Völkl M7 Mantra: Full Breakdown
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The quick verdict: The benchmark all-mountain ski, a decade of refinement wrapped around a titanal frame that grips ice and stays calm in chop. ~$800
Overview
The Mantra is the ski other all-mountain skis get measured against, and the M7 earns the name. Its signature trick is 4 Radius Drive: the shovel carries a 20 m radius for fast turn initiation, the section ahead of the binding opens to 40 m, a tight 15 m sits underfoot to engage the camber, and a 25 m tail smooths the exit. In practice the ski simply makes whatever turn you ask for. A tailored titanal frame and carbon tips keep it damp without the dead feel of full metal sheets.
Where It Shines
- Edge hold on firm and icy snow that little else in the category matches
- Composed and quiet at high speed in cut-up snow
- Carves everything from slalom-tight arcs to full-throttle GS turns
Tradeoffs to Know
- At ~2070 g per ski it is a workout in moguls compared with the Ripstick 96
- Prefers an engaged driver; timid skiers will not unlock it
- 96 mm waist is the crossover point, not a true powder shape
Who It’s For
Strong intermediates through experts who ski fast, value grip over playfulness, and want one pair that never feels outgunned. East Coast ice, Rocky Mountain chop, spring slush: it handles all of it.
How It Compares
See how it stacks up in our full guide: The Best All-Mountain Skis of 2026-27. Other picks from that list: Blizzard Rustler 9 · Head Kore 94 Ti · Elan Ripstick 96 · K2 Mindbender 90C.