I had that ski back in the day in a 184 and "more shovel" wasn't a thought that ever crossed my mind. You have them in your possession, right? How far back does -2-3-cm put you from true center? Like -13 or -14-cm?
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I measured approx -10cm from true center on both the 184 as the 191 so 2-3cm would be -12, -13cm. On the Katana 191 the line is marked -14 from true center.
I found old specs and radius for the 184 vs 191Mantra and they are 22 vs 24M. As I mentioned I also have the 184 model and it's mounted on the line. I ski it occasionally but unlike you I always wished for "more shovel" ...that's on any conditions apart from the piste. Hence my thoughts that moving a bit back on the 191. My idea is that most manufacturers when they design a certain model they would like the different lenghts to "feel similar" which is in my mind the opposite to what I want to achieve. I.e I don't want the 191 to "feel similar" to the 184 I want it to "feel" more like the Katana which make me fly down the mountain ... ;-) :-) BUT with a bit better edge grip on hard conditions, i.e the 96 vs 112mm under foot would most certain give me that. Of course they are two different beasts but I hope you get the idea.
LA,
If you want a skinnier metal Katana with better edge grip but still has the same general life strategy, get an M4 Mantra.
Personally I wouldn’t reach for the OG fully cambered Mantra if there is any chance I’m skiing fresh snow. Set them up for firmer conditions.
Put some demos on them and play with mount point or mount them and ski them. What’s that ski worth…$50-$100? Just do it.
And the “I want it to ski more like a Katana” is interesting. The Katana had a notoriously long shovel in that first 1-2 generations to make them better in deep snow. Plus they had flat or reverse camber. That’s why so many people started going +1 or more on the Katana to make them ski shorter and be more manageable.
But whatever. You’re an Uber rearward mount guy living in a world of ever forward moving progressive mount points. Do what makes you happy.
Take these old 191 mantras and experiment. Hit me up and I'll ship em out.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1c3c4d155d.jpg
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Those things rip!
Never selling mine
Going by memory, my 2013 metal Katana mount is something like -13 while my M4 Mantra is -9.
Attachment 494717
I keep getting afraid that they will discontinue the VW Katana so I re-upped with a new pair on sale and some Trab TR-1 bindings. Gonna try a one ski quiver for Switzerland next season. Schwing!
Did you find a deal on those TR1s?
If so any left?
Trab TR-1 were at Oliunid at $420 + $25 ship
Even though I only have a few days on them, I really like the 184 Revolt 114 and am thinking about stepping up to the 191 since they are reasonably priced this summer. Great ski.
Anyone know who’s making the new volkl “smart glue” skins? Also curious about the cross compatibility of their newer mantra/katana vw skins with the new tip design
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I still wanna try a fresh new pair of 191 M6 Mantras before they get hard to find. I have a feeling I'd love them as my super firm snow ski. They aren't too thin but thin enough to feel significantly more nimble in bumps than Katana 108s.
Someone went and left a unicorn at the ski swap and I was the first one in the building. Overpay or not, these are immaculate and now freshly mounted.
Attachment 503286Attachment 503287
I will happily enjoy skiing these, but if you're holding onto a 2013 of similar (or even inferior) quality I will gladly trade them for it.
I saw a set of 190cm Gotama Tokyo nights graphic at a thrift shop for $25. Some top sheet chipping but the bases and edges were clean. If anyone wants them I'm happy to grab them and ship them to you for cost.
I like my M6's a lot but I wouldn't plan on them being good bump skis. Unless you can turn any bump effortlessly already.
They are quick and turn short, very easily but I think their medium stiffness might push back too much.
Contrarily, it's the fastest turner I have and in a 184, I might manage some bumps fairly handily. If you paid me...
Also, talked to a local OG racer friend and he said 2 hard locals have delammed the M6 right where the titanal sheets were changed to a 3 part section instead of 1.
I'ma say bumping would ask for that.
Christ, I'm volkl heavy right now. One M6, two M102's and a Revolt 114. I need some spancership booty.