New 2026 Volkl Mantra 88 skis; Size: 177

Sidecut: 134-88-114 The all new Völkl Mantra 88 Skis are essentially the renowned Kendo in overdrive. What's different you askl? The carbon fibers in the tips no longer bend upward biut rather down to make the ski bend into the turn a bit more smoothly and increases straightline stability at the high end. The width of the Tailored Titanal Frame a tiny bit for a bit more torsional stiffness underfoot and less at the tip. The end result with the Mantra 88 is a hard charging ski with tons of power and edgehold to burn that will appeal to strong skiers who push the limits. The Völkl Mantra 88 (2025/2026) is a high-performance, all-mountain ski redesigned for advanced to expert skiers who prioritize precision on firm snow and versatility across variable terrain. For the 2026 season, it replaces the long-running Kendo 88 (men's) and Kenja 88 (women's) models, adopting the "Mantra" naming convention used for Völkl's wider freeride skis. Key Specifications and Build The 2026 model features several technical updates to improve maneuverability without sacrificing its legendary edge grip. Dimensions: The ski has a 134-88-114 mm sidecut across all lengths. Construction: It utilizes a Multilayer Woodcore (beech and poplar) and a Tailored Titanal Frame, which adjusts the metal thickness based on the ski's length to optimize flex and damping for different skier sizes. 3D Radius Sidecut: This technology uses three distinct radii along the ski—longer at the tip and tail for stability at speed, and a shorter radius underfoot for quick, agile turns. Tailored Carbon Tips: Repositioned carbon fibers in the shovel improve agility and allow for more precise turn initiation with less effort. Profile: It features a Tip and Tail Rocker with traditional camber underfoot, though the 2026 version is notably flatter overall to enhance "pivotability" in technical terrain. Expert Performance Reviews Reviewers consistently describe the 2026 Mantra 88 as a powerful, "hard-charging" ski that rewards technical skill. Maneuverability: Experts at SkiEssentials note that the new flatter profile makes the ski feel more intuitive and "pivoty" in tight spots like moguls or trees. Stability: According to testers at Northern Ski Works, the titanal frame provides exceptional damping and confidence-inspiring stability at speeds of 35-40+ mph. User Profile: It is widely regarded as a demanding ski that "prefers to be activated" and may be difficult for intermediate skiers to manage.