New for 2026, the Volkl Mantra 84 with Marker Squire 11 Bindings is the most precise, firm-snow-oriented ski in the Mantra lineup—offering a dynamic ride that blends all-mountain versatility with race-inspired edge hold. It’s quick, stable, and unapologetically strong, making it a perfect fit for aggressive skiers who want serious performance on-trail without giving up the ability to adapt when the snow gets soft. We paired the Mantra 84 with the Marker Squire 11 because of the Squire’s high performance and dependability for lighter weight all mountain and freeride skiers. With a light weight construction and a safe, reliable release, the Squire 11 is a go to choice to keep performance high and weight low.

Why we like it:

The Mantra 84 carves like a razor but feels smoother and more composed than you'd expect from a ski this strong. Its lively, intuitive edge-to-edge feel makes every turn feel connected and rewarding.

Who it's for:

A great choice for advanced and expert skiers with a strong technical foundation who want something snappier than a Mantra 88 but more versatile than a pure frontside carver. If you love edge grip and fast transitions but still want to explore the mountain, this ski fits right in.

Highlights:

Built on Volkl’s Multilayer Wood Core, the Mantra 84 incorporates a Tailored Titanal Frame for strategic power distribution and vibration damping, ensuring confident performance at high speeds. Tailored Carbon Tips improve engagement and agility while keeping the tip light and responsive. The 3D Radius sidecut allows the ski to flex into short, medium, or long turns depending on skier input, giving it a remarkably versatile feel despite its hard-snow pedigree. Marker’s Triple Pivot Light 2 Toe and Hollow Linkage Heel systems work in tandem to provide powerful energy transmission to the ski, allowing for maximum edge grip and control of the ski. Lighter weight skiers can rest easy knowing the Squire 11 will be easier than ever to step into thanks to a re-designed heel piece. Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Squire 11 is the anti-ice rail, which sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape the sole of your boots clean before stepping in.

Things to consider:

This is a stiff, directional ski that prefers skilled input. While it shares some DNA with the old Kendo, it’s notably stronger and more demanding—intermediates or those looking for a looser, more forgiving ride may want to look elsewhere.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Skis true to size. Size down for quicker maneuverability in tighter terrain or if you prefer a more playful feel—this ski holds its integrity even in shorter lengths.