When one tester commented, “Skis like this are becoming a lost art,” we knew Völkl was doing something right. As a maker of high quality products, year after year, Völkl gets the one-ski quiver crowd on its feet with the Mantra. The Sensorwood core, vertically milled and laminated sheets of poplar and beech, gives the Mantra a light feel. But the ski is incredibly responsive and generates a ton of power in the turn. Tip rocker gives it what it needs to get out of the crud, and the traditional tail keeps the ski gripping. One tester put it best: “These skis are so damn good.” Enough said.