@@SkiEssentials hi Bob, great bump skiing indeed! I love to ski zipper line moguls like you did in the video. I’m willing to sacrifice a bit of stability and dampness to make it a bit easier in the moguls. I have the Enforcer 100 and I love them, but they are a bit too much work for me in moguls. I read the M7 reviews and some said they are actually more intuitive and easier than the Enforcer for moguls. Should I consider the M7 or something else? I also demoed the Sender Soul 102 recently and they feel quite good. Thank you!
@@qmbui The new Enforcer 99 is a bit easier than the old 100, and with skis like that, I also feel like sizing down is on the table. It's also acceptable to go a bit narrower, so skis like Kastle Paragon 93, Salomon Stance 96, and Dynastar M-Pro 94 are also noteworthy.
How do these compare to Elan Ripstick 96? I am intermediate skier who enjoys mostly on piste, but want to go a little bit off piste and maybe a bit around the trees.
Been waiting for an update -- thx for the review. Relatively strong skier who has put in a lot of miles over the yrs but getting up there in age (61) -- I am 6'1" at 235 pounds (athletic build). I am looking for versatility and speed in a ski and since this ski is on the heavy and flat side/more directional/carve-oriented etc, I'm thinking it might be advantageous to go with something shorter rather than longer as far as skier fatigue and versatility (trees/bumps etc).. I tried the 177 in the M6 at Schweitzer and I was surprised by how fast and assured it was, but that doesn't mean I'm not curious to try the 184 as far as this update. Thoughts?
I'm 6/2 225 and find a lot of happiness and satisfaction on the 177. I've skied the 184 and find it to be just that much more stable and smooth, but not nearly as engaging. Additionally, the fatigue level is pretty darn different between the two, especially when it comes to bumps, trees, and more technical zones. In wider spaces, sure, you're going to want the 184, but what percentage of your ski day is spent in that realm vs. carving on groomers or exploring bumps and trees? It's kind of use case if you're between sizes like this.
I’m STILL riding my 15/16 flat mantras in 177. Love that ski… it carves, it plows through crud, and it likes to slide and pivot. I’m trying to convince myself that now that I’m 46 I should spend a bit more time on cut runs and a bit less time doing dumb stuff that is fun as heck if you’re 25 and bullet proof. So I want a bit more carve, but keep that trees/powder/gullies performance in the mix. Is this my ski? What would be one notch less demanding? Declivity? Enforcer?
You might find the new Enforcer to be what you're looking for--I recall the 15/16 Mantra as being more woody feeling while the new M7 is more metallic as it uses the frame technology rather than full sheets of metal. I find that this makes the M7 an incredibly precise and strong carver with grip to spare, but it's not quite as dense or sturdy feeling as the new Enforcer 99. Also with that 99, they moved the mount point forward and added more tail rocker, so it does feel like they've boosted the versatility here.
@@SkiEssentials Pretty tight explanation. Thanks! Sounds like if what I want to do is transition to a bit more of a carver, go M7. If I want to keep my inner ski bum alive for a few more years, Enforcer... but in either case, I don't think I can go wrong, no?
Fist of all, I love your videos and find them really helpfull in deciding which skies fit me. I skied the m6 mantra last winter. I tried a 177 (I’m 20 yrs old, 5tf 8 and 140 pounds) and found it a too planky and I had to put too much effort into turning the ski. But when I did get to an open groomer the carving was phenomenal. I have been skiing a Minderbender 90C 156 but I am looking for an upgrade towards the carving side as I am a pretty agressive skier doing long carving turns. Should I downsize and go for the new M7 Mantra in 170 and would you recommend something like a serpo 174
I think the 170 is a good fit in the M7. The Serpo will be somewhat in the middle between the 90C and the M7. Serpo is a great carver with wonderful energy, and easier to wrangle than the Mantra, especially in the 177.
The Justis has more drama in the rocker profile while the Mantra is a flatter overall ski. I like the Justis of these two as it turns uncommonly well for a 100 mm ski and still is very versatile for crud and chop. The M7 can handle adversity to some degree, but takes more work to get there.
I've watched the reviews and read about these, but I still havent got a clear answer if these can handle off piste runs well? All I get is "its not as playful" but does that mean its super difficult on moguls or what?
It's pretty difficult in moguls unless you're a skilled skier or if you size down to access agility. For how well it carves, you can make it work off-piste from time to time and it's a very good ski in crud, spring snow, and wind-buffed conditions.
Relative to the width, the M7 is surprisingly easy to get on edge. The Peregrine is the easiest, and Montero close behind, but for the added 12/14 mm of width, the M7 is incredibly precise and willing.
@@SkiEssentials thanks! I’m an advanced skier, but have only rented gear(no snow where I stay, so I have to fly internationally to ski) and want to pick a pair up. Mostly go to Japan and Europe, piste vs on piste would be 80/20. Any recommendations amongst mantra 88, mantra M7, Montero AR, peregrine 82? I’m quite aggressive and hard charging.
@@chasboland The M7 is considerably more powerful and higher-end for expert skiers and former racers. The Steadfast 85 is a clean and round turner that has surprising carving potential while being accessible for a greater range of skiers.
Very nice bump skiing Bob! Thanks for the review. Great stuff.
Some nice spring lines for sure--took all I had though!
