Mantra construction??

**skea 457** · 05-02-2005, 12:12 AM

After all the hype around the Mantras I was surprised to see that the mounting hole instructions printed on them say 3.5mm diameter. I was under the impression that any ski with any meat in it was meant to be drilled to 4.1mm and tapped? Does this mean there is no metal in the top sheet?

**SquawMan** · 05-02-2005, 06:10 AM

two things:

(1) can you take a pic of the mounting instructions and post them here, my Mantras didn't come with them

(2) send a PM to "JimS", he's been on both Explosivs as well as Mantra's and can probably answer the question

I bought 184 cm Mantra's and haven't mounted them yet, but the top sheet is definitely titanal and is supposed to be the same construction as the Explosiv it replaces

I'll post close-up side shots below

then somebody with an Explosiv can do the same so we can compare them if that's of any help

**SquawMan** · 05-02-2005, 06:13 AM

on second read, I guess you said instructions are on the mounting hole label, so I can see it on my skis (3.6mm)

how deep is the mounting holes on Explosivs??? anyone know?

**skea 457** · 05-02-2005, 01:24 PM

The metal you can see on the sides of the ski may or may not extend across the full width of the ski. I know some skis have a top edge which is only there to protect against chunks being taken off the sidewall and topsheet. But it would be odd for them to have the metal top edge as well as another sheel of metal on top of the ski which didn't cover the binding mounting area.

I am just confused because I was under the impression that 3.6mm diameter holes are only for skis without a wood core or a metal topsheet and the Mantra supposedly has both. The binding mounting screws are not self tapping so the smaller hole size is usually only used only when the ski is made of softer materials. The depth of the holes is determined by the drill bit but it is around 10-11mm.

From Al's Ski Barn:
There was only one way to replace the Explosiv. With something better. Volkl uses the same construction (wood core, torsion box, 2 sheets of titanal) as in the Explosiv, but with a slightly deeper sidecut. The Volkl Mantra has the same stability in the crud, the same float in powder, with more versatility when conditions firm up. Many skiers now use a ski this wide as their everyday ski. For them, it will be hard not to go for the Volkl Mantra.

**SquawMan** · 05-02-2005, 01:35 PM

from what I've heard, it has the same construction as the Explosiv, but a different shape

this is a video of Ingrid Backstrom saying as much

http://www.biglines.com/videos/SIA05/volkl.wmv

why don't you email your local Volkl rep to check for sure, then post what he says

**SquawMan** · 05-04-2005, 06:11 AM

see description of construction.....

'06 Volkl Mantra

Volkl uses the same construction (wood core, torsion box, 2 sheets of titanal) as in the Explosiv, but with a slightly deeper sidecut. The Volkl Mantra has the same stability in the crud, the same float in powder, with more versatility when conditions firm up.

Features:
Power Contruction
Sensorwood
2 Sheet of Titanal

**ChowdahRidah** · 05-04-2005, 09:36 AM

HOLY CRAP Ingrid Backstrom is freaking HOT!!!!

I could listen to her talk about skis all day with her head on my pillow. Hmmmmm.

**squaretail** · 05-13-2005, 08:21 AM

The Mantra's construction is indeed identical to the Explosiv, which means that there is a titanal topsheet. It should be drilled with a 4.1 x 9mm. The 3.6 is an error.

And yes, Ingrid is very hot...

**Tuckerman** · 05-13-2005, 08:32 AM

I would go 4.1. No matter what drill size you use I would tap that thing.

**Core Shot** · 05-13-2005, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by Tuckerman

I would . . . tap that thing.

Yes, Ingrid is hot.

**SquawMan** · 05-13-2005, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by squaretail

The Mantra's construction is indeed identical to the Explosiv, which means that there is a titanal topsheet. It should be drilled with a 4.1 x 9mm. The 3.6 is an error.

And yes, Ingrid is very hot...

are you a Volkl rep? why would a shop agree to do that if the sticker on the ski says 3.6? won't it void the warranty?

**splat** · 05-13-2005, 10:00 AM

I've cut an Explosive up the middle, full length. The metal is the thickest I've seen. Other skis I've cut up have titanal that is paper thin. The Explosive has a wood spacer between two very thick sheets of metal.

13 · 05-13-2005, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by splat

I've cut an Explosive up the middle, full length. The metal is the thickest I've seen. Other skis I've cut up have titanal that is paper thin. The Explosive has a wood spacer between two very thick sheets of metal.

