2027 Volkl Mantra 102

The 2027 Volkl Mantra 102 gets a new graphic for this year but otherwise returns unchanged. While these skis are hefty, they work great at smoothing out whatever is underneath them. As a result, these Mantra 102’s can handle groomers and softer snow with the blend of construction, shape, and profile that benefits aggressive skiers and those who like the feeling of powerful precision at the same time. While it’s relatively easy to turn per weight, it’s still more of an advanced ski for skiers with good skills and strong legs. They feel sturdy and unwavering at any speed in any conditions and terrain.

Volkl has a lot of sophisticated engineering that goes into their constructions. Built with Volkl’s multi-layer wood core consisting of poplar and beech, the Mantra 102 is ready to rip. We get one full layer of metal along the bottom of the core and a tailored titanal frame on top. While the narrower skis in the Mantra line now get updated tailored frames, the 102 still remains the same. The wider the Mantra, the less it needs to change because we’re mainly relying on mass and power to get the job done rather than the fine-tuned finesse required of the narrower skis. In the 184, the skis sit on the scale at 2200 grams, so there’s some weight here for sure. Volkl uses tailored carbon tips to lower the swing weight and add at least a modicum of sophistication to the mix, but overall, this still feels like a very traditional and directional ski. Tester Christian Strong notes that “This ski felt like it could do it all, nice carve-ability and at 102 in the waist.” It is an interesting blend of on-trail performance despite the width.

Just like the build, the footprint of the ski allows it to stand out in the crowd. It does carve insanely well for a 102, and a lot of that has to do with the shape and profile. First, the use of 3D Radius sidecut helps here, as it allows the skier to maintain and change the shape and style of the turn with ease. That said, if you want to lock in and settle down for a powerful carve, the Mantra 102 is more than happy to meet you where you’re at. This ski uses sidecut measurements of 142/102/124 to make a 3D Radius split of 30.2/18.9/27.4-meters in the 184 cm length. The middle arc is the fun one as there are very few skis of this width that can adhere to a shorter turn like this, especially on very firm snow. Tester Bob St.Pierre notes that "these skis are crazy fun on a groomer and kind of a handful off-trail. I know some people use it in powder and deeper snow, but I just don't think I want to work that hard. At least they are relatively flat and can be somewhat shifty if asked."

This is an expert ski for sure and they can feel unwieldly. If you’re in the middle of sizing, go ahead and size down, especially if you want a bit more adventure in your skiing. It takes a strong and committed skier to handle either the 184 or 191. Overall, it’s a strong ski that will do as asked. It takes some skill and leg strength, but you will be rewarded with serious performance. They love speed and love to run, but they're so stable that it's hard to tell just how fast you're going, for better or for worse.