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Volkl M7 Mantra Review

This ski makes a triumphant return to the podium thanks to a winning combination of new technologies
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Volkl M7 Mantra Review (A remarkable improvement that builds upon award-winning skis of the past, the Volkl M7 Mantra does it all very well.)
A remarkable improvement that builds upon award-winning skis of the past, the Volkl M7 Mantra does it all very well.
Credit: Nate Greenberg
Price:  $850 List
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Manufacturer:   Volkl
By Bobby Garrett ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 31, 2024
86
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 13
  • Stability at Speed - 20% 10.0
  • Carving Ability - 20% 9.0
  • Powder Performance - 20% 8.0
  • Crud Performance - 20% 9.0
  • Terrain Playfulness - 20% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Volkl M7 Mantra takes over where its older brother left off. It builds upon the successes of its predecessor to retain our Editors' Choice award among this year's best skis. Volkl's tested and proven technologies return with slight improvements, all of which combine to create a ski that can do it all confidently and with precision. Innovations to preexisting design features – like an additional sidecut built into 4 Radius Drive and a titanal frame now tailored to each specific ski length – make the M7 the most polished version of the Mantra line to date. Our test team has come to expect excellence from this legendary line of skis, and the M7 Mantra has only inspired us to ski harder. Grab this highly versatile all-mountain ski, no matter the terrain or snow conditions, and have fun exploring the entire mountain.
REASONS TO BUY
Powerful in crud
Predictable on groomers
Versatile across the mountain
REASONS TO AVOID
A bit too damp to be very playful
Editors' Note: The updated M7 Mantra is new to the Volkl line for 2024-2025. We were able to purchase the M7 Mantra ahead of its release to test through the 2023-2024 season.

Compare to Similar Products

 
volkl m7 mantra
This Product
Volkl M7 Mantra
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Men's All-Mountain Ski
Top Pick Award
Our Favorite Carving Ski
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Top Pick Award
Best All-Mountain Ski for Powder
Price $849.99 at Evo
Compare at 2 sellers
$750 List
$749.95 at Backcountry
$409.96 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$511.46 at Amazon
Compare at 4 sellers
$799.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This legendary ski will help you overcome any challenge the mountain puts in front of youA versatile design makes for a well-accomplished all-mountain ski that excels in the art of the carveStrong, athletic skiers will be able to dance down the mountain on this powerful skiA solid blend of performance and value for the intermediate-to-advanced skierThis ski is a fantastic choice when you know the snow will be deep, but otherwise, it fails to provide the versatility of an all-mountain ski
Rating Categories Volkl M7 Mantra Armada Declivity 92 Ti Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Salomon QST 92 Black Diamond Impul...
Stability at Speed (20%)
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Carving Ability (20%)
9.0
9.5
7.0
8.0
3.0
Powder Performance (20%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
10.0
Crud Performance (20%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
3.0
Terrain Playfulness (20%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Volkl M7 Mantra Armada Declivity 92 Ti Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Salomon QST 92 Black Diamond Impul...
Length Tested 184 cm 188 cm 180 cm 184 cm 189 cm
Waist Width 96 mm 92 mm 95 mm 92 mm 98 mm
Sidecut (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) 139-96-121 mm 133-92-119 mm 129-94.5-113 mm 129-92-117 mm 132-98-120 mm
Turn Radius 17.9 m (calculated) 18 m 19.3 m 16 m 19 m
Available Lengths 163, 170, 177, 184, 191 cm 164, 172, 180, 188 cm 172, 180, 188 cm 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm 175, 182, 189 cm
Camber Profile Tip/Tail Rocker EST All Mtn Rocker Tip/Tail Rocker Tip/Tail Rocker Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair 9.6 lbs 8.4 lbs 7.9 lbs 8.6 lbs 8.6 lbs
Core Material Multilayer Woodcore, Tiitanal, Carbon Fiber Poplar, Elastomer, Titanal Poplar, Titanal Poplar Poplar, Elastomer, Titanal

Our Analysis and Test Results

Volkl improves upon their critically acclaimed Volkl M6 Mantra with the M7 Manta. Design updates include Volkl's new 4-Radius Drive technology, which grows from the 3D Radius in the M6 Mantra by building an additional sidecut into the M7's turning radius to blend turn shapes better. The Tailored Titanal Frame is now adjusted to each specific ski length – the idea is that longer skis will have more metal to suit larger skiers while smaller skis have less metal so that the overall stiffness and power transmission are consistent throughout the size line. The carbon stringers in the shovel have also been tailored by size and thickness to match the specific size of the ski better.

Performance Comparison


The M7 Mantra is an exceptional on-piste ski for its ability to effortlessly adjust turn shapes, helping it adapt to a variety of styles.
Credit: Bobby Garrett

Stability at Speed


The M7 Mantra tops out scores in this metric, thanks to a beefy blend of materials that keeps this ski on track and stable at any speed. Legendary technologies from past models carry over and have been tweaked within the M7 for improved performance. The multilayer woodcore combines hard and softwoods to try upon the advantages of each. The hardwood is layered adjacent to the sidewall for additional support and improved edge retention, while softwood through the middle reduces weight and increases flex.


The multilayer woodcore is supported by a titanal frame that runs the entire length of the ski. More importantly, this new Tailored Titanal Frame is adapted to the specific geometry of each ski length. This design places the metal frame directly adjacent to the hardwood, sandwiched between the cap and the sidewall. By extending the titanal frame to the edge of the ski, the M7 is torsionally stiffer and does a better job of dissipating vibrations at high speed. The dampness we've come to expect and appreciate from the Mantra feels polished – the M7 interacts with firm snow better than ever before.

