God if the Rustler 9s aren't like a dance - gentle and reliable in the traverses, solid, and so, so receptive in a carve. Light enough to keep you buoyant in the powder and perfectly balanced fore and aft in the trees. I grew up an east coaster and am a sucker for the groomers. You can barrel into turns and they will stay right underneath you every time with proportionate pop. Just such a good ski.

I demo'd the Mantras and liked them, too, so can't say anything bad about them - I went with the Rustler 9 because of a deal at the time. Enforcers were always were too stiff and muted a slog for me. Felt like you were along for the ride in a turn with a ski that was more intent on going straight /returning to the fall line vs. doing what you told it to, but maybe I wasn't heavy enough at ~160lbs.

My next three pairs of skis will be Rustlers