2023 Volkl Kendo 88 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубліковано 16 січ 2022
- Two weeks ago, Jeff was out in Sun Valley to get a first-hand look at the new 2023 Volkl Kendo 88. After a couple awesome days testing out there and a little more testing here at Stowe, Jeff and Bob are excited to chat about this updated ski!
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
I demoed the Kendo 88 last week. I "giggled" as well my first run, then had one of the best skiing days ever. After I dropped off the demo's, I purchased a new pair. Love them!
Good stuff!
Hey guys, the quality of content speaks for itself! You guys have a fantastic yt channel and website! Reason I comment is, I just chatted with Nick on your website and with a few short questions and a short discussion he was able to pull out three promising recommendations I will try out. This is awesome and separates you from the rest! Great job! I am impressed!
Awesome! Good to hear and glad we're able to put it all together for you.
SE
Love the feminine version Kenja 88! Bought it last year at the end of the season. It was snow day in the Laurentides (Québec) today and I had so much fun!!!
Great review, and loved the format tweaks with the Sun Valley footage! Tx fellas -
Thanks Curtis! Wish we could ski out there more often!
Gents, following you advise I purchased Kendo last December and after skiing them through the whole season, I can say: thanks a lot, for suggesting great skis!
Great to hear! Wish I could ski that thing more often than I do!
Great review... looks like a great ski..
Great review, Jeff! Glad to be a part of it!
Thanks Gordy! It was awesome to meet you and thanks for letting me point a camera at you. Looking forward to next time!
Decided to go with the Kendo88 to replace my 19 year old Rossignol Scratch BC. Thank you for the review.
I demoed 2022 Kendo 88 at snowbasin this weekend. It was a very good choice for the conditions and the terrain. (Pretty firm)
I coincidently mentioned to my friend that the only improvement I would make to the ski would be to make it a little bit quicker edge to edge. Great to hear the made some tweaks....
Volkl is on top of their game as usual!
thx edge to edge quickness is something that is important for my experience when skiing. i think i will just upgrade to the new brahma and be done with it. :)
Off the charts level reviews
Thanks Rageux!
Völkl is going to have to thank you big time for this. I believe these will sell. Now definately considering Kendo 88 as a strong intermediate, given that the previous Kendo 88 I was not on my radar.
I agree! I think they're going to have a winner in this new Kendo. Plenty of people enjoy the Kendo already, but I think this opens it up to a bunch of new skiers.
The right ski makes all terrain and even slower speeds more fun.... I'm sold boys, this is the next pair!!!
It's sweet, and that's a perfect way to think about it. Just more rewarding all around the mountain. Very very good ski.
I love it when you guys have a visceral reaction to what the ski can do. Obviously it rips, it's powerful but not stiff, 3D radius counters hooky-ness and lighter than the Nordica line, (my skis have to be quick) I am paying attention. Thanks!
Thanks Gregory! We had a blast on this thing and I'm glad it comes through in the video.
Looking at these Kendo 88s and the Maverick 88ti in 184cm for 2023! 88cm seems like a sweet spot for a great groomer focused all mountain ski.
Stoked to see this video and hoping you do a follow up video on the Maverick!
Definitely just talked about Mav 88 and the need to spend more time on that ski. It's lighter and snappier than the Kendo and loves to be used on firm snow and at high speeds.
Thanks chaps 👍
cool review.. looks like you had great testing conditions.. you mentioned the 102.. i tested the 102 and i found it floaty.. it looks like when you were in the crud that you were able to get on and off the edges pretty quick.. my stormrider 88s aren't that way.. they get stuck in the crud and my guess is that the brahma 88s would as well..
With the more refined feel and easier low speed/pitch experience, how does it feel vs the stormrider 88? Especially in terms of uneven snow performance at speed, maneuverability in bumps and trees, and general forgiveness?
I picked up the 2022 this last weekend in Silverthorne. Demoed the 23 at vail and Breck and as a beginner I loved them found a 22 for a HUGE discount! Watched thus video to see what I missed out on and probably nothing I would notice at my skill level. I'm 6'4" 280lbs. So I was glad to find them and save a couple hundred $$$$.
Very nice!
