Volkl Mantra V.Werks Skis 2022

The V-Werks Mantra is an all condition Backcountry ski that combines high performance without excess weight. The revolutionary design uses a 3D.Ridge that is raised along the ski centre and tapers sharply towards the edge, giving the ski tip to tail power transmission and significantly reducing weight. A Full Carbon Jacket and Titanal Band ensure lightening quick response and precise handling. It rails long turns like a GS ski, floats effortlessly through soft snow and has the lightness to suit long uphill skins. It's a special model for BC skiers looking for the very best.

Terrain Type & Ability Level

Terrain Type
The Mantra V.Werks is a lightweight freeride or BC ski that is ideally paired up with a tour capable binding. It'll ski anywhere on the mountain though it shines brightest in soft snow where the clever construction and the wide platform ensure plenty of float and the smoothest turns. The light weight will also make sure you have more energy left for the descent after any climbing is finished, and if you do find the snow firmer than you'd like, the grip and precision isn't going to disappoint.

Skier Type
Skiers who want the best equipment where the balance of light weight and performance is perfectly engineered. Decent technique is obviously required for a ski at 99mm underfoot and the kind of areas it would expect to be used in, but this isn't some super-precise carbon ski, the Volkl engineers have got it dialled so that smoothness and precision work in harmony.

Overview

Shape
A 99mm waist favours float over hard snow performance but the carbon construction ensures it does perform way better than most wide skis on firm conditions. The 20.8m radius (178cm) works well with the waist to ensure stability without becoming ponderous to turn. The Moderate Taper setup of the tip and tail produces all mountain handling with a combination of precision on piste and easy control off piste.

Rocker
Tip and Tail Rocker uses camber underfoot for grip and response; the rocker aids turn initiation and release.

Core
The Multilayer Woodcore is a dynamic woodcore with a combination of poplar light and harder beech slots. The use of poplar keeps the weight down without affecting performance; beech adds some extra power and strength.

Construction
The Centre Sidewall build is a result of the 3D.Ridge technology and ensures that underfoot the ski is responsive and precise, with a smoother, more forgiving element at the tip and tail. This construction also features Titanal Band, a Titanal strip which runs in the centre of the ski from tip to tail. This maintains the overall stiffness as well as keeping the weight as low as possible. The Titanal provides a reliable and stable ride quality with the skier benefiting from a balanced mix of smoothness and liveliness.

Key Features

3D.Ridge Carbon
This new manufacturing process makes precise power transmission, as well as liveliness and energy, accessible with minimal effort. The carbon fibres are no longer incorporated as a uniform fleece but now integrated through a stitching procedure in such a way that their orientation and strength meet the functional requirements of each part of the ski. Since the performance of a ski is largely determined by the behaviour in the tip and tail areas, the carbon fibres are concentrated in the front and back third of the ski, where they provide direct benefits. With reliable power transmission, the ski can be controlled precisely and directly, allowing the skier to access previously unknown levels of performance.

V.Werks
Engineered and handcrafted in Germany. This custom series focuses on revolutionary designs that trim every possible gram, which means exclusive use of expensive materials like carbon, aramids and Titanal. Trailblazing engineering and cutting-edge production methods result in an extremely lightweight ski, brimming with world-class performance capabilities without sacrificing even a hint of stability or durability. The construction and ultra-flat design translate into fantastic edge grip and lightning-fast responsiveness, so there are absolutely no limits placed on highly athletic, varied skiing.

Ice Off Topsheet
This the next step in effective weight reduction. The unique surface structure and material composition reduces icing as the snow simply slides off the topsheet. This leads to a drastic reduction of weight in use, on average up to 20% to 30%. Lighter skis prevent fatigue, especially on long and steep uphill sections.

EB tester’s comments: Andrea (Covent Garden) Incredibly manoeuvrable, can turn extremely quickly considering the dimensions and is also precise and responsive with great float in soft snow too. 

Technical Specifications

General Information

• Skier Ability: Advanced/Expert
• Terrain Type: Backcountry
• Rocker: Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius: Medium
• Base: Sintered
• Bindings: Ski sold flat
• DIN: n/a
• Construction: Semi Sidewall
• Core: Wood, Carbon, Titanal Laminate
• Demo: N/A
• Sizing Description: Go shorter for reduced weight and quicker climbing properties, chose a longer length for more floatation and stability.