Recent trend seems to be multiple different sidecuts on one ski (from tip to tail), so it's getting more complicated to figure out how that relates back to the single radius used in the past.
Sounds like you are learning what you like and don't about various skis. Small turning radius being a strong dislike for you. All mountain skis come in variety of flavors regarding preferred turn shape and on/off piste biases. Sounds like you will likely only be happy on the longest length of any of them, as those tend to be the stiffest with the largest turn radius.
Which did you spend more time on? The GS or the Mantra?
Interesting, yes, I love the 3D radius sidecut on the Volkl M6 Mantra. I have no idea how the physics work on the variable sidecut but it feels very fun. On my 184 Volkl the variable sidecut is 32-19-26.
I spent equal time on the Volkl M6 Mantra 184 and the Head GIS FIS 193 alternating back and forth each ski day, and actually I had a hard time deciding in the morning which one I wanted to take. Toward the end of the trip I started to realize it depends on the snow conditions which one is more fun. For hard packed groomers - I love the Head GS, while the Volkl is more fun on messed up snow/crud, variable terrain, moguls, between the trees. It makes sense, those are the conditions they were design for, respectively.
I am looking to maybe also try the Stockli Laser SX 193 FIS (which is larger turn radius than the consumer SX) because I am so curious what they did special for a "Ski Cross" ski to make it good for the wild banks and jumps on those courses. Sometimes I like to jump, but the Head GS is a bit harsh for that.
Last edited: