the Freeskier test was heavily biased toward the fattest, pure powder skis......all the high scores went to them (including a 10 for the Sumo???)
the mounting point makes a big difference
the factory line was moved up 2cm over the Explosiv to make the ski more all-mountain friendly (ie. groomers)
mounting it back 1.5cm brings it back to where it skis the best
huge difference
I'll bet they move the factory line on next year's Mantras
I have the 184cm Mantra and I love it for variable conditions in Tahoe (ie. Sierra cement conditions)
if I lived in Colorado or Utah, the Gotama would be my everyday ski
for Tahoe, though, the Mantra rocks just as it's predecessor did for 10 years