Völkl Mantra (Page 7)
Strengths:
A ski that really works for the entire mountain. Delivering cruel performance like edge grip, stability and speed in an easy-to-use package
Weaknesses:
I think recommended boot center location is too far ahead. See more below.
Summary:
When the news that Völkl was finally replacing the old proven V-Explosive ski, I knew I would have difficulty keeping the shopping fingers in control. V-Explosive was the last generation of many years of development of a wide and stable ski for, above all, the offpiste from Völkl. It reminds of the construction of Völkl's classic racing ski with a wooden core, torsion box and heavy metal. The last "real" explosive was the 2003 wizard model (which was basically the same as the 2002 model) and it was here as all wider carving teams for offpiste, as well as converging with the wide-ranging for example helicopter skiing in Canada that really existed for the very long time. The explosive does not have a lot of cutting, 120-95-112 and a side-crossing radius of about 34m for the 190 version, but it was nevertheless a ski that not only rich helicopters but also real mountain bikers and others could imagine driving. It's no exaggeration to say that Explosive probably belongs to the more legendary skis in the genre - a reputation that is due to the right rigidity and the fact that the ski is regarded as an unhealthy steady steam locomotive at any time. My own review from 2003 (http://www.freeride.nu/review/view.php?id=980) gives an indication of the ski's performance. The conclusion is that it is an incredible ski with almost unmatched cut, grip and calm, but it is also demanding and definitely not for everyone.
The following year, Völkl Gotama came as a ski with the same side cut, but 1cm wider straight off. Many probably saw it as a substitute, but although Gotaman has definitely been, and is a successful model and has its followers, it also made a lot of riders disappointed. Gotama is another construction that does not contain metal, for example, and it lacks the little extra that some of us used to from the Explosive. A short, short review of Gotaman from me is available at http://www.freeride.nu/review/view.php?id=2129
This leads us back to 2006 Völkl Mantra, which thus shares Explosive Design like the glass fiber box on the Explosive is of "plain fabric" while the Mantran has a woven stocking where the fibers can be directed differently to provide relatively more twisting stiffness. Mantran is a bit softer even than the recent vintages of Explosive (early Explosive was roughly stiff). The biggest difference, however, is that the Mantran has a broad top (and an ounce narrow waist actually, 129-94-112). It feels a bit softer than Explosive and also has a different and slightly more peeky peak. One of the really big differences is where the recommended mounting point (boot center) is located. A comparison between 184 Mantra and 190 V-Explosives provides by law that Mantran has the boot center marking 6 cm further forward (relative to the center of the ridge). It's not a bit of it. With the boot center next to each other, the Mantra 184 has a one-and-a-half-inch rear end than 190 Explosive. After a lot of thought, I mounted my 184 Mantra 2cm and it is something I can recommend right so unreservedly to anyone who is not going to head backwards, spin the air or possibly lie and carve at low speed in well-prepared slopes with their skis. The review is based on this 20mm rear mounting (at 302mm load, I think a bit less rear mounting for those who have significantly less shoes).
So, how does the ski work? In short: incredibly good. Firstly, the skid has extremely good edge grip on hard surfaces as well as V-Explosive. Both in classic short-range and in clean cut, the grip is simply brilliant. Mantran is also a ski that combines calm and vividness in a nice way. The ski pulls you into turns and really invites to edge hard. Nevertheless, it is calm and controlled in the cutting edge at any speed. Both of these properties are found in both soft and hard pistons. At a very fast run straight ahead or when you lose the cutting edge, the poor stability of the Explosive remains. I do not think this will be due to the length, bonding or stiffness but simply a function of the cut. A main reason for the calm of Explosives is simply that it does not want to turn. At Mantran, which is clearly more pivotal, you have to pay for this because you need to add a little more concentration to what the skid does when it comes to "uncontrolled" rides. Note that this is the case when you get along quickly, when you do not cut the joints and it's really messy and bumpy. Dessuomt is the comparison with one of the class's quietest slides, Explosive. When it comes to burning power straight through obstacles, Mantran is very good, only marginally worse than the explosive (and probably the Mantra 191 snap is warmer).
Finally, it's a piste property that I want to mention and that is that the ski is fast. With that I do not mean that it has a good glide without it can take very much pressure in the swing without bending and braking. Common mortals probably do not notice this if it is steep, but when it's flat and slightly softer it's clear. Many skis get as well as a defined top speed. The only thing that happens when pushing and edging is that the ski runs sideways. Skiing like Explosive and Mantra (and basically all race-oriented skis) just accelerates. The difference between the two is that Mantran is significantly easier to get any kick out and does not require the same speed as Explosive to get it right.
