In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are two top contenders. Both are designed for expert level skiers, offering a blend of strength, versatility, and agility. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are renowned for their impeccable edge hold and variable turn radius, making them a favorite among advanced to expert skiers. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are praised for their lightweight performance and unique asymmetrical design, making them a versatile choice for both on-piste and off-trail skiing. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends 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 variations of energy as 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, and their variable turn radius gives progressive grip no matter the turn shape. Despite the long effective edge, they 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 for powder floatation.

The Mantra Skis are built with Völkl's 3D Radii sidecut, which means they are just as at home making short turn radius turns as they are 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 them plenty of float off-trail.

Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a unique blend of lightweight performance that can handle any snow conditions. They are designed with Elan's patented "Amphibio" technology, which is an asymmetrical setup that adds to additional edge hold while also allowing for smoother turns. This unique design makes the skis quick edge-to-edge and easy to get over on edge.

The Ripstick 96 Skis are ideal for powerful carving and are lightweight yet damp and stable. They are incredibly versatile and can handle a good variety of terrain. They still have some rocker in the tip and tail to help when you're in soft snow, but the shape of this ski makes it really easy to turn. They actually like turning more than not turning, which is a lot of fun. They require a little more caution if you want to just point your skis down the hill. Their shorter radius turns and lightweight design make them nice for hiking. A lot of people use this ski to put a touring binding on.

However, they may not perform as well on hard pack moguls due to their stiffer tail. They also require a little more caution if you want to just point your skis down the hill.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are designed for expert level skiers and offer a blend of strength, versatility, and agility. They both excel in providing powerful edge-to-edge turns on-piste and are no strangers to big mountain terrain. Both skis are also designed to be lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and ideal for a variety of terrains. They both have some rocker in the tip and tail to help when you're in soft snow, and their unique designs make them easy to turn.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for expert level skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. They are built for speed and require a bit more energy input, making them less suitable for beginners. They are also not ideal for powder floatation due to their lack of surface area.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a great fit for skiers who enjoy both on-piste and off-trail skiing. They are praised for their lightweight performance and unique asymmetrical design, making them a versatile choice for both on-piste and off-trail skiing. However, they may not perform as well on hard pack moguls due to their stiffer tail.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis take the lead. Their unique asymmetrical design and lightweight performance make them a versatile choice for both on-piste and off-trail skiing.

In terms of power and speed, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. They are built for speed and require a bit more energy input, making them ideal for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape.

For maneuverability, both skis perform well. However, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis' unique asymmetrical design makes them quick edge-to-edge and easy to get over on edge, giving them a slight edge in this dimension.

In terms of weight, both skis are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and ideal for a variety of terrains. However, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are praised for their lightweight performance, making them the winner in this dimension.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are top contenders in the world of skiing. They both offer a blend of strength, versatility, and agility, making them ideal for expert level skiers. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the skier's personal preference and skiing style. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape, while the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a versatile choice for both on-piste and off-trail skiing. Regardless of the choice, both skis promise an exhilarating skiing experience.