Völkl Mantra 108 – Review

The quick take

The Völkl Mantra 108 is a directional all‑mountain/freeride charger for advanced to expert skiers who value stability at speed, top‑tier damping in chop, and credible edge hold for a 108‑mm platform. It blends a Titanal Frame, carbon tips, and Völkl’s 3D Radius Sidecut into a powerful, predictable ski that thrives when conditions get messy.

Who it’s for

• Skiers who ski fast, like to stay composed through crud, and want a confidence‑inspiring platform in variable snow.
• Riders seeking one stout daily driver for storm cycles, mixed conditions, and big‑mountain lines.
• Less ideal if you prioritize a playful, surfy feel or prefer mellow cruising.

Construction highlights

• Titanal Frame (0.7 mm around tip/tail + ~0.3 mm underfoot): excellent damping, torsional rigidity, and high‑speed stability.
• Carbon tips: reduce swing weight and tame tip deflection in choppy snow.
• 3D Radius Sidecut: long radii in tip/tail for composure in big turns; shorter center radius for quick edge‑to‑edge.
• Full sidewall + P‑Tex 2100 sintered base: precise power transfer and durable glide.
• Hybrid multilayer woodcore (beech/poplar): strong, lively platform.

Specs (and what they mean)

• Rocker profile: tip & tail rocker with camber underfoot. Flotation in soft snow plus energy and edge grip on firm.
• Dimensions: 146‑108‑129 mm. Big shovel for float and initiation; a versatile 108‑mm waist; supportive tail for finish and stability.
• 3D radius (m): 170 (32/16/30), 177 (36/18/32), 184 (39/19/34), 191 (44/21/36). Long tip/tail radii = stability at speed; shorter center radius = agility when you want it.
• Weight per ski (approx.): 170 cm 2110 g; 177 cm 2230 g; 184 cm 2330 g; 191 cm 2440 g. Heft brings calmness and confidence in chop.
• Lengths: 170, 177, 184, 191 cm. Size appropriately for height, power, and terrain.

On‑snow performance

• Groomers/firm: For a 108, it carves impressively well. Camber and metal provide bite; the 3D radius lets you mix quick fall‑line turns with long, arcing GS lines. Not as snappy as a narrow carver, but very composed.
• Chop/crud: Its calling card. The Mantra 108 plows through heavy, tracked snow without getting deflected, staying damp and directional.
• Powder: Reliable float to around boot‑to‑knee depth. The feel is more directional than surfy—think fast, clean arcs over slashes.
• Trees/bumps: Manageable thanks to lighter tips and the shorter underfoot radius, but the stout tail rewards precision and an active stance.
• Steeps/high speed: Extremely confidence‑inspiring with a quiet, planted ride.

Sizing and mount

• Length: around your height to +5 cm for all‑round use; go longer for high‑speed/off‑piste focus; shorter if you live in trees and bumps.
• Mount: the recommended line balances stability and turn initiation best.

Comparisons

• Völkl Mantra 102: quicker edge‑to‑edge and more lively on hardpack, with less float and power in heavy snow than the 108.
• Head Kore 111/Kore 105: lighter and more playful (especially the 105), easier in tight terrain; less damping and crud‑busting confidence than the Mantra 108.
• Blizzard Cochise 106: similar charger DNA and metal feel; Cochise is quite directional and demanding, while the Mantra 108 offers a touch more turn‑shape versatility.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and damping in variable snow and at speed.
• Strong carving competence for its width.
• Wide operating window from storm days to tracked afternoon conditions.
• Durable build with quality base and sidewalls.

Cons

• Heavier and less playful than many modern “surfy” freeride skis.
• Tail favors strong, precise skiing—less ideal for very relaxed riders.
• Not the quickest edge‑to‑edge compared with narrower all‑mountain options.

Key takeaways

• Stability first: Titanal Frame delivers rare calm in rough snow.
• Carves better than you’d expect for 108 mm.
• Directional personality: more charger than slasher; rewards an engaged pilot.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What skier is the Völkl Mantra 108 best for?
A: Advanced/expert riders who value stability, damping, and speed. The Völkl Mantra 108 shines in mixed conditions, chopped powder, and big, confident turns.

Q: How does the Mantra 108 perform in powder?
A: The 108‑mm waist and tip rocker provide solid flotation to about boot‑to‑knee depth. It’s directional and composed—strong in fast, flowing lines rather than super‑slarvy surfing.

Q: What length should I pick?
A: Around your height to +5 cm suits most. Size up if you charge and ski more off‑piste; size down for tighter trees and frequent bumps.

Q: Which bindings pair well?
A: A stout alpine binding (e.g., Griffon, Attack, STH) or a hybrid like Shift if you’ll do occasional tours. The ski’s power benefits from a solid, precise binding.