Unfortunately, I did not run Mantran in "bottomless than" but it became a bit of fluff after all, some single turns open and a lot of forest. Here it feels like I found a good compromise with 2cm rear mounting. No hint of dives and it could stand neutral and let the whole ski lay in the snow (and thus get good speed) without feeling strange. In fact, there is not much more to say than that the ski felt very naturally under the feet of the solder and that it was almost as stable and safe as the Explosive.
So, what is this ski for? Perhaps you can divide the prospective customers into two catagories. Those who used to run Explosive and those who did not. As for the first catagorine, it has been said that Mantran is too little changed to be a "necessary upgrade". That is a reasoning I disagree with. In my opinion, it is a rather different ski run. It is more "normal" than Explosive while being much more user-friendly. This with most of the desirable performance features maintained. I definitely see Mantran as a complement to Explosive and the only "problem" is that in at least 90% of all conditions is a funeral ride. What's problematic, it's possible that you will not spend so much time on the Explosive - which is sad because that ski always gives me a little extra wide smile on my lips thanks to its special feeling.
To say something more about the difference, and lead us into the next customer category, you can say that the Explosive requires the rider to do everything but keep the control. It fixes the ski. Mantran allows you to drive significantly more passively if you absolutely want it and it also works in milder conditions, but in return you have to be more chopped when driving at the limit of what you can do. That's why I estimate that Mantran can safely fit 10 times more skiers than what the explosive actually did.
In conclusion, Mantran is, first of all, a worthy successor to the Explosive and, in any sense, probably a better ski. Secondly, I see it as an interesting option for many of those who, for example, snuggle on a Karma but definitely do not have to have a real twin tip. Mantran delivers significantly more performance. Third (and last), Mantran is an incredibly good all-round skiing for basically any (free) skiing. It's a ski that I, more than anyone else I went, would feel comfortable wherever I came in the ski world.
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Whatever as long as it's not backwards
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 68 kg
Riders length: 178 cm
A ski that really works for the entire mountain. Delivering cruel performance like edge grip, stability and speed in an easy-to-use package
Weaknesses:
I think recommended boot center location is too far ahead. See more below.
Summary:
When the news that Völkl was finally replacing the old proven V-Explosive ski, I knew I would have difficulty keeping the shopping fingers in control. V-Explosive was the last generation of many years of development of a wide and stable ski for, above all, the offpiste from Völkl. It reminds of the construction of Völkl's classic racing ski with a wooden core, torsion box and heavy metal. The last "real" explosive was the 2003 wizard model (which was basically the same as the 2002 model) and it was here as all wider carving teams for offpiste, as well as converging with the wide-ranging for example helicopter skiing in Canada that really existed for the very long time. The explosive does not have a lot of cutting, 120-95-112 and a side-crossing radius of about 34m for the 190 version, but it was nevertheless a ski that not only rich helicopters but also real mountain bikers and others could imagine driving. It's no exaggeration to say that Explosive probably belongs to the more legendary skis in the genre - a reputation that is due to the right rigidity and the fact that the ski is regarded as an unhealthy steady steam locomotive at any time. My own review from 2003 (http://www.freeride.nu/review/view.php?id=980) gives an indication of the ski's performance. The conclusion is that it is an incredible ski with almost unmatched cut, grip and calm, but it is also demanding and definitely not for everyone.
The following year, Völkl Gotama came as a ski with the same side cut, but 1cm wider straight off. Many probably saw it as a substitute, but although Gotaman has definitely been, and is a successful model and has its followers, it also made a lot of riders disappointed. Gotama is another construction that does not contain metal, for example, and it lacks the little extra that some of us used to from the Explosive. A short, short review of Gotaman from me is available at http://www.freeride.nu/review/view.php?id=2129
This leads us back to 2006 Völkl Mantra, which thus shares Explosive Design like the glass fiber box on the Explosive is of "plain fabric" while the Mantran has a woven stocking where the fibers can be directed differently to provide relatively more twisting stiffness. Mantran is a bit softer even than the recent vintages of Explosive (early Explosive was roughly stiff). The biggest difference, however, is that the Mantran has a broad top (and an ounce narrow waist actually, 129-94-112). It feels a bit softer than Explosive and also has a different and slightly more peeky peak. One of the really big differences is where the recommended mounting point (boot center) is located. A comparison between 184 Mantra and 190 V-Explosives provides by law that Mantran has the boot center marking 6 cm further forward (relative to the center of the ridge). It's not a bit of it. With the boot center next to each other, the Mantra 184 has a one-and-a-half-inch rear end than 190 Explosive. After a lot of thought, I mounted my 184 Mantra 2cm and it is something I can recommend right so unreservedly to anyone who is not going to head backwards, spin the air or possibly lie and carve at low speed in well-prepared slopes with their skis. The review is based on this 20mm rear mounting (at 302mm load, I think a bit less rear mounting for those who have significantly less shoes).
