Thread: Mantra Length?

184 or 191? (06-07 ski)

I'm 6'2, 190, ex-racer, ski fast. I've searched, but the length comparison didn't really come up.

I'm worried that the 184 will have tip dive issues, especially because I use dobermann 150's. Many in searched threads advocate a -2 mount to avoid this, but it seems to me that a normally mounted 191 would be a better answer. I'll probably use them primarily in Colorado, lift-served.

I have unfortunately not skied the 191, but regarding the mounting, I wouldn't say its an issue of getting enough area up front but rather to get the area behind you and in front of you to balance better. On the 184, I also don't think its only pow where a back mount makes sense. If just as much generall cut up and gnarly conditions.

I friend mounted the 191s on the line and later moved them back 2cm.

So, the answer to your question will depend on other things then how you want to mount them, I would say. Still, the mantra is such and easy going ski that I would easily recomend the 191 for you. The only reason I choose the 184 is because I wanted something "small and fun". I have other skis in my quiver for serious bombing.

I am about your size, also ski Summit/Eagle, CO and ski the 184...though I haven't skied the 191, if this was going to be my only ski, I would go with the longer length. The Mantra does have a speed limit and like HitMe I have other skis serious bombing (194 LPs and assorted race boards).

I am in the same boat as double D.. and have been pondering the same question for quite some time.. also depending on if I move out west or not.. been also looking at the 194 lp's..and can't decide what ski should be next to add to the quiver.. can't quite make up my mind on anything.. good advice it should help

Originally Posted by doublediamond223

184 or 191? (06-07 ski)

I'm 6'2, 190, ex-racer, ski fast. I've searched, but the length comparison didn't really come up.
..
that a normally mounted 191 would be a better answer.

DD get the 191. Mount at the line if you want error on it being quicker.

I had the 184 (at -1) and end up getting the 191 (on the line). The 191 is such a better ski in powder and crud. 191 edge hold is better on firm snow also. The ski is light enough and not so stiff that I do not feel there is much of penalty for going to a longer length.

184 was fun but your concern on powder performance is valid. I think a better solution is go w/ the 191 than mount the 184 at -2cm. IHMO, you start to lose too much tail and high speed crud performance suffers.

Originally Posted by matanuskaski

I am in the same boat as double D.. and have been pondering the same question for quite some time.. also depending on if I move out west or not.. been also looking at the 194 lp's..and can't decide what ski should be next to add to the quiver.. can't quite make up my mind on anything.. good advice it should help

I also have the 194 LPs (05/06). Very different ski. Mantra (w/ wider tip and softer tip) is better in the powder. LP is heavier and is better in crud and hard snow.

If you ski tight place were you need to swing the skis around, you will be happier with the Mantra. Same if it is gong to be your powder ski or soft snow tree ski.

If stability at speed is important and you can squat 500lbs, than the 194 LPs will make a very nice everyday ski.

i am 185 lbs, ex racer, ski the dobermann 150 boot, in colorado, i use the 184 at -1, they are fun as hell but i wish i had the 191 for evrything but tight trees.

ski_faster might pipe in. I think he skis a 191 @ +1 and digs it. The snow tends to be harder here and he's got a decent quiver built up. If it were your only ski, prolly the 191 at the mark would be cool.

How does the Mantra compare to the Explosiv for carving hard pack. And by hard pack I mean groomers that have turned to ICE. Would dropping down from the 191 to 184 help in carving performance? I have a pow specific ski so I would use the Mantra for all "non-powder" days and days when it generally sucks. I currently use my Explosivs for this slot but wouldn't mind a slight improvement in ice carving performance. Is the Mantra my best option? And in what size?

I should probably delete this thread. I bought BROs.

Originally Posted by Conundrum

ski_faster might pipe in. I think he skis a 191 @ +1 and digs it. The snow tends to be harder here and he's got a decent quiver built up. If it were your only ski, prolly the 191 at the mark would be cool.

Damn I guess I need to start paying attention. I saw the Boise pray for snow party pictures not to long ago.

Anyway I will add my .2 just cause. Yes I have the 191cm. I am 5'10" 185lbs and ski fast. I take these skis out on days when the mountain got 5 or less. They rock in the crud and yes you get a little tip dive but I have a quiver so I take out another ski when I want to float. You can totally carve on these skis. I would say on the line if you have a powder ski already and want hard pack performance. I had the Volkl Explosive 190 and I didn't like the hard pack performance. I know that is not what they are for but I needed something to fill that gap.