Need Help: Mantra or Prophet 100

I didn't want to do this, but I read through every thread I could find on the Mantra and the Prophet 100 and still can't decide which one will be better for me. I'll probably be JONGed mercilessly, but if you could give me some advice after the abuse it would be really cool.

Basically, I'm looking for one-ski quiver/everyday type ski for western resort skiing. I demoed the 05/06 Mantra (184cm) at Squaw back in 06 and really liked it's hardpack performance, unfortunately, Squaw didn't get snow for about a week before that so I couldn't really try them on anything else.

I've been reading a lot of the Prophet 100 reviews and these sound like pretty much what I am looking for, but I don't have any demo options and I'm not exactly sure how they compare with the Mantra's or what length I should go with. From the reviews I've read so far, it seems that the Prophets handle the hardpack/ice just as well as the Mantras, but are better in the pow. Also, the Prophets are also a bit better when things start to get bumpy.

Me= 6', 160lbs. Solid technique - racing background. Like to ski fast and aggressive, but also like a ski that can carve some short turns when needed.

So which one: Mantra (probably 184cm) or Prophet 100 (179cm or 186cm)?

the 186. with the turned up tail, they will ski shorter than 186.

holy crap dude - there is a thread on the prophets vs 188 bros on the next page that also covers the mantra vs prophet questions you just asked. I'll do it because you expexted it . . . JONG

Go with this year's Mantras in a 184.

Ive skied the 184 mantra (08) and the 186 prophet and honestly they are two very similar skis, the mantra did a bit better in heavy crud and on hard pack in my opinion. The prophet was a bit more lively. Both are a great ski. My suggestion go with the one you can get cheapest. You wont be disappointed either way.

Since you have a racing background, I'd go with the Prophets. They have a ton of shape and a super short radius turn (for a fat ski). I used to race and love the feeling of a good crankin' turn, and the prophets are $$$$. Plus, as you've heard, they're amazing in the pow!!!!! 100mm underneath is perfect...

Trigger pulled on the 186cm Prophet 100. Thanks for the help!

I'm definitely going with Look binders, but what do you guys think of the Lifter version for this ski?

I remember reading something about how a little lift (6mm in the PX case) gets you better aligned with the roll center of a wider ski (or something like that). I noticed that the Jester has a stand height of 23mm (Duke = 34mm) while the PX lifter is around 20mm. People seem to like the Duke/Jester on their wider skis so sounds like a little lift is a good thing for maximizing versatility. Also noticed on the Dynastar website that the PX is only sold as the Lifter (6mm lift) and Jib (3mm lift) with wide brakes (although I have seen the 18DIN model sold flat/wide brakes). Looks like the binding manufacturers feel that wide skis benefit from at least a little lift - what do you guys think?

Yeah, read that other Line vs. Bro thread, I posted almost the same thing there. But here goes. The Mantra is stiffer damper, and move like a race ski to me. It can be driven pretty fast without feeling sketchy, and when mounted back a bit really doesn't have a speed limit in my opinion.

The Line is turny, poppy, light, and fun. I had one of my best days this year on a pair of 100's. At 186 with a bigger twin than the Mantra, the ski is basically the same in size as the 184 Mantra. However, for me the float in powder was night and day. I could got after it with the Lines in untracked as fast as I wanted without worrying about tip dive. The Mantra on the other hand simply did not float for me without giving it a lot of attention, or even going to a more old school "up and down" active kind of turn. This even after going to a 1.5cm back mounting position. In trees and soft bumps the Line was super playful and fun as hell. The Mantra is fine too, just more work and more tiring. In hard bumps I strongly preferred the Mantra as the line was a little too wide and got pushed around a bit. On groomers both are fun. On soft western snow the Line was great. But the second the snow got a little hard the Mantra won hands down. The Line's tip deflected more and you couldn't really drive it like the Mantra. The Mantra is also more at home in variable snow. It isn't a true "big mountain" bomber like Legends or Squads. However, it is solid and more similarities to such skis than the Lines. (again, especially with a rear mounting position). I dropped into a steep sketchy line with the Lines that turned out to be 3 inches of soft with ice and death cookies underneath. I was quickly on my ass. However, on the Mantras I could have charged right through it. Straightlining I would take the Mantra over the Line hands down, no question.

In conclusion, if you want the most playful, funniest, lightest ski that is best in powder get the Line. If you want a more solid feeling ski that will be serviceable in powder, but do really well on hard snow get the Mantra. It won't float the same as the Line, but it will give you more hard and variable snow flexibility.

Okay... first time...

JONG!!

that felt good. I need a smoke.

As far as your binding question goes, a lifter certainly wouldn't be a bad idea. Fat skis take a lot more effort to get them on edge, so a lifter would definitly make it easier. That being said, I don't have lifters on mine and i have no problem. And just for the record, the prophets are such a light ski, it seems like sacrilege to put a big-ass Look on there. I'd go with Solly's. IMO, they're the best bindings to pair with Line skis (and I've had a few pairs...)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chiz

I need a smoke.

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Amen.

I've never used Sollys so I don't really have anything against them. Pre-released out of Markers and Tyrolias in the past, but Looks have been good to me so far so I figured I'd just stick with what I know works. That being said, I'm open to new things - what Sollys do you recommend for the Prophet?

I have Z12s on my Prophets and I have no complaints. Might want to look at the STH 16s as well.