Let's start with clubhouse leader, the Enforcer 100. Yes, this is the ski that the other brands have in their crosshairs. The Enforcer is a damn good ski and wears every accolade deservedly with pride. You want playful? The Enforcer can do that. You want to charge? Well, you might need to size up, but it's not a problem. There are very few things this ski cannot do. (But is the Enforcer 100 the ski to go up against the Mantra 102, or is it the all-new Enforcer Free 104? Hmmm.)
I was skeptical with the M5 Mantra: was it all it was supposed to be? Was it the proper homage to the Mantras that made the Mantra name? I don't think so; Völkl missed the bullseye. But what about the Mantra 102? Yeah, this all-new ski is a Mantra among Mantras. It is a ripper. It is the love child of the Gotama and the best-generation Mantra you would ever want.
- Why choose the Enforcer 100? You believe everything you read; you want a very versatile 100mm ski.
- Why choose the Mantra 102? I repeat, this ski says “Come vit me if you vant to live." It is now the reference ski in the charger category, the ski the 98mm Mantra matured into.
- Insider tip: IMHO, the Enforcer Free 104 is a better comparison to the Mantra; stay tuned for that one later on.