In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and Salomon Stance 90 Skis are two top contenders for 2023. Both skis are designed for expert level skiers, offering a blend of power, versatility, and stability. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are renowned for their impeccable edge hold and variable turn radius, making them a great choice for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. On the other hand, the Salomon Stance 90 Skis are known for their versatility, stability, and responsiveness, making them a great all-around ski for various conditions. While both skis have their strengths, the final verdict will depend 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 the variations of energy 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 for beginners due to their high energy requirement and lack of 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.

Salomon Stance 90 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon Stance 90 Skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions, making them a versatile choice for skiers. They are built with a poplar core that adds durability and is light with a poppy nature. The skis also feature Titanal and carbon, which smooth out the ride and have a forgiving nature. They have a middle-of-the-road flex, adding to their versatility.

These skis are ideal for skiers who want to ski moguls one run, then hit a fast groomer the next, and lap their favorite tree run after lunch. They are designed to go bell to bell no matter the conditions. However, they may not be the best choice for skiers looking for a more playful ski that will float through powder and provide lots of pop.

The Stance 90 Skis handle high speeds well and have a solid edge hold. They are also super easy to get on edge and carve with, making them a great option for groomers. However, they are a pretty heavy ski that rides hard to the ground and may not be very playful.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Salomon Stance 90 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and stability, making them ideal for a variety of conditions. Both skis are built with a focus on edge hold and carving ability, making them great for groomers. They also both feature a metal core, which provides dampness and stability, and they both handle high speeds well.

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 offer an impeccable edge hold, making them great for skiers who love to carve and push their limits on the slopes.

On the other hand, the Salomon Stance 90 Skis are more versatile and are designed to handle a variety of conditions. They are great for skiers who want to ski moguls one run, then hit a fast groomer the next, and lap their favorite tree run after lunch. However, they may not be the best choice for skiers looking for a more playful ski that will float through powder and provide lots of pop.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Salomon Stance 90 Skis take the lead. They are designed to handle a variety of conditions, making them a great all-around ski.

In terms of power and speed, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. They are built for speed and offer an impeccable edge hold, making them great for skiers who love to carve and push their limits on the slopes.

For stability, both skis perform well. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis may have a slight edge due to their variable turn radius and long effective edge.

Finally, for playfulness, neither ski is particularly playful. However, the Salomon Stance 90 Skis may be slightly more playful due to their versatility and ability to handle a variety of conditions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Salomon Stance 90 Skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape, while the Salomon Stance 90 Skis are great for skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions. Ultimately, the best ski will depend on the skier's personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're carving down groomers or navigating through moguls, both these skis are sure to deliver an exhilarating ride. Happy skiing!