So, how does the ski work? In short: incredibly good. Firstly, the skid has extremely good edge grip on hard surfaces as well as V-Explosive. Both in classic short-range and in clean cut, the grip is simply brilliant. Mantran is also a ski that combines calm and vividness in a nice way. The ski pulls you into turns and really invites to edge hard. Nevertheless, it is calm and controlled in the cutting edge at any speed. Both of these properties are found in both soft and hard pistons. At a very fast run straight ahead or when you lose the cutting edge, the poor stability of the Explosive remains. I do not think this will be due to the length, bonding or stiffness but simply a function of the cut. A main reason for the calm of Explosives is simply that it does not want to turn. At Mantran, which is clearly more pivotal, you have to pay for this because you need to add a little more concentration to what the skid does when it comes to "uncontrolled" rides. Note that this is the case when you get along quickly, when you do not cut the joints and it's really messy and bumpy. Dessuomt is the comparison with one of the class's quietest slides, Explosive. When it comes to burning power straight through obstacles, Mantran is very good, only marginally worse than the explosive (and probably the Mantra 191 snap is warmer).
Finally, it's a piste property that I want to mention and that is that the ski is fast. With that I do not mean that it has a good glide without it can take very much pressure in the swing without bending and braking. Common mortals probably do not notice this if it is steep, but when it's flat and slightly softer it's clear. Many skis get as well as a defined top speed. The only thing that happens when pushing and edging is that the ski runs sideways. Skiing like Explosive and Mantra (and basically all race-oriented skis) just accelerates. The difference between the two is that Mantran is significantly easier to get any kick out and does not require the same speed as Explosive to get it right.
Unfortunately, I did not run Mantran in "bottomless than" but it became a bit of fluff after all, some single turns open and a lot of forest. Here it feels like I found a good compromise with 2cm rear mounting. No hint of dives and it could stand neutral and let the whole ski lay in the snow (and thus get good speed) without feeling strange. In fact, there is not much more to say than that the ski felt very naturally under the feet of the solder and that it was almost as stable and safe as the Explosive.
So, what is this ski for? Perhaps you can divide the prospective customers into two catagories. Those who used to run Explosive and those who did not. As for the first catagorine, it has been said that Mantran is too little changed to be a "necessary upgrade". That is a reasoning I disagree with. In my opinion, it is a rather different ski run. It is more "normal" than Explosive while being much more user-friendly. This with most of the desirable performance features maintained. I definitely see Mantran as a complement to Explosive and the only "problem" is that in at least 90% of all conditions is a funeral ride. What's problematic, it's possible that you will not spend so much time on the Explosive - which is sad because that ski always gives me a little extra wide smile on my lips thanks to its special feeling.
To say something more about the difference, and lead us into the next customer category, you can say that the Explosive requires the rider to do everything but keep the control. It fixes the ski. Mantran allows you to drive significantly more passively if you absolutely want it and it also works in milder conditions, but in return you have to be more chopped when driving at the limit of what you can do. That's why I estimate that Mantran can safely fit 10 times more skiers than what the explosive actually did.
In conclusion, Mantran is, first of all, a worthy successor to the Explosive and, in any sense, probably a better ski. Secondly, I see it as an interesting option for many of those who, for example, snuggle on a Karma but definitely do not have to have a real twin tip. Mantran delivers significantly more performance. Third (and last), Mantran is an incredibly good all-round skiing for basically any (free) skiing. It's a ski that I, more than anyone else I went, would feel comfortable wherever I came in the ski world.
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Whatever as long as it's not backwards
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 68 kg
Riders length: 178 cm
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Strengths:
Have tested it for 7 days ... Kala's ski, works throughout the mountain. If you like speed in the piste, you have to "work" with the ski to make it feel safe and like snowing under the skis, in ice-skis, it slips into a slight insecurity. Offpist then gets the review "I like..a lot"
Weaknesses:
There is no! .. the ski is created to handle the entire mountain firmly a bit more for the offpist pitch .. it takes advantage of all the different conditions .. and gives you a great day!
Summary:
I'm a proud owner of these ...
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Piste, powder
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 87 kg
Riders length: 180 cm
Have tested it for 7 days ... Kala's ski, works throughout the mountain. If you like speed in the piste, you have to "work" with the ski to make it feel safe and like snowing under the skis, in ice-skis, it slips into a slight insecurity. Offpist then gets the review "I like..a lot"
Weaknesses:
There is no! .. the ski is created to handle the entire mountain firmly a bit more for the offpist pitch .. it takes advantage of all the different conditions .. and gives you a great day!
Summary:
I'm a proud owner of these ...
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Piste, powder
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 87 kg
Riders length: 180 cm
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Mounted for Telemark with R8 binding.
