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Expert Comparison: Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2023 vs Fischer Ranger 96 Skis · 2024

Published on 02/10/2024 · 5 min readCompare Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2023 and Fischer Ranger 96 Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Luke H., Ski Expert
Henry Kvietok, Ski Expert
Chauncey Allison, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Luke H., Henry Kvietok, Chauncey Allison, Rob G., Thomas Harari and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Fischer Ranger 96 Skis · 2024
Price
$449.99
40% off
from:$479.99
41% off
User rating
5(3)
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Color options
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The Curated Take
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Best for advanced skiers seeking a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle any type of terrain with stability, agility, and power.

Ski type
All Mountain, Freeride
All Mountain
Skill level
Advanced, Expert
Advanced, Expert

In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis 2023 and the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis 2024 are two top contenders. 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, variable turn radius, and surprising lightness for an all-mountain ski. They are built for speed and are ideal for skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. On the other hand, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are praised for their stability, playfulness, and ability to handle a variety of terrains. They are designed to be a one-ski quiver, perfect for tackling anything the mountain can throw at you. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences.

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis 2023 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 for supreme grip on edge at speed and progressive grip no matter the turn shape. Despite the long effective edge, these skis are surprisingly easy to turn laterally.

The Mantra M6 is built with Völkl'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. The lighter tip, due to a carbon spectral braid, also gives it plenty of float off-trail.

However, these skis may not be the best choice for beginners due to their high energy requirement. They also lack the surface area needed for optimal powder flotation.

The Mantra lives up to Volkl's renowned impeccable edge hold; these things basically feel as if they have magnets between the edges and the snow.

Luke H.
Ski Expert

The Fischer Ranger 96 Skis 2024 are designed to be a one-ski quiver, perfect for any skier from the East to the West. They are built with a Titanal metal underfoot, which gives them power on groomers and stiffness to punch through crusty snow. The skis are super stable, versatile, and carve really well on groomers. They are also quick to turn and pivot in the trees.

The Ranger 96 skis have a unique construction: a sheet of metal in the middle of the ski keeps it stiff and gives it great edge control, but the metal tapers out before reaching the tip and tail, so the ski gets progressively softer as you go toward the tip and tail. This makes it much easier to initiate turns on the ski and makes it much easier to flex the ski through a turn.

However, these skis are not ideal for beginners or intermediate skiers. They are also not the best choice for skiing in the park or skiing switch.

The Ranger 96 is a complete new design from Fischer. In essence, they combined what made the old Fischer Ranger 94 FR so good—nimbleness, agility, and playfulness in trees and tight spots—with what made the Ranger 99Ti so great—stiffness, dampness, and the ability to plow through everything.

Henry Kvietok
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis 2023 and the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis 2024 are designed for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer a blend of power, agility, and versatility, making them ideal for a variety of terrains and conditions. Both skis are built with a focus on stability and control, with features such as a variable turn radius and Titanal metal underfoot. They are both designed to be agile and responsive, allowing for easy turn initiation and a smooth ride. Both skis also have a focus on speed, with the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis being built for speed and the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis being super stable and versatile at high speeds.

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 want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. They are built for speed and have a magnetic-like edge grip that makes them perfect for firm snow. These skis are best for skiers who are willing to put forth the variations of energy needed to fully utilize their features.

On the other hand, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are designed to be a one-ski quiver, perfect for tackling anything the mountain can throw at you. They are super stable, versatile, and carve really well on groomers. They are also quick to turn and pivot in the trees. These skis are best for skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis take the lead. They are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making them a great one-ski quiver.

In terms of speed, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. They are built for speed and have a magnetic-like edge grip that allows them to excel on firm snow.

For agility and responsiveness, it's a tie. Both skis are designed to be agile and responsive, allowing for easy turn initiation and a smooth ride.

Finally, for stability, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis have a slight edge due to their Titanal metal underfoot, which gives them power on groomers and stiffness to punch through crusty snow.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis 2023 and the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis 2024 are top contenders in the world of skiing. They both offer a blend of power, agility, and versatility, making them ideal for advanced to expert skiers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're looking for a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape and love speed, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are the way to go. If you're after a one-ski quiver that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains, the Fischer Ranger 96 Skis are a great choice. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!

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