Volkl Mantra 88 Skis 2027

The Volkl Mantra 88 is proof that not every ski needs to be reinvented every year. For 2027, Volkl gives it a fresh graphic, but the construction remains unchanged—and that's exactly how it should be. Long before it wore the Mantra name, this ski built its reputation as the Kendo, earning a place among the best frontside-focused all-mountain skis ever made.

Now under the Mantra umbrella, it continues doing what it's always done exceptionally well: ripping groomers.

If the M7 is the big mountain bruiser of the family, the Mantra 88 is the precision tool. It's quicker edge-to-edge, easier to balance on, and carves a cleaner, more energetic turn. You give up some off-trail versatility and crud-busting capability compared to the M7, but in return you get a ski that absolutely comes alive on firm snow.

And when we say firm snow, we mean any firm snow.

Ice, refrozen corduroy, hardpack, scraped-off race-course conditions—it doesn't matter. The Mantra 88 grips with a level of authority that few skis in this category can match. It's one of those skis that makes bad snow feel better than it actually is.

Like every ski carrying the Mantra name, this isn't a ski for passengers. It likes to be driven. Give it speed, tip it on edge, and it'll reward you with a powerful, locked-in feel and enough rebound to launch you into the next turn. While the M7 is the more demanding ski overall, the Mantra 88 is actually a bit easier to ski thanks to its narrower platform and quicker response. It's still happiest underneath advanced and expert skiers, but strong intermediates with good technique can absolutely grow into it.

Compared to the Mantra 84, the 88 offers a little more suspension, a little more stability, and noticeably better soft snow performance. Compared to the M7, it's more nimble, more precise, and more frontside-focused. As the skis get narrower within the Mantra family, they become easier to manage and more energetic, while the wider skis lean harder into stability and versatility.

Choose your own adventure.

If your skiing revolves around groomers, carving, and making the most out of less-than-perfect snow conditions, the Mantra 88 is arguably the sweet spot of the entire collection.