In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl M6 Mantra and the K2 Mindbender 90C are two top contenders. The M6 Mantra, a new school build with a proven package for strength and versatility, is a powerful platform for expert skiers. It offers supreme grip on edge at speed and a variable turn radius that provides progressive grip no matter the turn shape. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 90C is a versatile and tough ski that is great at making turns smoothly, being playful, and long-lasting. It's steady when skiing at high speeds and carving precisely, making it a trustworthy all-rounder. Both skis are excellent choices, but the M6 Mantra is more suited for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape, while the Mindbender 90C is perfect for beginner to intermediate skiers looking for a ski that is easy to maneuver and offers lots of room for growth.

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. This ski is designed for the expert level skier who can put forth the variations of energy needed. It offers an incredibly powerful platform for those that are willing to push it, and a progressive ski for the intermediate with expert level intentions and an applicable athleticism.

The M6 Mantra is built with a multilayer wood core and tip and tail rocker. The newly designed ski body is adapted to a 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame. This adaptation allows the tip and tail ends to be weight-optimized, and the torsional stiffness to be influenced, thereby improving the ride qualities. This retains the familiar stability of a Titanal ski while also making the Mantra M6 noticeably lighter and more agile to control.

The new handling characteristics of the Mantra M6 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. This ski is ideal for supreme grip on edge at speed, and its variable turn radius gives progressive grip no matter the turn shape. It's surprisingly easy to turn laterally, despite the long effective edge. However, its high energy may not be best for beginners, and it lacks surface area for powder flotation.

K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023 summary

The K2 Mindbender 90C Skis are a versatile and tough ski that is great at making turns smoothly, being playful, and long-lasting. It's steady when skiing at high speeds and carving precisely, making it a trustworthy all-rounder. This ski is a great width for shredding all over the mountain at any level. It does groomers and some powder very well. It's easy to maneuver thanks to its lightweight construction, and beginner/intermediate skiers will enjoy its versatility even as they progress to advanced skiers.

The 90C is on the softer more gentle side of the Mindbender series, as the wood and carbon core creates a soft and damp ride that is easy to turn on. The 90mm waist makes the skis easy to turn and get on edge. If you are developing your carving and parallel riding skills, this would be a great ski for you.

Without any metal, this ski keeps things light and playful while the carbon braid and strips stiffen the mid section of the ski for grip and edge control. The loosening of the braids at the tip and tail soften the flex and make this ski incredibly fun off-piste, in light powder, trees, and moguls. However, it can be chattery at higher speeds and unstable through chopped up terrain.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the K2 Mindbender 90C are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both feature innovative design elements that enhance their performance, such as the 3D radius sidecut concept in the M6 Mantra and the Spectral Carbon Braid technology in the Mindbender 90C. Both skis are designed to be agile and easy to control, with a focus on grip and edge control. They also both offer a fun, playful ride, with the ability to handle off-piste conditions, light powder, trees, and moguls.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they cater to different types of skiers. The Völkl M6 Mantra is designed for expert level skiers who are willing to push the ski to its limits. It's a high-energy ski that requires a lot of input from the skier, making it less suitable for beginners. The M6 Mantra is ideal for skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape and who enjoy making both short and long turns at high speeds.

On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 90C is more forgiving and better suited for beginner to intermediate skiers. It's a softer ski that's easy to turn and maneuver, making it a great choice for skiers who are still developing their skills. The Mindbender 90C is perfect for skiers looking for a lightweight, versatile ski that remains stable and nimble in a variety of terrain and conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the K2 Mindbender 90C has a slight edge due to its softer flex and easier maneuverability, making it more accessible to a wider range of skiers.

In terms of performance, the Völkl M6 Mantra takes the lead. Its powerful platform and impeccable edge hold make it a top choice for advanced to expert skiers who want to push their limits.

For ease of use, the K2 Mindbender 90C wins. Its lightweight construction and forgiving nature make it a great choice for beginner to intermediate skiers.

Finally, in terms of innovation, the Völkl M6 Mantra stands out with its 3D radius sidecut concept and tailored Titanal frame, which enhance its handling characteristics and improve ride qualities.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra and the K2 Mindbender 90C are excellent all-mountain skis, each with their own strengths. The M6 Mantra is a powerful and versatile ski that's perfect for advanced to expert skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. The Mindbender 90C, on the other hand, is a more forgiving and accessible ski that's great for beginner to intermediate skiers looking for a ski that's easy to maneuver and offers lots of room for growth.

Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your skill level and what you're looking for in a ski. If you're an advanced skier looking to push your limits, the M6 Mantra is the way to go. If you're a beginner or intermediate skier looking for a ski that's easy to handle and offers room for growth, the Mindbender 90C is a great choice. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!