2023 Volkl Mantra 102

For 2023, the Volkl Mantra 102 gets the same upgrades as the Kendo 88, improving upon what was already a really amazing ski. This is one of those skis that just doesn’t care what’s in front of it—it'll simply plow through and blast over anything and everything in its path. While not the floatiest or smeariest of the +100 mm underfoot skis out there, it’s certainly one of the burliest, and for that, Volkl fans are truly appreciative. In addition to the multi-layer wood core, the 102 now gets a tailored titanal frame, tailored carbon tips, and a slightly shortened arc due to the 3D radius sidecut. In the 184, that equates to about a 20-meter radius underfoot, heading wider to 27 inches in the tip and 25 inches in the tail. As a result, smoother turns and more active energy bring this ski into 2023, and we’re loving every minute of it. The upgrades make the ski a bit turnier and slightly more manageable, while still retaining its best-in-class stability and power.

On the 177, Dana Allen notes that with an 18-meter turn radius underfoot, it felt like it skied long. Dana’s pretty tall, too, so that’s an interesting experience to note. He scored the 102 a 5 out of 5 for stability, with 4’s given for flotation, forgiveness, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. Normally on a Fischer Ranger 102 FR, it’s nice to see Dana’s feedback on a competitor’s ski. “I have always thought that the Mantra was too stiff a ski. With the full sheet of metal and the secondary cut-out sheet of metal, the ski is definitely more tuned for a mid-stiffness moderate ski. Super stable at speed, relatively quick edge to edge, and able to make short to long radius turns very easily. Not very playful, and might be a lot to handle in eastern trees or in bumps. But for an aggressive skier, or even someone willing to get in the front of the boots, this key will work for you. Definitely a solid offering, and one that I would actually consider to be a decent daily driver for some.” While it’s a different ski than the Ranger for sure, it’s nice to hear that there are redeeming qualities as well.

Both Bob St.Pierre and Zach Mooney were on the 184, and each noting that it skied true to size. Bob stated that it “Felt great! Burly ski so I think the 191 is out of the question.” Bob scored the ski 5 out of 5 for stability, and looking down the score sheet of all testers, this was a constant. He gave 4’s for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and flotation, so some pretty high scores overall for the 102. “If you don't mind a bit of weight on your feet, this 102 is about as smooth and powerful as it gets. Got them in some powder, crud, and firmer groomers all in the same run (very variable test conditions from top to bottom), and they seemed to be the winning skis of the day. Once you set the edge, you can play around with the turn shape within the arc, thanks to the 3D Radius Sidecut. The upgrades are nice, although it doesn't seem that tailored carbon is totally necessary in this ski. Not my choice for bumps or trees, but any trail skiing and fresh snow, and the 102 is a total beast and an absolute blast.” Zach has more of a racing background, so he’s a great candidate to test the carvy chops of the 102. He gave it top marks of 5 out of 5 for everything but playfulness, torsional stiffness, and edge hold, and this is pretty indicative of the fact that he liked the ski. “The Mantra 102 is one of the most versatile in the 100-waist category. It handles really well at all speeds. I went from ripping GS size turns immediately into small swishy turns and these skis had no problem. Overall, these can be a 1 ski quiver or a fatter ski in your quiver for powder!” Spoken like a true racer to want a pretty heavy ski in the quiver for powder.

Now, while the Kenja 88 and the Secret 96 all got the same Mantra/Kendo treatment for 2023, the women’s Secret 102 did not. That left Annie MacDonald feeling a little left out, so she skied the 170 cm Mantra 102 and loved it. She called the 170 true to size and marked all 5’s out of 5 on her scorecard. “Love this ski! Quick, stable, floaty and forgiving. This is definitely the ski for me. Trying not to be biased because it’s my ski of choice, but was so happy to get back on it between tests! Love that they lightened this up compared to last year and the women's Secret 102. Much better float and a wider tip help on powder and slushy conditions! I can get this width up on edge easier than a narrower ski so it suits my style of skiing. It’s really easy to initiate from the softer tip and bends easily even for a 120 lb weakling! I think this would suit anyone that wants to charge everywhere in all conditions.” While I patently disagree with the “weakling” aspect of her analysis, the rest of it seems spot on. There’s no reason why a lady looking for the upgraded Secret 102 couldn’t land here in Mantra world, just so long as they’re skiing a 170 or up.