In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are two powerhouses that have been making waves in the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are known for their stability, speed, and versatility. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are praised for their ability to handle a variety of conditions, from hard-packed groomers to softer snow and tree skiing. They are also noted for their easy turn initiation and powerful carving capabilities. On the other hand, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are lauded for their high-speed performance and ability to carve hard and blast through crud. However, they are not as forgiving or playful as the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis. Both skis are not recommended for beginners or intermediate skiers due to their demanding nature. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that holds an edge well in most snow conditions. They are designed with an 18-meter turning radius, which allows for quick and easy turns. The skis also feature a decent amount of rocker in the tip and minimal rocker in the tail with traditional camber underfoot. This design, coupled with a 3D side cut, makes it easy to initiate turns and allows the skis to turn quickly.

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are built with a Tailored Titanal Frame that keeps the ski stable and prevents chatter, even at high speeds. This metal frame also gives the skis a lot of energy when turning, making them easy to control at both higher and lower speeds. Despite their directional shape and minimal tail rocker, the skis are stable in the air and on landings.

The skis are also designed to handle a variety of conditions, from hard-packed groomers to softer groomers and tree skiing. They are nimble and quick edge-to-edge, making them a lot of fun in the trees. With their larger shovel, the M6 Mantra Skis would also be a fun powder ski for all but the deepest days.

However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are not recommended for skiing big mountain lines or jumping big cliffs due to their 96mm underfoot width. They are also not recommended as a first pair of skis after rentals due to the amount of metal in the core of the ski, which requires more work to drive than a rental ski.

Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis · 2024 summary

The Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are designed for skiers who love speed and power. These skis are built to go fast and require a powerful driver. They are excellent at carving and want to stay on edge, providing stability with no chatter even at high speeds. However, they are not forgiving and do not offer a playful skiing experience.

The Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are essentially a race ski in a wider width. They do not want to pivot, and the tails are hard to push out for tight turns, making them less ideal for tree skiing. However, for skiers who love going fast and railing carves, these skis are an excellent option.

These skis are best suited for advanced and expert skiers due to their demanding nature. They are not recommended for beginner or intermediate skiers. Despite their power and speed, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are not the quickest edge to edge or the best for floating in powder. They strike a middle ground and are capable in all conditions.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are known for their stability and speed. They are both all-mountain skis that can handle a variety of conditions, from hard-packed groomers to softer snow and tree skiing. Both skis are also designed to carve well and are stable at high speeds. They are not recommended for beginner or intermediate skiers due to their demanding nature.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to different skiing styles. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are more versatile and forgiving, making them suitable for skiers who enjoy a variety of conditions and want a ski that is easy to turn and fun to ski anywhere on the mountain. They are also a good choice for skiers who enjoy tree skiing and want a ski that is nimble and quick edge-to-edge.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are designed for skiers who love speed and power. They are a great choice for skiers who love going fast, railing carves, and want a ski that is stable with no chatter even at high speeds. However, they are not as forgiving or playful as the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and are less ideal for tree skiing.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis take the lead. They are designed to handle a variety of conditions and are easy to turn, making them a fun ski to use anywhere on the mountain.

In terms of speed and power, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis come out on top. They are built for speed and require a powerful driver, making them a great choice for skiers who love going fast and railing carves.

For carving capabilities, both skis perform well. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are noted for their easy turn initiation and powerful carving capabilities, giving them a slight edge in this category.

In terms of forgiveness, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are the winner. They are more forgiving and playful compared to the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis, which are not forgiving and require a powerful driver.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers. They are both known for their stability, speed, and carving capabilities. However, they cater to different skiing styles. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are more versatile and forgiving, making them suitable for skiers who enjoy a variety of conditions and want a ski that is easy to turn and fun to ski anywhere on the mountain. On the other hand, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are designed for skiers who love speed and power. They are a great choice for skiers who love going fast, railing carves, and want a ski that is stable with no chatter even at high speeds. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and skiing style.