In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and offer a blend of performance, versatility, and stability. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are praised for their all-mountain capabilities, with a strong edge hold and a versatile performance in various snow conditions. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are known for their lightweight construction and smooth, stable ride. They are also praised for their carving capabilities and powder performance. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're a hard-charging skier who loves to carve, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis might be your best bet. But if you're looking for a lightweight, versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis could be the one for you.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the mountain. These skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers who want a versatile, all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. The M6 Mantra is known for its strong edge hold, making it a great choice for hard-packed snow conditions. It also performs well in softer snow and tree skiing, thanks to its 18-meter turning radius and 3D side cut, which makes it easy to initiate turns.

One of the standout features of the M6 Mantra is its construction. It features a multilayer wood core and tip and tail rocker, which gives it a stable and powerful ride. The ski also has a tailored Titanal frame, which reduces chatter and enhances stability, especially at high speeds. This metal construction also gives the ski a lot of energy when turning, making it fun to carve on.

Despite its powerful performance, the M6 Mantra is not recommended for beginners or those transitioning from rental gear. The ski's metal core requires a bit more work to drive, making it more suitable for experienced skiers. However, for those who can handle it, the M6 Mantra offers a fun, versatile ride that can handle anything from groomers to trees to powder.

Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are another top contender for advanced to expert skiers. These skis are known for their lightweight construction, thanks to their TubeLite Wood core and carbon rods placed over the edges of the ski. This lightweight build makes the Ripstick 96 Black Edition easy to maneuver and control, even at high speeds.

Despite their lightweight construction, these skis don't sacrifice performance. They offer a smooth and stable ride, with a lively and playful feel. The skis also have a dual character, being stable and confident in firmer snow but also capable in powder conditions. This makes them a versatile choice for skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions.

The Ripstick 96 Black Edition also features Elan's Amphibio technology, which gives the left and right ski different shapes for smoother turns. This, combined with the ski's carbon rods and carbon weave along the inside edges, enhances edge grip and maneuverability.

Like the M6 Mantra, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition is not recommended for beginners. It's a stiff, aggressive ski that requires strong technique, especially in moguls. However, for advanced and expert skiers, it offers a high-performance ride that excels in carving and powder conditions.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and offer a blend of performance, versatility, and stability. They both excel in a variety of conditions, from hard-packed snow to powder, and offer strong edge hold for carving. Both skis also feature innovative technology to enhance their performance, such as the M6 Mantra's 3D side cut and the Ripstick 96 Black Edition's Amphibio technology. Additionally, both skis are not recommended for beginners due to their advanced features and performance capabilities.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to slightly different preferences and styles. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are ideal for skiers who love to carve and want a versatile, all-mountain ski. They're also a great choice for skiers who prefer a ski with a metal core, as they offer a powerful and stable ride.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are perfect for skiers who prioritize a lightweight construction without sacrificing performance. They're also a great choice for skiers who want a ski that's easy to maneuver and control, even at high speeds. Additionally, the Ripstick 96 Black Edition is a good option for skiers who want a ski that's capable in powder conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis might have a slight edge due to their strong performance in both hard-packed and softer snow conditions.

In terms of performance, both skis offer a high level of performance, but the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis might take the lead due to their lightweight construction and smooth, stable ride.

For carving, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are the clear winner. Their strong edge hold and 3D side cut make them a dream to carve with.

Finally, for powder performance, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis might have the upper hand due to their lightweight construction and Amphibio technology, which enhances their performance in powder conditions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis are top contenders for the 2024 season. They both offer a blend of performance, versatility, and stability, making them ideal choices for advanced to expert skiers. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're a hard-charging skier who loves to carve, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis might be your best bet. But if you're looking for a lightweight, versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions, the Elan Ripstick 96 Black Edition Skis could be the one for you. Regardless of your choice, both skis are sure to provide an exhilarating ride on the mountain.