I bought these from Pinnacle/Ski Essentials last month (late Mar 23). Got a great deal from those guys. Was a little nervous buying without demoing the ski but the deal was too good to pass. Some of the reviews from other places say the ski was stiff and not very ‘forgiving’, contrary to what these guys say. I think this ski essentials review was more accurate. The ski is quick edge to edge, feels very light and is just a downright blast. Funny that the one guy said he was giggling after the first couple of turns. I had the same reaction first run on a blue. Literally. Skied some icy runs at Stowe that day (Nose Dive, National, Liftline, Haystack, etc..) and felt totally in control, compared to my old K2 Rictor 82s. I struggled on those runs with the K2s, but the Kendos felt totally confident. They hold an edge, turn quick and just feel amazing. I skied better in these skis and now feel the old K2s were keeping me back. Thanks again to Ski Essentials and Pinnacle in Stowe. Great store, if you’re ever in Stowe. Great review!
Thanks Luke for the great feedback and awesome shoutout!
I'm primarily a New England skier, though lived in CO for about 5 years, and been considering upgrading my skis to something that is fun and can handle most conditions the mountain can throw at me. I have loved my Volkl RTM 80's which feel like they can barrel through anything, feel very responsive carving and are remarkably stable at speed. I thought perhaps getting more width under foot would improve my overall experience, for example to better handle powder if/when it is available. I thought your review of the Kendo 88 was excellent, and they seem ideal. I was also considering the Mantra 6 and wondered whether you think it's too big a jump width-wise from my current RTMs? Note that I'm an advanced/expert skier, 6' 185 lbs and grew up on straight skis (e.g. 203 Volants from CO), but got much shorter shaped skis (176) when I finally switched over, and have found them to be a decent length since they handle the speed, and aren't unruly in the bumps. So was wondering whether you recommend getting a longer ski (e.g. the 184s) or sticking with the 177 cm length? I just really love Volkl skis as they check all the boxes for me. Thanks!
Hi Jeff! I think Kendo probably makes more sense, especially if you want to retain good edge to edge quickness. M6 Mantra is going to feel quite a bit different than your current skis. I think you'll find Kendo provides better soft snow performance and versatility while still being a ton of fun on groomers. You could justify going 184 if you're hitting high speeds out there. If you're not, 177 would be totally fine, but if you consider yourself an aggressive skier, choosing the 184 is certainly justifiable.
Thanks Guys! How do you feel this 2023 stacks up against the Kenjo with the new changes. In you’re 2022 Kendo video you mentioned many people would happier on the Kenjo. Do you still feel the same? I’m looking for an energetic all mountain eat coast ski. The 2022 Kendo felt a little slow, especially in slow speeds while I follow my kids around.
Hey Thomas! Yes and no. Probably more no than yes. The changes to this Kendo make it much more accessible to a wider range of skiers. It's just more rewarding and it's easier to get that rewarding feel whether you're a less aggressive skier or just feeling it at moderate speeds. The Kanjo still feels lighter, so there's definitely still an application for that ski, especially for people who value energy over stability or vibration damping... but this new Kendo is really sweet and I think will be a better choice for some of those skiers I previously mentioned would be better off on a Kanjo.
Great review guys, question for you, how does it compare to the Brahma 88 (another fabulous ski) ?
The Kendo feels quicker and more responsive, especially noticeable on those lower angle pitches and at moderate speeds that we discussed in this video. Brahma has always felt a little stronger overall. It's a beast of a ski and loves high speeds. It does require some speed to come alive, however. Definitely another fabulous ski, I agree 100%, just requires a more aggressive skier, at least in my opinion.
Great ski footage Jeff, especially that one off the top down through the trees.
So would you say Enforcer 88, Kendo 88 and Brahma 88 generally from easiest to hardest to ski then, with the versatility reversed?
So not necessarily saying any one is better or best as horses for courses e.g Enf 88 tip shape for example in that thicker snow might be more fun etc, and all 3 are great 88s so can't lose really......
Hi! Thanks! I'll try to work more footage like that into future reviews.
Yes, I would say speaking in generalities, it would go Enforcer 88, Kendo 88, Brahma 88 from easier to hardest to ski with versatility reversed. That said, I think this newest Kendo 88 is closer to the Enforcer on that spectrum. It's going to be really interesting to test them back to back and is going to be great to have the new Kendo in our Ski Test later in the season. I wouldn't be surprised if certain skiers find the Kendo easier now. It's always been lighter than the Enforcer, but I think that is more noticeable now and somewhat negates the differences in shape. Negate probably isn't the right word, but you know what I mean.
