2023 Volkl M6 Mantra

The ubiquitous Volkl Mantra M6 gets a graphics recharge for 2023, but remains the same in terms of skeleton and muscle. We’re still seeing the multi-layer wood core, tailored carbon tips, tailored carbon frame, and the 3D Radius sidecut. For advanced and expert skiers who are looking for a wider resort charger, the M6 is right where you need to be. At 96 mm underfoot, the ski is wide enough to offer stability and power in a crud and chop type of scenario, all the while remaining narrow enough for edge grip and firm groomer performance. The shorter radius underfoot can certainly be utilized to make clean and tight turns, while the wider tips and tails go well with the longer arc and greater flotation. While there are certainly floatier and more playful skis of this width out there in the ski world, there likely aren’t any better in terms of precision and power, and that’s the continual appeal of the Mantra in general, and more specifically, the 2023 M6.

On the 177 cm length, Both Erik Timmerman and Mike Anglin found the ski to be true to size and just right for them. Erik is one of our upper-level instructors here at Stowe, and while he could ski the 184, we’ve found that a lot of skiers just like the shorter arc of the shorter ski, and since it’s a stable ski by nature, there’s no real reason to upsize. Erik gave top marks of 4 out of 5 for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and versatility. A lowly 2 for playfulness isn’t all that surprising, but it is interesting to see which skiers scored the M6 high or low in this category. Erik states that the M6 has “Crazy good edge hold and dampness” which isn’t a real shock, but it’s always nice to get that affirmation. Mike Anglin gave 5’s out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, versatility, overall impression, and playfulness. I think he found that there was fun to be had in varying the turn shapes and styles, and this is what leads to a discrepancy in scores for this category. “How can you make a great ski even better? Well, Volkl has done it again with M6 iteration of the Mantra. Still a heavy hitter in the 90+ waist width, the M6 rolls forward all the attributes of past Mantra's, while adding a playfulness, and versatility to soften its hard exterior character. Still can chew up any terrain or snow condition that is thrown at it and is surprisingly confident on hard snow. Advanced intermediates, to the hard charging experts will love the new M6.”

Our 184 testers consisted of Bob St.Pierre, Steve McKenzie, Ryan Daniel, and Joshua Matta. All of these skiers found the ski to be true to size and a good length for them. Even at 6’2” and 225 pounds, Bob noted that the ski “Felt good! Very stiff and stable so the 191 would likely be too much ski for me.” He scored 4’s out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold, with the rest of the scores in the 3 zone. For overall impression, Bob notes that it’s “Really close between 3 and 4 for overall impression. I think I want to like it more than I actually do, mostly because it feels like a wide carving ski to me more than a versatile all-mountain performer. I often think of a mid-90's ski like this to be used as a one-ski quiver, but it excels in firm snow and in carved turns way more than it does in trees and bumps and powder. If you want that wider carver that has total stability and confidence, this is your stick. For playfulness and versatility, there are better options in this width.” Steve McKenzie scored 5’s for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold, while his overall impression and forgiveness scores were 4’s. Steve notes that the M6 is “Super stable at speeds. Felt a little too long in the bumps. Nice stable floaters and hits at high speed. Very clean flex from tip to tail.” It’s fun following a powerful skier like Steve because he’s totally capable of bending even stiff skis like this M6.

From steeps to crud and powder, the Mantra M6 continues the long-standing tradition of being an absolute smoke show of a ski out there on the hill. It’s fun when you’re using it in a carved turn, and has a ton of versatility in that realm. If you’re looking for the top-end of precision and performance in a mid-90's underfoot ski, this is the place to be.