Have only driven the skis one day so far - started with powder and finished with piles of snow combined with slippery hard parties. The skis are amazing - incredibly playful. Flies enormously. Also sits very well on hard / icy surfaces. Good stability. I also drive Dynastar Legend ProRider on Telemark. Compared to these skis, they are a bit lighter and a lot smoother. The ProRider requires more concentration and pressure. The mantra is more playful. They have a good boost. At high speeds on slightly varying surfaces, preferably with large turns, Dynastar Prorider is a bit more stable (Fartsski). But by all means - the Mantra met my expectations 100%. Looking forward to more snow!
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Telemark - off piste - on pist - powder - top trip
Length on the ski: 191 cm
Riders weight: 87 kg
Riders length: 190 cm
Have only driven the skis one day so far - started with powder and finished with piles of snow combined with slippery hard parties. The skis are amazing - incredibly playful. Flies enormously. Also sits very well on hard / icy surfaces. Good stability. I also drive Dynastar Legend ProRider on Telemark. Compared to these skis, they are a bit lighter and a lot smoother. The ProRider requires more concentration and pressure. The mantra is more playful. They have a good boost. At high speeds on slightly varying surfaces, preferably with large turns, Dynastar Prorider is a bit more stable (Fartsski). But by all means - the Mantra met my expectations 100%. Looking forward to more snow!
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Telemark - off piste - on pist - powder - top trip
Length on the ski: 191 cm
Riders weight: 87 kg
Riders length: 190 cm
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Strengths:
Cannon Add as a Friend! Goes like the train in the piste too. The most versatile layer of the year.
Weaknesses:
Not found yet. Can not really believe I'll do it either!
Summary:
Satisfied owner.
Model year: 2006
Riding style: The whole mountain. Ex competitor / ski instructor.
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 76 kg
Riders length: 182 cm
Cannon Add as a Friend! Goes like the train in the piste too. The most versatile layer of the year.
Weaknesses:
Not found yet. Can not really believe I'll do it either!
Summary:
Satisfied owner.
Model year: 2006
Riding style: The whole mountain. Ex competitor / ski instructor.
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 76 kg
Riders length: 182 cm
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Strengths:
Scrolls through everything. As a freight train. Braflyt. As a blend between old worm explosive and k2 Seth gun. Despite its width, it can be punched, even if there are quite long turns.
Weaknesses:
Importance. If you go on a trip they may be in the heaviest team.
Summary:
The perfect ski for me. Heavy, want to go the most outside (but now that you plug it will probably only be the seal), but works everywhere. Looks incredibly cool. But best of all! The plump metal noise that emerges when you cross dwarf guns and overall teeth! Skiing hated this ?! WHY?
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Powder-piste
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 92 kg
Riders length: 190 cm
Scrolls through everything. As a freight train. Braflyt. As a blend between old worm explosive and k2 Seth gun. Despite its width, it can be punched, even if there are quite long turns.
Weaknesses:
Importance. If you go on a trip they may be in the heaviest team.
Summary:
The perfect ski for me. Heavy, want to go the most outside (but now that you plug it will probably only be the seal), but works everywhere. Looks incredibly cool. But best of all! The plump metal noise that emerges when you cross dwarf guns and overall teeth! Skiing hated this ?! WHY?
Model year: 2006
Riding style: Powder-piste
Length on the ski: 184 cm
Riders weight: 92 kg
Riders length: 190 cm
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I went on these for a couple of days this spring and now I have ordered them!
Really beautiful plowters like scratches of the aluminum (a bit of disturbing noise, but you're getting used to it ...)
A little trivia;
They have the same shape / cut as K2 SethPistols (yellow / last year). I held them against eachother and they follow each other exactly down to the backtail, which is small on mantra compared to K2.
Then you have gone to K2 SP so you know the cut, then add a lot of twist and you have these cannon skis!
Model year: 2006
Riders weight: 76 kg
Really beautiful plowters like scratches of the aluminum (a bit of disturbing noise, but you're getting used to it ...)
A little trivia;
They have the same shape / cut as K2 SethPistols (yellow / last year). I held them against eachother and they follow each other exactly down to the backtail, which is small on mantra compared to K2.
Then you have gone to K2 SP so you know the cut, then add a lot of twist and you have these cannon skis!
Model year: 2006
Riders weight: 76 kg
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Perfect skiing for the entire mountain. The skid is tough, stable and easy to ride. Völkl has once again picked up a cannon ski that will suit most skiers who want a ski for the whole mountain, those who liked G4 will love Mantran only the minus is the slim twin tip.
Ridden 177 and 184, 191 cm will reign!
Model year: 2006
Riders weight: 78 kg
Ridden 177 and 184, 191 cm will reign!
Model year: 2006
Riders weight: 78 kg
Translated by Google ・ Show original