I love your reviews. Looking for your opinion on size. I'm 5 feet 6 inches tall and just over 200 lbs. I ski moderately fast and charge pretty good. Not the most aggressive guy on the hill but I'm not far behind, altho I do prefer to have more control on steeper runs. I used to have the 2016 Kendo in a 170 and it did pretty good just found it to be a bit of work at times. I tried a friends 2020 in the 170 last year and it seemed to hold pretty good (and a ton of fun) but it was a soft snow day. I'm considering purchasing the 2023 and now that its little more flexible wondering if I wouldn't be better off on the 177. I currently ski on 175 but was actually looking to have the Kendo as a shorter ski for fun, but maybe due to my weight staying at 177 is better idea? Thanks.
Thanks, Marc!
I'd think the 177 is on the long side considering your stats, application, and the ski. While slightly more flexible, it's still very sturdy and stable and you don't need to upsize if you don't want to. I've been personally finding that the skis that are like this are just more fun in shorter lengths. That said, it's really all about preference, so please don't let me talk you out of a longer length if you know you prefer that.
thanks again guys for the insight...so with the changes in the Kendo 88 2023 how would you compare it to the Mantra M6 2022 which features many of the same changes in the latest Kendo? My take is that they might be similar on the groomers but not sure how they match up in say 5 to 6 inches of fresh snow?
Basically everything you'd expect. Kendo is quicker edge to edge, which translates to what I consider better carving performance. More precise on turn entry and links turns more quickly. M6 is definitely more capable in soft snow, however. Noticeably more float and doesn't get bogged down as easily in choppy snow conditions. On some of the runs in this video through soft snow, I would've preferred being on a Mantra.
I just demo'd the Kendo 88 (2022) and some K2 Disruptors. I hated the Disruptor, and generally liked the Kendo 88, although its thicker than I'm used to. I have Volkl AC3's at 74mm underfoot(and I love that ski), but I'm ready to go somewhat wider in my next ski. I think I would get the Kendo 88, the Kanjo 84 or the Deacon 84. I like the thinner width of the Kanjo, but worried they'll get chatty at speed since they're softer. Since I didn't like the Disruptor, I'm wondering if I would dislike the Deacon too then?? I was told the Disruptor was a pure carver, but I found that was the only thing it was good at, anything else was annoying. The Kendo was smooth, behaved much better, just a little thicker than I'd prefer, less nimble on turns. I'm advanced (not expert), generally on piste blacks, and mix in some occasional tree skiing and powder. Any thoughts?
Which Disruption did you ski? There are a few. The Deacon 84 has some similarities with the Disruption 82Ti, but even compared to that ski, there are noticeable differences too. If you do want to go narrower and you're stuck on that, Deacon 84 is probably the way to go. It has similar characteristics to the Kendo, especially in regards to the different turn shapes it can make. It's not quite as smooth, but not far off, and a little more energetic or snappier out of a turn. I'm pretty confident you'd prefer the Deacon over the Kanjo. Hope that helps!
Hi, I want to thank you for the thoroughness of your reviews and channel as a whole. I am an intermediate skier who is hoping to broaden my skills and time on the mountain this year. I am decent, but haven't skied enough to know what I prefer. I have two young daughters so I will spend most of my time on piste, but will venture off a little. I just picked up the 2022 Elan Ripsticks 96 at 172 but am wondering if the Kendo or Blaze would have been better for my intended use. I am 42 years old, pretty athletic 5'9" about 170lbs. I ski in Colorado and Wyoming and don't particularly look for speed but like to feel stable when it does pick up. I also like making quick short turns and want to feel confident in the ski's grip and ability to carve. What are your thoughts? Thanks
I think you've done right with the Ripstick 96. If you're in Colorado and Wyoming, the mid-90's is a great place to be, and the Ripstick lines up pretty well with your stats and application. I'd say the Blaze 94 is a suitable comparison, but the Kendo is way different, and likely not as good of an option for you. You will love either Blaze or Ripstick, but especially Ripstick. Have fun!
SE
Thank you for your input. You guys are an incredible resource and are much appreciated.
Great review, guys - I demoed an older version of these and actually placed an order for the 2022 with you guys...this video has me second guessing that. When do the 2023s go on sale typically? That shorter radius is compelling. Thank you!
