In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, offering a blend of power, agility, and versatility. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are renowned for their impeccable edge hold and variable turn radius, making them a favorite among skiers who crave speed and precision. On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis stand out for their playful energy and intuitive feel, making them a great choice for skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds. 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 the skier to put forth the variations of energy needed, making the M6 Mantra an incredibly powerful platform for those willing to push it.

The M6 Mantra is also a progressive ski for the intermediate skier with expert level intentions and an applicable athleticism. It offers supreme grip on edge at speed, and its 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, the high energy ski may not be best for beginners, and it lacks surface area for powder floatation. The M6 Mantra is 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. It's surprisingly light for such an all-mountain ski, and it's built for speed.

Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 summary

The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a standout in the all-mountain category. They are immediately intuitive to ski no matter what the terrain or speed is. The Blade Optic's playfulness is what first stands out. It's very energetic and poppy, making it a fun ski for those who love to seek out side hits, pop out of turns, and jump moguls.

Despite its playfulness, the Blade Optic 96 does come with metal in its construction, translating to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow. It doesn't carve as well as other skis, but it's definitely way more fun and energetic. At 96 waist, it's the perfect one ski quiver almost anywhere in the country.

The Blade Optic 96 features an aspen wood core, fiberglass laminate, and Line's "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive." This is a partial layer of titanal that's split into segmented sections, and that tapers to a point near the ends of the skis. The goal is to get some of the benefits of a titanal layer (added damping, torsional rigidity) while still creating skis that aren't super stiff and produce energy when bent.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are built to handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both feature a variable turn radius, allowing skiers to make a range of turn shapes at different speeds. Both skis also incorporate metal in their construction, providing a smooth and damp ride, especially at high speeds. They are both designed to be versatile, all-mountain skis that can handle groomers, crud, and off-piste terrain.

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 crave speed and precision. They offer impeccable edge hold and a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. These skis are perfect for skiers who love to push their limits and demand a ski that can keep up.

On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are perfect for skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds. They are playful and energetic, making them a great choice for skiers who love to seek out side hits, pop out of turns, and jump moguls. These skis are also a bit lighter and more agile, making them a great choice for skiers who value maneuverability.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to speed and precision, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis take the lead. Their impeccable edge hold and race ski feel make them a top choice for skiers who love to push their limits.

In terms of playfulness and energy, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis come out on top. Their playful energy and intuitive feel make them a standout choice for skiers who love to explore different terrains and speeds.

In terms of versatility, both skis perform well. They are both designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, making them great all-mountain skis. However, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis might have a slight edge due to their lighter and more agile construction.

Finally, in terms of construction and technology, both skis incorporate innovative features like variable turn radius and metal in their construction. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis might have a slight edge due to their 3D Radii sidecut and tailored Titanal frame.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are top contenders in the all-mountain category for the 2023 season. They both offer a blend of power, agility, and versatility that advanced to expert skiers will appreciate. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. If you crave speed and precision, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a great choice. If you love to explore different terrains and speeds, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are worth considering. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. Happy skiing!