Mantra 102 - where to mount it?

[ticketchecker]

I must admit to being somewhat sceptical if these would be able to live up to all thehype TGR and Blister/Paul Forward have delivered. I have also thought that perhaps I made the wrong choice when I sold my ON3P Wrenegade96ti before trying these.

I need not have worried.

Mantra102s - 177, mounted at +1.3cm with Pivots - are simply sensational on hard snow. I am not sure if the 3x radius thingy has anything going for it yet (I am not a short turn type of guy, so I do not really care how well they do that). The skis have a higher speed limit than I do on groomers. The tails release effortlessly regardless of speed or where in the turn one is. You def do not need to be an expert to have a lot of fun on these on harder snow, though a preference for high edge angles and big arcs does not hurt. They are freaking amazing at high speeds doing huge arcs. I cannot wait to take these to a more groomer specific resort with more vertical.

They seem to be a tiny bit more of a handful in skied-out variable, though not what I would describe as punishing.

So in closing - TGR - thanks for making me aware of these slayers. My quest for a worthy low tide slayer is officially completed, at least for the foreseeable future, even if I am more than a bit curious for what devilry Völkl will deliver in the rumored new 2022 Mantra M6.

What's your BSL?

[kid-kapow]

What's your BSL?

293 - Lange XT3 130s in 25.5.

As previously mentioned the +1.3cm mount is not by design - the shop did something weird / messed up when they drilled them. Seems fine though.

[ticketchecker]

293 - Lange XT3 130s in 25.5.

As previously mentioned the +1.3cm mount is not by design - the shop did something weird / messed up when they drilled them. Seems fine though.

10-4, was going to demo a pair at +1 before I drill mine but sounds like it works there and my boot is smaller than yours by 8mm.

thx

[kid-kapow]

I went back and forth and back and forth on the same question (on the line or +1), but I am very happy that I ended up where I did in spite of the shop's attempt to drill them on the line

[Bandit Man]

10-4, was going to demo a pair at +1 before I drill mine but sounds like it works there and my boot is smaller than yours by 8mm.

thx

While I am a pretty ardent “on the line” advocate, there is a big enough sweet spot on this ski that you could go forward and still retain the overall feel of the ski.


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[ticketchecker]

While I am a pretty ardent “on the line” advocate, there is a big enough sweet spot on this ski that you could go forward and still retain the overall feel of the ski.

Tx, I don't want to lose everything you guys promised this thing is seeing as how I bought the ski I wanted at a good price and all.

Damn, saw your quiver pics dood. I may come crawling back to you for those 138's some day, they look happy though with all their new friends.

[kid-kapow]

If there are anybody out there who are hesitant to get on m102s because they think they are super demanding, well rest assured that they are not - even if they kinda demand that you are able and willing to stay on edge at speed.

I currently have a bit of a woobly left knee, not sure why - but I am trying to have it not blow up completely. So today I made the swith after one run today from my ON3P Woodsman108 182s - as they were more ski than my knee could handle, just a painfest - and got on my m102 177s. The m102s remained on my feet for the rest of the day without any issues. I think that is about as strong an endorsement I can provide of how well mannered, predictable and easy to manipulate these skis are. They are simply awesome imho. My left knee approves.

[CaliBrit]

Two hours on the M102 today. Great ski. For reference I normally ski the enforcer 110 191 about 4-5mm back on the mount. Borrowed my buddies 184 M102 and mount put me at about +2 or 3 mm. Fantastic balanced powerful skis. Not hard to ski, fun in soft bumps. More powerful charging cut up groomers than the enforcer. Really enjoyed it. Will probably buy, this is like the enforcer but goes to 11. Skis like the middle sidecut of 20m and didn’t notice any weirdness of the tri sidecut. Carves a real train track turn very nicely.

[kc_7777]

Just got a ship notice today from Corbett's for last year's M102s.

The M102 and Enforcer Free 104 will be my low snow inbounds Whistler combo.

Will be interesting as the majority of skis I've been on since around 2010 have all been mounted at -6cm.

Likely going to the at least the +2cm line.

Pumped!

[klauss]

Anyone been on this and the Kastle MX99? Suppose I'm debating the 191 Mantra vs 184 Kastle

[Bandit Man]

Just got a ship notice today from Corbett's for last year's M102s.

The M102 and Enforcer Free 104 will be my low snow inbounds Whistler combo.

Will be interesting as the majority of skis I've been on since around 2010 have all been mounted at -6cm.

Likely going to the +2cm line on the Mantras.

Pumped!

I love how we both ski the PNW and coastal snowpack and have ended up with nearly identical quivers. M102’s, Rustler 11’s, Menace Pr-oto’s, and Enforcer 104’s.

