Volkl’s newest version of the venerable Mantra doesn’t change its tune. It’s a further evolution and refinement of the ski that has been the gold standard for high-performance all-mountain skiing for more than a decade. While definitely not for everyone, the new M7 Mantra does what old Mantras have done, only better.
Groomers & Resort Skiing:
On piste, it carves with the best of them, providing a solid platform to push against, especially in variable and uneven snow, like what you’d find on powder day afternoons. It’s predictable and will reward high edge angles. The 2025 Völkl M7 Mantra features their new 4-Radius Drive technology, also found in the Women’s Secret 96. The general idea is a longer radius in the tip for more predictable edge initiation. That’s followed by a very long radius between the tip and the binding, to provide high-speed stability. Underfoot, there’s a super-short radius for agility and the ability to confidently make quick, pivoting turns when the edges are released. Finally, a moderately long radius from just behind the binding through the tail of the ski provides support from turn to turn.
Translate that to the real world and essentially you have a ski that comes alive at ludicrous speeds and becomes more responsive the harder you push. This isn't a ski that does the work for you, it requires input.
“If you’re expecting the ski to throw you from turn to turn, you will be disappointed.” - Dave Frick
However, if you have the skills to pay the proverbial bills this ski will reward you in stability, power and unflappable confidence on the piste.
“It’s like it’s on railroad tracks when you point it into that super G turn–it will take you along for the ride. The more you push into your boots the more it is going to reward you for it!” - Lucas Boudreau
Powder & Mixed Conditions:
Off piste, however, is where the M7 Mantra really shines. What’s so remarkable about the feeling you get charging these skis through crud is that it’s largely indistinguishable from skiing a groomer. It’s just that smooth.
"The M7 Mantra is definitely a click-in and let er’ rip kind of ski with a super smooth and silky ride on edge that feels like you're on rails no matter the conditions. Super comfortable at higher speeds and has no problems crushing through variable snow conditions. You can definitely feel the vibration dampening of the wood core. A definite winner in the charging category.” - Dave Frick
Park & Jibbing:
Nope. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that testers found it felt a little dead and lacked pop and playfulness–that’s not the design intention here. For those of us looking to pop and boost off natural hits, spend time in the park, or ski deep, soft snow, the M7 Mantra isn’t going to be the best tool for the job.
“It wants to stay glued to the snow–has "anti-pop" and feels like it sinks the second I leave the ground.” - Max Ritter
Who's it for?
It lays trenches on groomers, blast through chunky off-piste snow, and perform like a finely-tuned sports car under the boots of a powerful skier. Understandably, many skiers will likely not get along with the hard-chargers-only personality of the M7 Mantra, but for those that are looking for a ski that can handle their aggression, Volkl’s new rocket ships are even better than the previous version.
Groomers & Resort Skiing:
On piste, it carves with the best of them, providing a solid platform to push against, especially in variable and uneven snow, like what you’d find on powder day afternoons. It’s predictable and will reward high edge angles. The 2025 Völkl M7 Mantra features their new 4-Radius Drive technology, also found in the Women’s Secret 96. The general idea is a longer radius in the tip for more predictable edge initiation. That’s followed by a very long radius between the tip and the binding, to provide high-speed stability. Underfoot, there’s a super-short radius for agility and the ability to confidently make quick, pivoting turns when the edges are released. Finally, a moderately long radius from just behind the binding through the tail of the ski provides support from turn to turn.
Translate that to the real world and essentially you have a ski that comes alive at ludicrous speeds and becomes more responsive the harder you push. This isn't a ski that does the work for you, it requires input.
“If you’re expecting the ski to throw you from turn to turn, you will be disappointed.” - Dave Frick
However, if you have the skills to pay the proverbial bills this ski will reward you in stability, power and unflappable confidence on the piste.
“It’s like it’s on railroad tracks when you point it into that super G turn–it will take you along for the ride. The more you push into your boots the more it is going to reward you for it!” - Lucas Boudreau
Skier: Dave Frick. P: Hanne Lundin Wallengren
Powder & Mixed Conditions:
Off piste, however, is where the M7 Mantra really shines. What’s so remarkable about the feeling you get charging these skis through crud is that it’s largely indistinguishable from skiing a groomer. It’s just that smooth.
"The M7 Mantra is definitely a click-in and let er’ rip kind of ski with a super smooth and silky ride on edge that feels like you're on rails no matter the conditions. Super comfortable at higher speeds and has no problems crushing through variable snow conditions. You can definitely feel the vibration dampening of the wood core. A definite winner in the charging category.” - Dave Frick
Skier: Max Ritter. P: Carter Edwards
Park & Jibbing:
Nope. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that testers found it felt a little dead and lacked pop and playfulness–that’s not the design intention here. For those of us looking to pop and boost off natural hits, spend time in the park, or ski deep, soft snow, the M7 Mantra isn’t going to be the best tool for the job.
“It wants to stay glued to the snow–has "anti-pop" and feels like it sinks the second I leave the ground.” - Max Ritter
Skier: Max Ritter. P: Carter Edwards
Who's it for?
It lays trenches on groomers, blast through chunky off-piste snow, and perform like a finely-tuned sports car under the boots of a powerful skier. Understandably, many skiers will likely not get along with the hard-chargers-only personality of the M7 Mantra, but for those that are looking for a ski that can handle their aggression, Volkl’s new rocket ships are even better than the previous version.