CMH or Red topsheet Explosives?

**squaretail** · 05-13-2005, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by SquawMan

are you a Volkl rep? why would a shop agree to do that if the sticker on the ski says 3.6? won't it void the warranty?

I'm not a sales rep, but yes, I am linked to the company. I mainly lurk here, enjoying all the posts and wildy different opinions. I've only posted myself to clear up any specific questions relevant to our gear - and I try to do so in an unbiased manner as possible.

Regarding the shops and warranty, there are very few Mantras out there at retail right now - less than 30 pair, and they're at a small handful of shops. We've communicated to those shops that the 3.6 marking is an error. Mounting with a 4.1 would not void a warranty - quite the opposite, actually. You're more likely to hurt the ski if you try to force the screws through a 3.6 hole in the titanal. Though it will usually work, you can volcano the titanal if you're careless.

**SquawMan** · 05-13-2005, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by squaretail

I'm not a sales rep, but yes, I am linked to the company. I mainly lurk here, enjoying all the posts and wildy different opinions. I've only posted myself to clear up any specific questions relevant to our gear - and I try to do so in an unbiased manner as possible.

Regarding the shops and warranty, there are very few Mantras out there at retail right now - less than 30 pair, and they're at a small handful of shops. We've communicated to those shops that the 3.6 marking is an error. Mounting with a 4.1 would not void a warranty - quite the opposite, actually. You're more likely to hurt the ski if you try to force the screws through a 3.6 hole in the titanal. Though it will usually work, you can volcano the titanal if you're careless.

can you confirm then that the construction of the Mantra is the same as the old Explosiv, ie in regards to the width of the titanal metal sheets on top?

was the Explosiv always drilled to 4.1?

how can I obtain something from Volkl that says the 3.6 is in error so that when I get my bindings mounted next season I can give it to them?

**Jim S** · 05-13-2005, 10:31 PM

The only thing I know how to mount is my g/f; I don't know about the Mantra mountings.

**splat** · 05-14-2005, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by 13

CMH or Red topsheet Explosives?

...CMH...

**squaretail** · 05-16-2005, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by SquawMan

can you confirm then that the construction of the Mantra is the same as the old Explosiv, ie in regards to the width of the titanal metal sheets on top?

was the Explosiv always drilled to 4.1?

how can I obtain something from Volkl that says the 3.6 is in error so that when I get my bindings mounted next season I can give it to them?

1) Yep, the constructions of the Explosive and the Mantra are virtually identical.

2) Yes.

3) I would contact Volkl USA through the website and ask this question. I'm sure they'll confirm what I've said.

**skea 457** · 05-16-2005, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by squaretail

3) I would contact Volkl USA through the website and ask this question. I'm sure they'll confirm what I've said.

Done. 4.1 it is:

Volkl Ski Guru
<volklski@voltec.com> to me
More options 1:04 am (6 hours ago)
Hi Paul,

Yes, that answer is correct. The Mantras should be drilled with a
4.1. Tapping really isn't necessary, but if your tech believes in
tapping, then by all means, tap.
--
Thank you for your interest in Volkl.

Volkl Ski Guru

mailto:volklski@voltec.com
http://www.volkl.com

Cheers squaretail

**basom** · 05-16-2005, 05:25 PM

yea! Internet!

hight five

**extreeski** · 05-16-2005, 09:45 PM

I love the tagline skea. So true.

Keep the mantra tech stuff comin' I am gettin' mine as soon as they're done building it.

**skea 457** · 05-20-2005, 09:04 PM

184cm Mantras in my hot little hands. Bindings - Look P12Ti lifter w/ wide brakes - on their way. Reviews to follow in a couple of months once we get some snow here.

On a side note, the guy at the shop brought up an interesting point that titanal does not actually contain any titanuim. If you go to the website of the company that makes it http://www.titanal-sports.com/indexfla.htm you can see the data sheet for it and it is actually made up of aluminium, zinc, magnesuim, copper and zirconium.

Edit: When I said trigger pulled I meant on buying the skis, nothing to do with my avatar.

**Jim S** · 05-28-2005, 07:45 PM

1. It may have similar construction but 'similar' is not 'same'.

2. I met Ingrid last year at the Warren Miller film expo in Reno. She is much more attractive in person. And she was very nice too. She gave me an autographied poster of her on which she wrote "Jim, Rip on you Explosivs! Ingrid."

I think it reads "rip" and not "R.I.P."