The M7 is the latest evolution of the Mantra, now with Völkl's 4 Radius Drive sidecut — four distinct radii instead of three. In practice, it means even more turn versatility than the Mantra 88. Short turns, medium turns, long turns — the M7 handles all of them without the skier having to work for it.

96mm waist puts it in direct competition with the Nordica Enforcer 99 and Blizzard Rustler 9. At 2,070g in the 177, it's lighter than the Enforcer (2,100g) and heavier than the Rustler (1,940g). In character, it sits between them too — more playful than the Enforcer, more stable than the Rustler.

The tailored titanal frame is interesting: Völkl adjusts the size and placement of the titanal by ski length. Shorter skis get less metal, longer skis get more. The carbon tip reduces swing weight without sacrificing torsional stiffness. The result is a ski that feels balanced across all five lengths — the 163 doesn't feel overpowered, and the 191 doesn't feel underpowered.

This is the Mantra for the all-mountain skier who wants to go everywhere. It carves groomers convincingly, handles powder and crud, and has enough stability for steep lines. It's not as precise as the Mantra 88 on hardpack, and not as wide as a dedicated freeride ski. That's the point — it's the compromise that barely feels like one.