2027 Volkl M7 Mantra W

For 2027, the Volkl M7 Mantra W gets a graphics refresh but returns otherwise unchanged. In general, Volkl does a nice job at creating more of a unisex ski line, with these skis containing the same build, shape, and profile as the men’s version. At 96 mm underfoot, the M7 Mantra W is a wider-bodied all-mountain ski that can handle the rigors of both front side and freeride skiing. They are phenomenal carvers and can hold an edge better than many narrower skis and they also cut through crud and chop with authority. While they lack the playfulness and creativity of some other skis in this width range, they’re certainly just fine in softer snow, as long as you’re not expecting much in terms of overall flotation. Skiers should be prepared for a precise and demanding on-snow feel and character.

Volkl's emphasis on engineering goes a long way in creating the uniqueness of this ski. There’s quite a bit of innovation here when it comes to construction. Starting with a multi-layer wood core consisting of poplar and beech, Volkl adds their tailored titanal frame, tailored carbon tips, and a hefty weight to the mix. These are stiff-flexing skis that have some mass to them, so it’s more helpful if you’re a stronger skier with a good skillset. The M7 Mantra W sits on the scale at 2090 g/ski in the 177 cm length, so there’s a good deal of material here. The frame is the big part here as it allows the ski to flex very naturally and energetically both torsionally and longitudinally. By incorporating three metal pieces that work in unison, the skier gets the benefits of firm snow compliance and softer snow use. Tester Fiona Reed notes that "This is a Volkl through and through. I skied an older Kenja 163 for the last 8+ years and it skies very similarly. Very damp, stable, great edge grip, can be chargey when pushed but never feeling that the ski might take off and get away from me. Not a ton of rebound on each turn so you do have to work the ski, but again it contributes to an overall very stable and damp ski. They’re very much a dignified German lady who may not be the most fun but you can trust her with your life."

With a flatter overall footprint, these skis continue to stand out from the competition. In addition to the creativity with the build, we also get an interesting shape and profile. Volkl uses their 4 Radius Drive in these skis, putting the turn shape and style squarely on the feet of the skier. These skis are not locked into one particular turn—they can go back and forth between long arcs at low edge angles and shorter, slalom-like carves when more on edge. Despite the weight and flex, the flatter profile and the multi-radius design allows for easier transitions between turns. Tester Kristin Connors states that "The Völkl Mantra M7 W is a powerful all-mountain ski that thrives in variable conditions. It has a strong, composed feel underfoot and stays smooth and stable even when the snow gets rough. This ski does not chatter."

The Volkl M7 Mantra W is a top contender for most powerful ski. These skis have a very strong feel and a high-performance ceiling. They love to be driven by confident skiers and will give back those confident feelings at the end of every turn. While they can be versatile in softer snow, there’s no denying that these M7 Mantra W’s are extraordinarily composed in an on-trail format, especially for their width. If you’re looking for something easy to ski or compliant in powder, there are better options, but for precision, quality, and overall power, the M7 Mantra W is in a league of its own. The connection to the snow is incredible, offering complete confidence in any type of turn shape or style.