Völkl M5 Mantra review 2019

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

The new 5th generation Mantra from Völkl has been entirely redesigned. The structure has changed with the inclusion of a Titanal frame that goes around the ski instead of the traditional plates that were inserted in the core.

Given the large number of questions we get about this, we would like to remind you that Titanal is the trade name given to an aluminum-based alloy that has excellent mechanical properties. It is unrelated to titanium, which is in fact completely absent from its composition.

The size of the waist has been reduced considerably from 100 mm to 96 mm. The turn radius is smaller as well.

The ski is easier to handle but has still kept most of its character. Our testers noted the ski's potential both on and off-piste.

The use of Titanal around the ski's edges does not reduce the ski's rigidity -- the Mantra M5 is still a stiff ski. Its edge grip and stability are impressive. The testers particularly liked the fact that the ski would not “break away once it is on edge." Despite a relatively short length (177 cm), the ski's edge grip and stability "make you want to go fast."

Its off-piste performance is good, and it is especially comfortable in chopped-up snow.

However, it requires physical effort and technical skill, and it is not particularly forgiving.

The new M5 Mantra has inherited many of its predecessors' qualities. We found the ski more maneuverable but not necessarily easier than previous versions. We recommend this ski for advanced to expert skiers looking for a high-performance ski that is as happy on groomed slopes as it is in powder.

Review: Pros

• A fast high-performance ski
• Stable at high speed
• Good edge grip
• Holds the line in turns
• Cuts through chopped-up snow
• Great in short turns

Review: Cons

• Although a lot more agile than its predecessors, the Mantra M5 is still a technically and physically demanding ski, and you will need time to adapt to it.

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Manufacturer's remarks

Since 2005, when the Mantra first appeared on the market, this performance-oriented all-mountain back ski quickly attained immense popularity worldwide. Now launching the fifth generation of Mantra, the M5 Mantra, Völkl has opened up a new chapter for this legendary and successful ski for 2018/2019. Thanks to the Titanal Frame technology and its more complex manufacturing process, the Titanal is concentrated exactly where the ski benefits the most: there is 0.6mm of Titanal along the full sidewalls and the entire tip and tail. Under the binding, a second, thinner Titanal plate makes the ski stiff enough to hold the binding screws, and is as durable as a metal ski, making it extremely resistant. This plate is 0.3mm thick and so there is more flex in the waist. The layer of carbon in the tip increases torsional stiffness without adding any extra weight. The Mantra M5 has also been redesigned with camber underfoot, and a rocker in the tip and tail for more pop and rebound in turns.

Features of the M5 Mantra

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™