In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Nordica Enforcer 94 are two titans that stand out. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and offer exceptional performance across a variety of terrains. The Völkl M6 Mantra is a powerful and versatile ski that excels in edge grip at high speeds and offers a variable turn radius for a range of turn shapes. On the other hand, the Nordica Enforcer 94 is a true all-mountain performer, capable of tackling everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. It's a stiff ski due to its double-core build, making it a one-ski quiver for the advanced East Coast skier who travels out West for a week or two each year. Both skis are not ideal for beginners due to their high energy and stiffness. However, the final verdict will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier, as both skis have their unique strengths and weaknesses.

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 M6 Mantra an incredibly powerful platform for those willing to push it. It's also a progressive ski for intermediates with expert level intentions and an applicable athleticism.

The M6 Mantra is ideal for 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, they may not be the best for beginners due to their high energy. They also lack surface area for powder floatation.

The M6 Mantra 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. This is essentially the ski that all other all-mountains skies are defined by.

Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis · 2023 summary

The Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis are a true all-mountain performer, capable of tackling everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. This ski is stiff due to its double-core build, providing stability and torsional rigidity, translating to a smooth and stable ride at high speeds. The shape and camber profile contribute to effective energy transfer, allowing for dynamic and precise turns even at high speeds.

The edge hold on the Nordica Enforcer skis is exceptional. They feature a traditional camber underfoot with a slight rocker in the tip and tail, which enhances edge engagement and grip on firm snow. The Enforcer's construction incorporates Nordica's advanced technology, such as the Energy 2 Titanium construction, which adds to the skis' edge hold and stability on icy or hard-packed surfaces.

The Enforcers truly shine on groomed slopes. Their construction ensures stability and edge grip, allowing for confident carving and precise control. The camber underfoot provides effective energy transfer, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail adds forgiveness and maneuverability.

However, the ski is heavy due to its double metal core build. The additional metal layers add weight to the ski, which may be noticeable during extended periods of skiing or when performing maneuvers that require agility and quickness.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Nordica Enforcer 94 are high-performance all-mountain skis designed for advanced to expert skiers. They both excel in a variety of conditions, from groomed slopes to off-piste terrains. Both skis are built with a focus on stability and edge hold, making them ideal for high-speed skiing and carving precise turns.

Both skis feature a combination of camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail, which enhances edge engagement and grip on firm snow while adding forgiveness and maneuverability. They both also incorporate advanced construction technologies, such as the use of Titanal and carbon, to enhance their performance characteristics.

Furthermore, both skis are not ideal for beginners due to their high energy and stiffness. They require a certain level of skill and input from the skier to perform at their best.

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 love to push their limits and enjoy a powerful and versatile ski. It's perfect for those who want a ski that offers a variable turn radius for a range of turn shapes and a supreme grip on edge at high speeds. However, it may not be the best for beginners or for those who prefer powder skiing due to its high energy and lack of surface area for powder floatation.

On the other hand, the Nordica Enforcer 94 is a true all-mountain performer that can handle everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. It's a great choice for the advanced East Coast skier who travels out West for a week or two each year and wants a one-ski quiver. However, its heavy nature due to the double metal core construction may be a consideration for those prioritizing lightweight equipment.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

1. Versatility: Both skis are versatile, but the Nordica Enforcer 94 takes the edge here due to its ability to handle everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder.
2. Performance: The Völkl M6 Mantra wins in this category due to its powerful platform and variable turn radius that provides a plethora of turn shapes for the expert level skier.
3. Construction: Both skis have advanced construction technologies, but the Nordica Enforcer 94's double-core build provides more stability and torsional rigidity, making it the winner in this category.
4. Weight: The Völkl M6 Mantra is the winner here as it's lighter than the Nordica Enforcer 94, which is heavy due to its double metal core construction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Nordica Enforcer 94 are exceptional all-mountain skis that cater to advanced to expert skiers. They both offer excellent performance across a variety of terrains and conditions. The choice between the two will largely depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier. The Völkl M6 Mantra is a powerful and versatile ski that excels in edge grip at high speeds and offers a variable turn radius for a range of turn shapes. On the other hand, the Nordica Enforcer 94 is a true all-mountain performer that can handle everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. It's a one-ski quiver for the advanced East Coast skier who travels out West for a week or two each year. However, its heavy nature due to the double metal core construction may be a consideration for those prioritizing lightweight equipment.