In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Icelantic Nomad 95 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 renowned for their impeccable edge hold and variable turn radius, making them a great choice for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. On the other hand, the Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis are known for their playful nature and versatility, making them a great choice for skiers who love to add freestyle elements into their runs. While both skis have their strengths, the final verdict will depend on the skier's 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 the skier to put forth the variations of energy needed, making the skis incredibly powerful for those willing to push it. They are also 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. The variable turn radius gives progressive grip no matter the turn shape. Despite the long effective edge, these skis are surprisingly easy to turn laterally. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners due to their high energy requirement. They also lack the surface area needed 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.

Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis · 2023 summary

The Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski with several key features. They have a 95 millimeter waist, which is a great balance for someone looking for a nice ski both on and off the trail. The skis are designed to ensure maximum edge hold on hard-packed snow and icy surfaces. This feature enhances the skis' responsiveness and control, allowing the skier to confidently navigate tricky conditions and carve precise turns down groomer runs.

Despite its all-mountain focus, the Nomad 95 retains a playful nature, making it enjoyable for those skiers who love to add freestyle elements into their runs. The playfulness opens up creative possibilities for the skier who wants to experiment with jumps, spins, and butters. The skis also come with a bomb-proof three-year warranty, showcasing Icelantic's confidence in their product's durability.

The Nomad 95 is arguably the most versatile of Icelantic's infamous Nomad line. It sports Icelantic's Hybrid Flight Wood Core, an ultralight wood that keeps the ski super poppy and playful. Then they combine that with a 95 mm waist, which is enough girth for the occasional powder day, but also flexible enough for carving effortlessly on groomers and spinning tricks in the park. The Nomad also has a twin tip design, so you can lay out your playful side while landing switch.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis are designed for advanced to expert level skiers. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and agility, making them ideal for all-mountain skiing. Both skis are designed with a focus on edge hold, allowing skiers to confidently navigate tricky conditions and carve precise turns. They also both have a playful nature, making them enjoyable for skiers who love to add freestyle elements into their runs. Both skis are also built with a focus on durability and longevity, with the Mantra Skis featuring a proven package for strength and the Nomad 95 Skis coming with a bomb-proof three-year warranty.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert level 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 require a bit more energy input, making them a great choice for athletic skiers who are willing to push their limits. On the other hand, the Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis are more versatile and playful, making them a great choice for skiers who love to add freestyle elements into their runs. They are also a great choice for skiers who want a ski that can perform well both on and off the trail.

The main difference between the two skis lies in their construction and design. The Mantra Skis feature a variable turn radius and a long effective edge, making them powerful and progressive. They also feature Volkl's 3D Radii sidecut, which allows for a variety of turn shapes. The Nomad 95 Skis, on the other hand, feature a 95 mm waist and a twin tip design, making them poppy and playful. They also feature Icelantic's Hybrid Flight Wood Core, which keeps the ski light and energetic.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

1. Versatility: The Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis win in this category due to their 95 mm waist and twin tip design, which allows them to perform well both on and off the trail.

2. Power: The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis take the lead in this category due to their variable turn radius and long effective edge, which provide a powerful platform for skiers.

3. Playfulness: The Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis win in this category due to their playful nature and ability to add freestyle elements into runs.

4. Durability: Both skis are built with a focus on durability, but the Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis come with a bomb-proof three-year warranty, giving them a slight edge in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis are top contenders for the 2023 season. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and agility, making them ideal for advanced to expert level skiers. The final verdict will depend on the skier's personal preference and skiing style. If you're looking for a powerful and progressive ski, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a great choice. If you prefer a more versatile and playful ski, the Icelantic Nomad 95 Skis might be the better option. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. Happy skiing!