In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Salomon Stance 96 are two top-tier contenders that offer a thrilling ride for advanced to expert skiers. The M6 Mantra, often referred to as the "Porsche" of the ski world, is a versatile all-mountain ski that holds an edge well and is fun to ski anywhere on the mountain. On the other hand, the Salomon Stance 96 is a stiff ski that excels on groomers and offers a smooth ride at any speed. Both skis are designed with advanced technology that enhances their performance and makes them a joy to ride. However, they each have their unique strengths and are suited to different types of skiers.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra is a hard-charging all-mountain ski that is designed to handle anything from groomers to trees to powder. It features a multilayer wood core and tip and tail rocker, which are adapted to a 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame. This design not only optimizes the weight of the tip and tail ends but also influences the torsional stiffness, thereby improving the ride qualities. The M6 Mantra is noticeably lighter and more agile to control, thanks to the Titanal components that are adapted to the various ski lengths and thus to the skier’s proportions. The new handling characteristics of the M6 Mantra are also enhanced by the tailored carbon tip. The dedicated positioning of the carbon fibers results in a precise tip response and vastly improves the ski’s torsional stiffness.

The M6 Mantra is a fun ski to carve on and feels very stable. It has a ton of energy when turning and can be skied at higher and lower speeds. It is very easy to control at higher speeds because of the metal in the build of the ski, and it doesn't have any problem with chatter. The ski feels really powerful all the way through the turn, and it's a lot of fun.

However, the M6 Mantra is not recommended for skiing big mountain lines or jumping big cliffs. It's only 96mm underfoot, and it's nice to have something a little wider for those big mountain lines.

Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon Stance 96 is a stiff ski that crushes groomers, despite its 96mm underfoot width. It handles the rest of the mountain with ease, being able to float in powder and crush the choppy/cruddy snow. However, it ultimately thrives when skiing quick on the groomed terrain. If you want a ski that can keep up with your hard-charging on-piste abilities, look no further.

The Stance 96 is a really confidence-inspiring ski on firm snow at any speed. It has a lot of Titanal metal in it, which reduces the vibrations, and those edges feel really locked in at whatever speed you want to go. The ski is great for carving forwards and will go backwards if you want it to. However, it's not a playful ski; it's not something you're going to take to the park.

The Stance 96 is not a good first ski for somebody. You should not be transitioning out of rentals to this unless you are feeling really confident. If you're hitting the park, you want a ski switch. If you want something bouncy and flexy and playful, this is also not a good ski for you.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Salomon Stance 96 are designed for advanced to expert skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions. They both feature a multilayer wood core and tip and tail rocker, which are adapted to a 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame. This design not only optimizes the weight of the tip and tail ends but also influences the torsional stiffness, thereby improving the ride qualities. Both skis are noticeably lighter and more agile to control, thanks to the Titanal components that are adapted to the various ski lengths and thus to the skier’s proportions.

Both skis are also great for carving and offer a smooth ride at any speed. They are easy to control and have a lot of energy when turning. However, they are not recommended for beginners or those transitioning out of rentals due to their advanced design and features.

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 a versatile all-mountain ski that holds an edge well and is fun to ski anywhere on the mountain. It's perfect for skiers who like to mix their time between skiing on groomers and off-piste. It's also a great choice for skiers who like to spend a fair amount of time on a groomer and occasionally venture into the trees or powder.

On the other hand, the Salomon Stance 96 is a stiff ski that excels on groomers and offers a smooth ride at any speed. It's perfect for skiers who like to ski fast on groomed terrain and want a ski that can keep up with their hard-charging abilities. It's also a great choice for skiers who primarily ski on firm snow but occasionally ski powder.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Völkl M6 Mantra takes the lead. It's a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder. It's also a lot of fun to ski anywhere on the mountain, making it a great choice for skiers who like to mix things up.

In terms of carving performance, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Salomon Stance 96 might have a slight edge due to its stiff construction and impressive edge grip, which offers a smooth ride at any speed and makes it perfect for making powerful turns.

For off-piste performance, the Völkl M6 Mantra comes out on top. It's a hard-charging all-mountain ski that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder. It's also a lot of fun to ski in the trees, making it a great choice for skiers who like to venture off the beaten path.

Finally, for speed, the Salomon Stance 96 is the clear winner. It's a stiff ski that excels on groomers and offers a smooth ride at any speed. It's perfect for skiers who like to ski fast on groomed terrain and want a ski that can keep up with their hard-charging abilities.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the Salomon Stance 96 are top-tier skis that offer a thrilling ride for advanced to expert skiers. They both excel in their own ways and cater to slightly different personas. The M6 Mantra is a versatile all-mountain ski that's fun to ski anywhere on the mountain, while the Stance 96 is a stiff ski that excels on groomers and offers a smooth ride at any speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style. Whether you're a hard-charging skier who loves to carve powerful turns on groomed terrain or a versatile skier who likes to mix things up, both skis are sure to deliver a thrilling ride.