tip and tail. At 89mm underfoot, this ski is exceptionally quick edge to edge. With titanal metal in the core, it's a stiff and stable ride that rips hard and fast. The stiff flat tail, however, is great for finishing turns and propelling you into the next.

The K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are a slightly more piste-oriented all-mountain ski that likes to get on edge and go fast. They are not meant for deep powder days, but can be used in occasional soft snow and are great at tackling hard pack and crud.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are built to deliver high performance on the slopes. They both feature a titanal frame that provides a stable and strong platform, allowing for precise control and powerful turns. Both skis also have a variable turn radius, allowing for a variety of turn shapes and a versatile skiing experience. They are both designed to be quick edge to edge and are built for speed. Additionally, both skis have a rocker in the tip, which gives them off-piste chops and float in softer snow.

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 want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. They are perfect for those who love to push their limits and are looking for a ski that can handle a variety of turn shapes and speeds. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners due to their high energy requirement.

On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are more piste-oriented and are great for skiers who love to carve serious turns on the slopes. They are exceptionally quick edge to edge and offer a stiff and stable ride. However, they are not meant for deep powder days, making them less ideal for skiers who frequently ski in heavy snow conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis take the lead. Their variable turn radius and lightness make them a top choice for a variety of skiing styles and conditions. For edge hold and carving performance, the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis come out on top. Their titanal Y-beam design and stiff flat tail make them exceptional at carving turns and maintaining grip and control.

In terms of speed, both skis are built for it, but the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis have a slight edge due to their lighter weight and effective edge design. Lastly, for off-piste performance, both skis perform well due to their rocker in the tip, but the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis' lighter tip gives them a bit more float off-trail.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are high-performance skis designed for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer a blend of power, precision, and versatility, making them excellent choices for those looking to push their limits on the slopes. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. If you're looking for a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are the way to go. If you're more piste-oriented and love to carve serious turns, the K2 Mindbender 89Ti Skis are a fantastic choice. Either way, you're in for a thrilling ride!