In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Elan Ripstick 96 are two top contenders that have been making waves. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. The Völkl M6 Mantra is known for its stability, power, and ability to handle anything from groomers to trees to powder. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 is celebrated for its lightweight construction, agility, and unique asymmetrical design that enhances edge hold and turn initiation. While both skis are excellent choices, the Völkl M6 Mantra might be more suitable for those who prefer a more powerful and stable ride, while the Elan Ripstick 96 might be a better fit for those who value lightness and agility.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra is a hard-charging all-mountain ski that is designed to handle a variety of snow conditions. It features a multilayer wood core, tip and tail rocker, and a 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame. This unique design allows the ski to be weight-optimized and enhances its torsional stiffness, resulting in improved ride qualities. The ski also features a tailored carbon tip, which improves the ski's torsional stiffness and results in a precise tip response.

The Völkl M6 Mantra is known for its stability and versatility. It holds an edge well on harder-packed snow, making it a great choice for skiers in coastal snowpack areas. The ski is also fun to ski in the trees, thanks to its nimbleness and quick edge-to-edge performance. However, it's not recommended for skiing big mountain lines or jumping big cliffs due to its 96mm underfoot width.

Despite its powerful performance, the Völkl M6 Mantra is not recommended as a first pair of skis for beginners transitioning from rental gear. The ski has a lot of metal in its core, which requires a bit more work to drive than a rental ski.

Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 96 is a versatile all-mountain ski that is designed to provide a balance of on-piste and off-piste skiing. It features a unique asymmetrical design with a designated left and right ski, which enhances edge hold and turn initiation. The ski also has a wide tip shovel and a tail width of 110, making it excellent for powder days.

The Elan Ripstick 96 is known for its lightweight construction and agility. It's easy to maneuver and provides a fun and unique feeling while carving. Despite its lightness, the ski is stable and smooth in various terrains and at high speeds. However, it may not perform as well in hard pack moguls due to its stiffer tail.

The Elan Ripstick 96 is not recommended for beginner to intermediate skiers. It requires good form to fully enjoy its capabilities and may take a few runs to get used to its asymmetrical shape.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Elan Ripstick 96 are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are praised for their versatility in a variety of snow conditions. They both feature unique design elements that enhance their performance, such as the 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame in the Völkl M6 Mantra and the asymmetrical design in the Elan Ripstick 96. Both skis are also known for their stability and edge hold, making them great choices for carving on groomers. Additionally, both skis are not recommended for beginner to intermediate skiers due to their advanced features and performance capabilities.

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 is ideal for skiers who prefer a more powerful and stable ride. It's a hard-charging ski that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder. However, it's not recommended for skiing big mountain lines or jumping big cliffs due to its 96mm underfoot width.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 is a better fit for skiers who value lightness and agility. It's easy to maneuver and provides a fun and unique feeling while carving. Despite its lightness, the ski is stable and smooth in various terrains and at high speeds. However, it may not perform as well in hard pack moguls due to its stiffer tail.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well in a variety of conditions. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra might have a slight edge due to its ability to handle anything from groomers to trees to powder.

In terms of stability, both skis offer great stability and edge hold. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra, with its Tailored Titanal Frame, might offer a bit more stability, especially at higher speeds.

For agility and maneuverability, the Elan Ripstick 96 takes the cake. Its lightweight construction and unique asymmetrical design make it easy to maneuver and provide a fun and unique feeling while carving.

Finally, in terms of power, the Völkl M6 Mantra is the clear winner. Its powerful performance and stability make it a great choice for skiers who prefer a more powerful and stable ride.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Elan Ripstick 96 are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer versatility, stability, and unique design features that enhance their performance. However, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl M6 Mantra is ideal for skiers who prefer a more powerful and stable ride, while the Elan Ripstick 96 is a better fit for skiers who value lightness and agility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're a hard-charging skier who loves to carve or a nimble skier who values agility and lightness, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!