Volkl Mantra V-Werks Review: A Lightweight Hybrid Ski for Resort and Backcountry

Introduction

The Volkl Mantra V-Werks has been a fixture in the freeride touring category, and it remains one of the clearest examples of a hybrid design: a ski built to rip the resort while staying light enough for the backcountry. Volkl has kept the construction going rather than replacing it, and that continuity is part of the appeal. It pairs a lightweight multi-layer wood core with a full carbon layup and the brand’s 3D Ridge profile, a combination that aims for a smooth, damp ride without the weight of a heavier freeride build.

This review covers what the ski is made of, how it behaves on snow, what it weighs, and who should consider it.

Who This Product Is For

This is a ski for riders who split their season between lift-served terrain and human-powered laps and would rather own one setup than two. The 99 mm waist is versatile enough for both inbounds days and backcountry tours, and the stiff carbon construction rewards skiers who like to push a ski rather than nurse it.

It also suits skiers who prioritize downhill composure over the absolute lowest weight. At 1715 g in the 178 cm length, the Mantra V-Werks is not the lightest touring ski on the market, and riders whose main goal is the lightest possible setup for long approaches may prefer something else. For everyone else, the weight is a reasonable trade for what the ski delivers on the descent.

Main Strengths

The Mantra V-Werks leans on a small set of well-established ideas: a light core, carbon reinforcement, and a shaped ridge that runs through the ski. Together they produce a ride that feels smooth and damp underfoot while staying responsive.

Build and Materials

The core is a multi-layer wood construction using a lighter wood, wrapped in a full carbon layup. The 3D Ridge runs as a raised spine through the shovel and into the tail, a design that keeps the ski smooth and damp and helps minimize vibration.

Weight is managed through the sidewalls. Volkl keeps them very thin through the forebody and into the tail, then applies a thin carbon laminate over them, while full vertical sidewalls underfoot preserve edge grip where it matters most. The result is a ski that stays light without feeling vague underfoot.

Shape and On-Snow Feel

The profile is flatter than many freeride shapes, with modest camber underfoot and very low rocker. The tail is straight and flat with little splay. In practice that means the ski tracks straight and true through fresh and soft snow, and it still grips well on firm snow.

The 178 cm length carries a 20.8 m radius, which sits toward the longer end of the spectrum. That longer radius contributes to smooth, predictable turn shapes, and the tail is not hooky or catchy at all.

Weight and Uphill Capability

At 1715 g in the 178 cm length, the Mantra V-Werks is light for what it is: a stiff, carbon-reinforced freeride ski. The flat tail is a deliberate touring choice, since less splay keeps climbing skins off the snow and adds grip on the way up.

A skin fixation system at the tip and a notch in the tail complete the uphill package, so the ski is straightforward to set up for touring without adding hardware.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main consideration is weight. Lighter touring skis exist, and if your priority is minimizing effort on long ascents, this is not the lightest option available. The trade-off is downhill performance, and the Mantra V-Werks is clearly built to favor the descent.

The second consideration is category. The 99 mm waist puts the ski right at the cusp of the 100 mm class, which is exactly why it works across a wide range of conditions, but it also means it is not a dedicated deep-snow powder shape. It is a versatile ski rather than a specialist one.

It is also worth noting that this model sits alongside the regular Mantra line, which uses a titanal frame. The V-Werks keeps the 3D Ridge construction, so if you are comparing within the family, the two are built around different priorities.

Buying Advice

Start with how you actually ski. If your days are roughly split between the resort and the backcountry, and you want one ski that handles both without giving up downhill performance, the Mantra V-Werks makes a strong case. Its 99 mm waist, low rocker, and flat tail are all tuned toward that hybrid brief.

Length is the next decision. The 178 cm version weighs 1715 g and carries a 20.8 m radius, so it is a useful reference point: a longer radius favors smoother, more drawn-out turns, while the flat tail keeps the ski predictable when you are climbing. If most of your days are lift-served and you rarely tour, the titanal-framed Mantra models are worth a look instead.

Conclusion

The Volkl Mantra V-Werks remains a well-rounded hybrid ski. A lightweight wood core and carbon layup keep the weight reasonable, while the 3D Ridge, full vertical sidewalls underfoot, and thin carbon-laminated sidewalls deliver a smooth, damp, stable ride. It tracks straight through fresh and soft snow, holds an edge on firm snow, and is set up for touring with a tip skin fixation system and a tail notch. If you want one ski for resort laps and backcountry days, it is a sensible place to start.