I know you have a tendency to like forward mounts, but the M102 is surprisingly loose feeling in soft, variable snow...on the line. Mine do have demo bindings on them, so one of these days I may play with the mount point and see if I am missing anything. [emoji6]

[greenmachine]

i've skied a couple of days on my 184 mantra 102 on the line. I had to admit I'm a little underwhelmed. I'm not sure if it's where they are mounted or my size (5/9-170) but i haven't been able to feel any energy or reponsiveness out of them. Not that the tail is too stiff or punishing just overly damp maybe? are they fast and good in crud? yes. maybe i should be on the shorter size? anyone else having this experience? should I remount a little further forward?

[yeahman]

I'm about your size and I'm on the 177, mounted on the line. Had a day yesterday on them where I really feel like I got to put them through the ringer on four inches of two-day-old chop and bumps with a hardpack subsurface, on legit 2,000-foot vertical fall lines, and I really felt like the skis did everything I wanted them to do with very little effort on my part. I just felt totally in control and confident, easily transitioning between turns with a lot of energy. One thing I will say is I put a 1/1 base and side-edge bevel on them the other day and that seems to really be working well for me. The factory edge bevels are 1/2, which is slightly sharper on the side edge, and although I never noticed them being hooky, others mentioned they detuned a bit. In any case, 1/1 is definitely where I want to be from now on.

ETA: As others have mentioned, the 177 is comparable in size to 180 among other brands, so your 184's are probably more like a 187. I usually try to buy as close to 180 as I can get, and in this case I'm glad I sized down.

[greenmachine]

great feedback thanks. normally 180-184 is my sweet spot. must have missed that these ski long.

[greenmachine]

i also have the OG Corvus in a 175 and updated Corvus in 183 so splitting time between them to try to figure things out.

[kc_7777]

I love how we both ski the PNW and coastal snowpack and have ended up with nearly identical quivers. M102’s, Rustler 11’s, Menace Pr-oto’s, and Enforcer 104’s.

Ya those 4 skis are the core of my quiver for use inbounds at Whistler Blackcomb and Mt Baker (if I could get across the border)!

Re the Mantra M102's length....I also try to get my skis around ~180cm (5'7", 165 lbs). The 177cm M102 is the exact same length as my 179cm Enforcer, and just a tad shorter than my 180cm Rustler 11. So ya they do measure long, around 179cm.

My M102s will be in next week!

[kc_7777]

2020 M102s are mounted and stickered.

Will try them Saturday. Report pending.

Mounted +0.5cm from the line.....the +2cm line that is. So -9.0cm from center.

btw I bought these from Corbett’s through their eBay store, and there was no tax or shipping to BC. I swear they charged me tax via a different purchase on their website. Have also noted price differences sometimes between asogear on eBay (“Corbett’s eBay name) and their retail website. Sometimes higher, sometimes lower. So be sure to check both.

The green STH 16s I had ended up a good match:



Also notice the “longer length” of a 177cm M102....it’s between the 179cm Enforcer and 180cm Rustler 11...so it’s actually a 179.5cm M102...the lines on our garage help you see the diffs in the 2nd pic:

[YoEddy]

Interesting to see that even with the +2 the M102 is still the most rearward setup. Volkl freeride skis apparently continue the trend. NTTAWWT

[kc_7777]

Interesting to see that even with the +2 the M102 is still the most rearward setup. Volkl freeride skis apparently continue the trend. NTTAWWT

For reference, and cause I’m a mount point junkie:

Enforcers @ -6.50cm (+2.25cm from rec)
M102s @ -9.0cm (+2.5cm from rec back line....+0.5cm from front line)
Rustler 11s @ -6.7cm (+1cm from rec)
Protos @ -7.1cm (+2.0cm from rec)
Chets @ -4.9cm (-2.0cm from rec)

I’m really interested to see how I feel on the M102s....even at the +2cm line they still seem far back to me. I’ll just ski em and not look down.

They will be my low-tide, shit variable snow ski for inbounds at Whistler. They were needed the last 2 weeks.

[kc_7777]

M102s have made it up to Whistler.... tomorrow’s the day.

[SeatownSlackey]

About 10 days on mine now. Still honeymooning. They love to go fast. Plenty of tip that you can butter or flat out rail into a turn which is complemented by a tail that is super easy to release when you want to. And they have the yin/yang balance dialed between the metal dampening and energetic rebound. Muy divertido!!

6’1” 230lb and on the 191s for those qualifying reviews.

Still really want to get on the Katanas and compare. Think the width and bit of tip taper will be more pow friendly yet give up very little on piste trenching.


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[phatty]

About 10 days on mine now. Still honeymooning. They love to go fast. Plenty of tip that you can butter or flat out rail into a turn which is complemented by a tail that is super easy to release when you want to. And they have the yin/yang balance dialed between the metal dampening and energetic rebound. Muy divertido!!

6’1” 230lb and on the 191s for those qualifying reviews.

Still really want to get on the Katanas and compare. Think the width and bit of tip taper will be more pow friendly yet give up very little on piste trenching.


