Review: Völkl M7 Mantra

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Völkl’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. While definitely not for everyone, the new M7 Mantra does what old Mantras have done, only better–lay trenches on groomers, blast through chunky off-piste snow, and perform like a finely-tuned sports car under the boots of a powerful skier.

In a nutshell:

• Lengths Skied: 184, 191 cm
• Stated Weight: 2090 g
• Stated Dimensions: 139 / 96 / 121
• Stated Sidecut: (R1) 25 m, (R2) 39 m, (R3) 15 m, (R4) 19 m

Size, Shape, and Construction

The 2025 Völkl M7 Mantra features their new 4-Radius Drive technology, also found in the Women’s Secret 96. The exact radius numbers change throughout the size range, but 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 to provide support from turn to turn. What does that all mean? A ski that’s solid and stable when flat on the snow, and handles predictably when put on edge. The M7 Mantra is available in a large size run, including 163, 170, 177, 184, 191cm lengths.

Inside, not much has changed from the existing version. Itl features a full woodcore, full-length sidewalls, a titanal frame, carbon-reinforced tips, and of course the stiff and damp character the ski is loved for.

Where does the Völkl M7 Mantra shine?

Volkl’s updated M7 Mantra is a fun ski in a bit of an unorthodox way. It’s not playful or jibby in the traditional sense, but it will definitely put a huge smile on your face when your maching down whatever lays in front of you, feeling like the ski will respond to your every input. It’s like bringing a highly-tuned rally car to a race course, or World Cup-caliber downhill bike to the Whistler Bike Park. In other words, it comes alive at ludicrous speeds, and becomes more responsive the harder you push.

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. Off piste, however, is where the M7 Mantra really shines–what’s so remarkable about the feeling you get is that it’s largely indistinguishable from skiing a groomer. It’s just that smooth.

One tester, already a big fan of the existing skis, says: “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. 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.”

Another adds, “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!”

Where does the Völkl M7 Mantra make some compromises?

On a ski that’s this stiff and stable, 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. Instead, that’s where lighter and more playful skis like Völkl’s Blaze 104 or Revolt 104 come into play.

One tester says, “If you’re expecting the ski to throw you from turn to turn, you will be disappointed.”

Another adds: “It wants to stay glued to the snow–has "anti-pop" and feels like it sinks the second I leave the ground.”

What would a perfect day on the Völkl M7 Mantra look like?

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, Völkl’s new rocket ships are even better than the previous version. A perfect day would be showing up at your local hill late on a powder day, because, you know, work or kids or other commitments, and making the most of the leftovers during a few high-speed top to bottom laps under your favorite chairlift.