In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are two titans that have been making waves in the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for expert level skiers, offering a blend of power, versatility, and agility that is hard to match. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are renowned for their supreme grip on edge at speed and their surprisingly easy lateral turns, while the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are praised for their hard-charging performance and playful feel. However, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are not ideal for beginners due to their high energy, and the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis may not be the best choice for lightweight skiers. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to 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 for the expert level skier who can put forth the variations of energy needed. The variable turn radius provides a plethora of turn shapes, making it an incredibly powerful platform for those willing to push it. Despite the long effective edge, these skis are surprisingly easy to turn laterally.

The Mantra skis have a magnetic-like edge grip and rail turns on firm snow. You can feel the ski building up energy below you, propelling you into the next turn. They are built with Volkl'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. The Mantra is built for speed, but the lighter tip, due to a carbon spectral braid, also gives it plenty of float off-trail.

The Mantra M6 comes 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 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.

K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis · 2023 summary

The K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are a directional ski with a little bit of playfulness in it. They are designed to charge hard lines on and off piste. The skis feature K2's Titanal Y-Beam construction, which stiffens up the tip of the ski while keeping the tail pretty maneuverable and softer. This creates a unique set of characteristics that might be a good combo for many folks, especially if you don't like the feeling of having your ski be so stiff in the tail that it "pushes" you forward.

The Mindbender 99Ti skis hold an edge fantastically for a 99mm wasted ski. They are able to carve turns really nicely on pretty firm snow. The skis are fairly damp, with a significant Titanal layer in there. They are not a GS race carving ski, but on groom terrain or in variable terrain, you would feel comfortable going fast on the ski.

The Mindbender 99Ti skis are not a dedicated powder ski. For that, you'd want something that's significantly wider. But for a resort stay that's going to see a mix of powder and variable terrain, and maybe some groomed snow, this would be a great ski.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are designed for expert level skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions. They both feature a blend of power, versatility, and agility that is hard to match. Both skis have a strong edge hold, making them ideal for carving turns on firm snow. They also both have a playful feel, allowing for a fun and enjoyable skiing experience.

Both skis are designed with a focus on stability and control. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis feature a 3D radius sidecut concept with a tailored Titanal frame, while the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis feature a Titanal Y-Beam construction. These design features provide both skis with a strong and stable platform, allowing for precise control and maneuverability.

In terms of versatility, both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions. They are both wide enough to provide good floatation in powder, but not so wide that they can't still rip on groomers. This makes them ideal for skiers who like to explore the whole mountain and not be limited to one type of terrain or snow condition.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for expert level skiers, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited for certain types of skiers. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for skiers who like to push their limits and demand a lot from their skis. They are a high energy ski that requires a lot of input from the skier, making them less ideal for beginners.

On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are a bit more forgiving and versatile. They are designed to be a hard-charging ski, but they also have a playful side that makes them fun to ski in a variety of conditions. However, they may not be the best choice for lightweight skiers, as they require a bit more weight to fully engage their performance capabilities.

In terms of persona, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are perfect for the aggressive, expert skier who loves to carve hard and fast on groomers but also enjoys exploring off-piste terrain. The K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis, on the other hand, are ideal for the adventurous skier who likes to mix it up between carving on groomers, playing in the trees, and floating through powder.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to performance on groomers, both skis excel, but the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis have a slight edge due to their superior grip and ability to propel the skier into the next turn.

In terms of versatility, the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis take the win. Their Titanal Y-Beam construction provides a balance of power and playfulness that allows them to perform well in a variety of conditions, from firm snow to deep powder.

For agility and maneuverability, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. Their 3D radius sidecut concept and tailored Titanal frame make them noticeably lighter and more agile to control, allowing for precise and responsive turns.

Finally, in terms of stability, it's a close call, but the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis edge out the competition. Their Titanal Y-Beam construction provides excellent dampening properties, reducing vibrations and providing a smooth and stable ride even at high speeds.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are top-tier options for expert level skiers. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and agility that is hard to match. However, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited for certain types of skiers. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for aggressive skiers who demand a lot from their skis, while the K2 Mindbender 99Ti Skis are more forgiving and versatile, making them a great choice for adventurous skiers who like to mix it up. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a hard-charging carver or a playful powder hound, there's a ski here that's perfect for you.