We've heard early February for 2023 Kendo 88 availability. It could be later, however, just due to supply chain issues and shipping delays that we're still experiencing from time to time. 2022 Kendo is still a fantastic ski.
Just love the detail you offer on yor ski testing - On the Volkl 88 Kendo, what bindings did you have ?
Marker Griffon Demo bindings. They work great!
Love the Kendo! I have the 20 model and love it. I also have a 2015 Brahma and love it! I was wondering how the 23 compares to the latest Brahma?
I think the biggest difference is quickness and responsiveness. This new Kendo 88 feels way quicker than a '15 Brahma. Easier to get it to flex into a shorter radius turn too, which makes it come across the fall line a lot easier. The Brahma is still a stronger ski overall at really high speeds, but I think more skiers will value and benefit from the quicker and more responsive feel of the Kendo.
New England Skiier - intermediate/advanced who appreciates all the mountain has to offer. 6', 180lbs - should the kendo 88 177 be a good option for me? I would imagine it is EXACTLY what I am looking for. Thanks for the detailed review - still hitting the computers 2 years later!
They're great! Amazing precision and power, but still pretty easy to turn. I'd say that length is good for your stats and application. Feel free to stand on the edges with full confidence throughout the turn.
Love the review! I’m in doubt what length I should take, I’m 183cm, would you recommend 170 or 177cm?
Hi! I would go 177 cm at you height.
So, what do you recommend on east coast for hardpack moguls that can also handle the trees and still also be fun to mellow on the groomer? I get tired quickly after handling the moguls and trees at this point in my ski life and need to chill a bit after those. 6'3" 200 lbs. I have been skiing a Dynastar Legend 8000 184's, but it is a pretty demanding ski.
Hey Ed!
The Kendo isn't the easiest ski in the world for bumps and trees, but it would be significantly easier than your Legend 8000 and generally bigger skiers like yourself have an easier time manipulating the Kendo than lighter skiers. I expect it would be really good for you, mostly considering your size and what you're coming off of. Of course, if you want something even easier in the bumps and trees, there are plenty of options, you're just trading some groomer precision with any of those more-playful options.
Hi Guys, this was a fantastic review! I'm a New England skier, skiing about a dozen days a year now, 67, 5'6", 140 lbs and advanced level. I cant push it like i used to but still go pretty good. I make a couple trips to Oregon each season and thinking of doing demos instead of bringing my skis, Kanjo's 154cm which I love. I've been partial to Volkyl for some time now. The area planning to demo from has the Kendo, revolt 95, 121, mantra M5... I'm more of quick turn skier but do like the big wide arc's and speed from time to time. I was wondering what you think of which ski I should demo? From what I've read the Kendo or Revolt 95 might be best? also, do you think going to a longer ski will have much of an impact? thanks so much!
Hi Richard! I would start with the 163 cm Kendo 88. That will be a nice ski to compare to your Kanjos and will give you a good sense of whether you want to try the Mantra too. Kendo and Mantra will both feel better for those higher speed, bigger arcs than your Kanjo, but are also more demanding, more fatiguing, etc. Revolt 95 would be fun to try too. Definitely a different animal than Kanjo, Kendo, Mantra, but a lot of fun to ski and quite a bit more playful in most scenarios. I wouldn't go for the 121 unless you get a deep powder day. That ski is fairly one dimensional, just a big powder ski, not really anything else. In response to your length question, I wouldn't go longer than mid-160s. You might find that you prefer the shorter lengths like your Kanjos, although I also wouldn't be surprised if you like the extra stability of a 163 Kendo... You're basically just trading stability for maneuverability as you go longer, so it's just a matter of finding what the sweet spot is for you personally. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Hi! Yes, this helps a lot - thank you! Quick question; a local area has the Kendo in 170 and Kanjo 84 in 168 - was thinking of demoing these early season to test them out before heading to Oregon. What do you think of testing at these lengths? Would it give me a good feel for the ski or not due to length. Thank you so much.
Just started getting into skiing (transitioning as an advanced snowboarder). Got a pair of skis off Craigslist; 2014 Nordica Hell and Back 177s with Marker Baron bindings (so I can dabble in backcountry). Since it's a pretty stiff ski, I find it tough to engage at slow speeds, and I feel like the stiffness plus lack of tail rocker makes it less forgiving in steeper, variable terrain. I am wondering if the Kendo 88 in 170 with regular downhill bindings would be easier to progress on compared to my current setup, specifically for in-resort, off-piste riding and moguls. For reference, I'm 5'9" 220lbs, ski primarily in Tahoe and can comfortably ski blues and some blacks. Much appreciated!
