Adults shouldn't have all the fun ripping the powder--especially when most young thigh muscles can take more runs and still feel fresh in the morning. Volkl is one of the few ski manufacturers to address the need for smaller powder skis for young advanced skiers and the Mantra Jr. doesn't disappoint. Like the adult-proportioned Mantra this smaller ski has a tip-to-tail Sensorwood core and wood sidewalls for flex. Unlike some ski manufacturers who contract core work to third party companies Volkl produces their own wood core to optimize quality and consistency in design with CNC precision. Volkl balanced the Mantra Jr.'s agile core profile with their Power Construction design for confidence-inspiring control without the dumbed-down beginner features that take away the fun. Like the larger Mantra the Mantra Jr. remains great for crud but even the 88-mm. waist won't carve as well for kids as some of the slimmer and trimmer youth carving skis out there. Still if it dumps during your ski vacation the Mantra Jr. is perfect for first tracks after a storm at the resort. Keep in mind that this version doesn't include bindings. If you're looking for ideas Volkl pairs their skis with Marker bindings.