@@SkiEssentials hi Bob, great bump skiing indeed! I love to ski zipper line moguls like you did in the video. I’m willing to sacrifice a bit of stability and dampness to make it a bit easier in the moguls. I have the Enforcer 100 and I love them, but they are a bit too much work for me in moguls. I read the M7 reviews and some said they are actually more intuitive and easier than the Enforcer for moguls. Should I consider the M7 or something else? I also demoed the Sender Soul 102 recently and they feel quite good. Thank you!
@@qmbui The new Enforcer 99 is a bit easier than the old 100, and with skis like that, I also feel like sizing down is on the table. It's also acceptable to go a bit narrower, so skis like Kastle Paragon 93, Salomon Stance 96, and Dynastar M-Pro 94 are also noteworthy.
loving it! #volklmantra
How do these compare to Elan Ripstick 96? I am intermediate skier who enjoys mostly on piste, but want to go a little bit off piste and maybe a bit around the trees.
Been waiting for an update -- thx for the review. Relatively strong skier who has put in a lot of miles over the yrs but getting up there in age (61) -- I am 6'1" at 235 pounds (athletic build). I am looking for versatility and speed in a ski and since this ski is on the heavy and flat side/more directional/carve-oriented etc, I'm thinking it might be advantageous to go with something shorter rather than longer as far as skier fatigue and versatility (trees/bumps etc).. I tried the 177 in the M6 at Schweitzer and I was surprised by how fast and assured it was, but that doesn't mean I'm not curious to try the 184 as far as this update. Thoughts?
I'm 6/2 225 and find a lot of happiness and satisfaction on the 177. I've skied the 184 and find it to be just that much more stable and smooth, but not nearly as engaging. Additionally, the fatigue level is pretty darn different between the two, especially when it comes to bumps, trees, and more technical zones. In wider spaces, sure, you're going to want the 184, but what percentage of your ski day is spent in that realm vs. carving on groomers or exploring bumps and trees? It's kind of use case if you're between sizes like this.
Bigger ski and your height weight will have you making longer arc turns and higher speeds
I’m STILL riding my 15/16 flat mantras in 177. Love that ski… it carves, it plows through crud, and it likes to slide and pivot. I’m trying to convince myself that now that I’m 46 I should spend a bit more time on cut runs and a bit less time doing dumb stuff that is fun as heck if you’re 25 and bullet proof.
So I want a bit more carve, but keep that trees/powder/gullies performance in the mix. Is this my ski? What would be one notch less demanding? Declivity? Enforcer?
You might find the new Enforcer to be what you're looking for--I recall the 15/16 Mantra as being more woody feeling while the new M7 is more metallic as it uses the frame technology rather than full sheets of metal. I find that this makes the M7 an incredibly precise and strong carver with grip to spare, but it's not quite as dense or sturdy feeling as the new Enforcer 99. Also with that 99, they moved the mount point forward and added more tail rocker, so it does feel like they've boosted the versatility here.
@@SkiEssentials Pretty tight explanation. Thanks! Sounds like if what I want to do is transition to a bit more of a carver, go M7. If I want to keep my inner ski bum alive for a few more years, Enforcer... but in either case, I don't think I can go wrong, no?
Fist of all, I love your videos and find them really helpfull in deciding which skies fit me. I skied the m6 mantra last winter. I tried a 177 (I’m 20 yrs old, 5tf 8 and 140 pounds) and found it a too planky and I had to put too much effort into turning the ski. But when I did get to an open groomer the carving was phenomenal. I have been skiing a Minderbender 90C 156 but I am looking for an upgrade towards the carving side as I am a pretty agressive skier doing long carving turns. Should I downsize and go for the new M7 Mantra in 170 and would you recommend something like a serpo 174
I think the 170 is a good fit in the M7. The Serpo will be somewhat in the middle between the 90C and the M7. Serpo is a great carver with wonderful energy, and easier to wrangle than the Mantra, especially in the 177.
@@SkiEssentials Thanks!
How dose it compare to BC Justis ?
The Justis has more drama in the rocker profile while the Mantra is a flatter overall ski. I like the Justis of these two as it turns uncommonly well for a 100 mm ski and still is very versatile for crud and chop. The M7 can handle adversity to some degree, but takes more work to get there.
I've watched the reviews and read about these, but I still havent got a clear answer if these can handle off piste runs well? All I get is "its not as playful" but does that mean its super difficult on moguls or what?
It's pretty difficult in moguls unless you're a skilled skier or if you size down to access agility. For how well it carves, you can make it work off-piste from time to time and it's a very good ski in crud, spring snow, and wind-buffed conditions.
does it feel like it requires a lot more effort to bring on edge vs a Montego AR or peregrine 82 ?
Relative to the width, the M7 is surprisingly easy to get on edge. The Peregrine is the easiest, and Montero close behind, but for the added 12/14 mm of width, the M7 is incredibly precise and willing.
@@SkiEssentials thanks! I’m an advanced skier, but have only rented gear(no snow where I stay, so I have to fly internationally to ski) and want to pick a pair up. Mostly go to Japan and Europe, piste vs on piste would be 80/20. Any recommendations amongst mantra 88, mantra M7, Montero AR, peregrine 82? I’m quite aggressive and hard charging.
@@RLEEJY051298 Mantra 88 would be my choice based on your stats and application. Amazing skis.
Torn between these and the Nordica Steadfast 85 . Seem very similar, your thoughts?
@@chasboland The M7 is considerably more powerful and higher-end for expert skiers and former racers. The Steadfast 85 is a clean and round turner that has surprising carving potential while being accessible for a greater range of skiers.
Vocol? :D