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I'm looking at the M102 or next year's M6 as my low(er) tide ski. Bandit's review of the Katana has me wishing he bought a larger size for me to borrow. Glad to hear you are liking them, too. Sounds like a great ski for Alpental.

[kc_7777]

Thoughts after Day 1 skiing on the 2020 Mantra 102.

I’m 5’7”, 165lbs and have the 177cm M102, which really measures just a tad longer than my 179cm Enforcer 104 Frees.

Skied Backcomb all day. Groomers in the am, then 7th Heaven (Lakeside) for a bit, then Saudan, Secret Bowl, Spankys, Pakalolo etc in the afternoon. Conditions were chalky, windblown snow. With some deeper wind lips and ice underneath in spots. Variable. Perfect M102 stuff.

I found the M102 to be a pretty strong ski with a pretty even flex throughout. It’s definitely stiffer than the Enforcer 104. Basically it’s a damp, stiff, high speed, freaking missile. Even though it is a pretty heavy and stiff ski and I’m not a huge guy, it was not that hard to ski (caveat: when your legs are fresh).

First few runs at Blackcomb today were on steep groomers under Catskinner Chair. Holy fack! So impressed by how composed the Mantra 102 is when making big, fast GS turns. My eyes were watering inside my goggles. So solid feeling and confidence inspiring on groomers.

Re mount point...it does have a pretty big sweet spot! As I’m mounted +0.5cm in front of the front line (which is +2cm from the back line)...actually went 0.5mm in front of the front mine so am at -9.0cm from center. Rec is -11.5cm. I’m typically always at -6cm --7cm or so and -9.0cm felt great. I was surprised that I could just basically stand on the middle of the ski and let it run. It’s actually terrifying the speeds you can get up to on groomers.

After lunch when I was getting a bit lazy the M102 started to get away from me sometimes. But when I focussed on skiing the ski, and not sliding it, I could get it back. My legs were pretty done in by 1:30 pm. As I had skied harder and faster on the M102, than ever before on my Enforcer 104s, which do have more quickness, forgiveness, and playfulness but man if you want to go really fast, the M102 is the ski.

In awe at the moment.

Glad it have it in my quiver.

Pretty happy with my Whistler/Blackcomb low-tide combo:

[Bandit Man]

Thoughts after Day 1 on the 2020 Mantra 102.

I’m 5’7”, 165lbs and have the 177cm M102, which measures the same length as my 179cm Enforcer 104 Free.

Skied Backcomb all day. Groomers in the am, then 7th Heaven (Lakeside) for a bit, then Saudan, Secret Bowl, Spankys, Pakalolo etc in the afternoon. Conditions were chalky, windblown snow. With some ice underneath in spots. Perfect M102 stuff.

I found the M102 to be a pretty strong ski with a pretty even flex and ya it’s stiffer than the Enforcer 104. Basically it’s a damp, quiet, high-speed freaking missile....and while it is a pretty heavy, stiff ski, it’s not that hard to ski (caveat: when your legs are fresh).

First few runs at Blackcomb today were on steep groomers under Catskinner Chair. Holy fack! So impressed by how composed the Mantra 102 is when making big, fast GS turns. My eyes were watering inside my goggles. So solid feeling and confidence inspiring on groomers.

Re mount...it has a pretty big sweet spot as I’m at the +2cm line....actually went 0.1mm in front of the front mine so am at -9.4cm from center. I’m typically always at -6cm or so and -9.4cm felt great. I could just basically stand on the middle of the ski and let it run. It’s actually terrifying the speeds you can get up to on groomers.

After lunch when I was getting a bit lazy the M102 started to get away from me. It wasn’t the best in deeper snow, but when I focussed on skiing the ski, and not sliding it, I could get it back. My legs were pretty done in by 1:30 pm. As I had skied harder and faster on the M102, than ever before on my Enforcer 104s, which do have more quickness, forgiveness, and playfulness but man if you want to go fast, the M102 is the ski.

In awe at the moment.

Glad it have it in my quiver.

Pretty happy with my Whistler low-tide combo:

Seems like you figured out the M102. It really is a quite accessible charger. Glad the forward mount works for you, too. I agree that the ski has a large sweet spot. I like that you spent so much time on it at Blackcomb...it’s made for that terrain and typical Blackcomb conditions.

The 104 Free and M102 is a really effective daily driver combo for a place like WB. With your Rustler 11 and Proto to take in the deep days, you really have the span of PNW conditions covered.

Now go try the K108 and tell us what you think. [emoji6]


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[Bandit Man]

I'm looking at the M102 or next year's M6 as my low(er) tide ski. Bandit's review of the Katana has me wishing he bought a larger size for me to borrow. Glad to hear you are liking them, too. Sounds like a great ski for Alpental.

You could seriously put on a blindfold, grab a 191 M102 or K108 and not be disappointed with which one you ended up with. The K108 might have a little more top end and be better in deeper conditions, but the M102 feels a bit easier and intuitive. Neither is the wrong choice.


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