Ski Canada Test 2019 On-Slope Reviews
DON’T TELL THE GUYS
The women’s version of the popular Völkl Mantra M5 (now in its fifth reincarnation) is the Secret. It shares many of the same attributes that make the M5 one of the most anticipated skis coming out this year, including a Titanal frame, carbon tips and a full sidewall. The wood-core ski has a 92mm waist, a nice size for all-mountain turning just about anywhere. ($850; voelkl.com)
VÖLKL SECRET
$850 * BEST FOR: Powerful, fast all-mountain skiing.
LENGTHS: 149, 156, 163, 170 * RADIUS: 16@163 * SIDECUT: 130/92/113
The Secret is the women’s equivalent of the Mantra M5. And like the M5 it’s been completely reworked this year to be slightly less aggressive. “The new construction definitely makes the Secret more playful, which is felt in the bumps where it exhibits a nice responsive, poppy stiffness,” found Caitlin Burge at Whitewater. “For those who have demoed Völkls and found their stiffness daunting, this ski merits a second run.” The heavier build made it a bit ungainly in tight trees, but everywhere else it shone. “It was stable and easy to ski at slow speeds,” wrote Anne Terwiel. “However, as I ramped up the speed this ski continued to perform, and no matter how hard I pushed it, it rose to the challenge. Tremendously versatile. A great ski to grow with you as you continue to improve.”