We were hard-pressed to find a speed that was not comfortable for the M7.
Credit: Bobby Garrett

Carving Ability


Another one of Volkl's new, innovative technologies is 4 Radius Drive. This new shape builds upon the 3D Radius in the M6 Mantra by adding another radius to the sidecut of the M7. Four different radii, each applied to a different section of the ski, blend along the length of the ski. As revolutionary as this technology sounds, it still takes some time to get used to it. However, after a few runs dialing in our carves, we quickly felt secure and confident with the smooth, progressively flexing M7 underfoot.


Our testers certainly noticed a difference in the carving ability of the M7 Mantra when they skied it alongside the previous M6 build. The M7 still intuitively rolls over to enter turns, but depending on our speed and intent, the edge angle at the start of the turn would drive the outcome.

volkl m7 mantra - the edge-to-edge feel and well-composed flex make this ski a carving...
The edge-to-edge feel and well-composed flex make this ski a carving monster.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Turn Radius


Volkl introduced 4 Radius Drive as a new technology with the M7 Mantra. The blended sidecut is broken up into distinct sections along the length of the ski. From front to back: the shovel has a 20-meter radius to help the M7 initiate faster; between the shovel and front binding is a more open, 40-meter radius; under the binding is a 15-meter radius to engage the camber of the ski; and behind the rear binding to the tail is a more moderate 25-meter radius to smooth out turn transitions.


By our calculations, this translates to an average turn radius of 17.9 meters for the 184 cm ski we tested. However, our carving tests prove this hard-and-fast number doesn't tell the whole story. Shallower edge angles allowed this ski to hook up for shorter, more direct, straight-down-the-fall-line turns. For medium-radius and longer turns, our testers noticed that it was necessary to drive the M7 with more aggressive movements to get it to turn higher up on edge.

volkl m7 mantra - unless you want to skid a bit through larger radius turns, you will...
Unless you want to skid a bit through larger radius turns, you will need to tip the M7 way over on its edge.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Powder Performance


Traditionally, this is the metric where most all-mountain skis – skis that measure around 100 mm underfoot – compromise specific performance for overall versatility. The Mantra M7, however, is surprisingly solid in powder. Our testers generally marked it up for overall flotation compared to other skis we tested. We suspect that Volkl's improved Tailored Carbon Tips positively affect this ski's delicate interaction with powder.


By tailoring the carbon stringers' length and thickness to match the shovel's size better, designers shed weight in the tips while improving rebound. Our test team described the M7 Mantra as “well-composed and manageable,” noting that busting through pockets of powder was particularly exciting. Even though this wouldn't be our first choice on deep powder days, the M7 can confidently hold its own, even in heavy Sierra cement.

volkl m7 mantra - it's not our first choice for a powder ski, but the m7 is...
It's not our first choice for a powder ski, but the M7 is particularly fun if there's a supportive layer underneath the fresh snow.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Waist Width


At only 96 millimeters underfoot, it's no surprise that the M7 Mantra earned top marks for its performance on hardpacked snow. Although some wider skis still outperform the M7 in powder, those other skis are nowhere near as powerful in heavy snow or end-of-the-day chopped-up powder. We'll trade a few millimeters of waist width for additional versatility.


Crud Performance


Crushing crud is difficult for any ski, so the M7 Mantra particularly stands out for its performance in this metric. The technologies inside this ski collaborate beautifully to provide a predictable yet powerful ride. This feeling is dominated by a familiar dampness that absorbs exactly what it needs to get through tough sections of snow.


In certain situations where the tips of other skis in our test flapped nervously, the tips of the M7 absorbed impacts from junky snow underfoot, providing us with the composure to still initiate turns with precision. Through thick glop, refrozen marbles, and every type of crud in between, the M7 responded to our every input with power and grace. Keep this ski engaged with some edge angle, allowing you to ski confidently through any difficult situation.

volkl m7 mantra - the powerful m7 comfortably absorbs any variable snow conditions.
The powerful M7 comfortably absorbs any variable snow conditions.
Credit: Nate Greenberg

Terrain Playfulness


Even if it's not designed for the park or skiing tight moguls, the M7 Mantra is still fun to ski. Volkl's Tailored Titanal Frame delivered on its design intentions of improved agility and high-speed control. A few of our testers noted a distinct “click” sensation in the mid-front of the ski – one tester described it as similar to the third movement in a power clean, where you turn your wrists over to catch the barbell before driving powerfully through the rest of the lift. When you engage the M7 correctly, the positive rebound can be addictive.


It feels like the M7 skis wider than its geometry suggests, though it never felt cumbersome like other powerful skis. It's intuitive to pivot around the center of the ski to make quick adjustments to your course mid-mogul run. The M7 still requires a decent amount of effort, skill, and strength to navigate through narrow spaces, but it is very doable, especially for advanced- and expert-level skiers.

Even though it excels in wide-open terrain, you can confidently ski moguls on the M7, too.
Credit: Renee McCormack

Should You Buy the Volkl M7 Mantra?


The well-documented success of seven generations supports Volkl's Mantra line. We have tested this ski since the second iteration, and it's remarkable to note that every model since then has earned our Editors' Choice award. There are no radical changes or unnecessary frills with the M7 Mantra – just finely tuned points resulting in the most polished version of this ski to date. It has the heart of a GS ski with a wider frame and more versatile internals, crafted specifically to take you anywhere you want to go on the mountain.

What Other Skis Should You Consider?


Even though the M7 Mantra is the highest scoring ski in our lineup, understanding your style and personal preferences will help you compare this ski against other top-scoring models. If you like to bounce around the hill and prefer a slightly more playful ski, the Armada Declivity 92 Ti may be a better choice (even if this ski particularly excels as a carving ski.) Newer skiers will likely find these two skis are too powerful and should direct their attention to the more forgiving and supremely affordable Salomon QST 92.

Bobby Garrett