Yes, if you're looking to tackle more resort-specific skiing, I'd say the Kendo with an alpine binding makes good sense. It's still on the stiffer side, but if you go a bit shorter, the versatility will open up. I'd say the 170 is a good length for you in that ski. Have fun!
The ski footage was awesome. Great review! Can you compare/contrast this with a '17 Atomic Vantage 90 (184)?
Kendo just feels like a more complete ski. The Vantage was a bit light/stiff for a lot of people's taste, and the Kendo has some decent flex to it, while still being composed and strong. Amazingly, the technology has come a long way in six years, making the Kendo feel lively and powerful at the same time, and I could never really say the same thing about the Vantage.
Thanks for great review. I was almost sold on Elan Wingman 86 ti. But now I am confused. How does does new Kendo 88 compare to the wingman 86 ti on midwest groomers for strong intermediate skier? 5'7", 150 lb.
Hey Jay! The Kendo is a more powerful ski overall. More vibration damping and more edge grip, especially noticeable at higher speeds. I also think it's a little easier off-piste than the Wingman, mostly due to the shape. On the other hand, the Wingman is more energetic at slower speeds and prefers a shorter radius carve, so skiers who prefer sticking to more moderate speeds may prefer the Wingman. Hope that helps!
Great review, sounds like an awesome ski
I currently like skiing a mixture of terrain whether it be moguls, trees, or burnin up groomers.
I have a designated soft snow ski bent chetler 100 172cm but am looking for a speed and hard pack ski that also has some versatility when need be. My chetlers are not confidence inspiring whatsoever on icy days or at speed.
What length do you recommend for these new kendos? 5’8” 190lbs 28 years old expert skier. Would a 170 offer enough edge grip for a guy my size?
Do you feel the newest model kendo has lost any edge stability at speed over the previous iterations? I skied kendos probably 5 years ago and loved em, just can’t remember what length I had.
Thanks guys love the reviews, I’ve watched way too many at this point
I would probably go 177 cm for length. I would worry a little bit that if you got the 170, you'd find a similar unstable feel at higher speeds. It would be more stable than your Bent 100, yeah, but also maybe not a huge increase. 177 should be easy for you to handle still and will be more supportive for your size and more stable at speed.
No, I don't think the new Kendo has lost any stability over past versions. If it has, it's the type of thing that only the top 1% of all skiers will ever feel.
Hope that helps!
Ugh, just replaced my old, ~90mm ski from you guys this off-season...if you can call it that, as my closest hill had
Thanks! High praise for sure! Kendo is one of the crispest skis out there these days. It has instantaneous response and wonderful stability through the turn. At 6/2 225, I can wrangle it in the bumps and trees, but I'd much rather ski it in an on-trail capacity. You can really feel the 3D Radius Sidecut within the turn--the more you pressure the ski in any phase, the more it comes around. Very cool tech!
if they would have just given it the tiniest bit more rocker & early taper, they would sell 000's more - but there is only so much fun the German's will allow at one time - the shorter center radius is a huge positive change for sure
I can understand it from their perspective, too. Taking away some of that precision would take away some of the quantities that I associate with the Kendo and with Volkl in general. Shorter center radius is huge, I agree. Amazing what dropping 1 m can do to a ski.
Great review Kendo 88, also loved the Mantra M6 review. I am 56, 6ft 200..advanced skier, mostly east coast groomers, but have been more and more in the trees and bumps. Have been skiing Kendo with 170 length for last 10 years..time for new skis! Can you compare the 2023 Mantra M6 to the 2023 Kendo 88 for me…thinking a bit longer at 177. Which is better in trees and bumps? Assume both equally good on ice, hard packed groomers? Thanks for your advice.
If you're mostly still on groomers, I'd think the Kendo has more to offer, as it excels in this particular area. For lower snow days, it still does just fine in the woods and bumps--quicker than the Mantra for sure. I find that most skiers that like the Mantra more are skiing wider spaces at higher speeds. If you're mainly on the east coast, like us, the Kendo has a greater upside. I would say the 177 is fine based on your stats and application. Have fun!
Hi Guy's, is the rear line the best mid-sole mounting point and or if there would be any benefit going a notch forward? My BSL is 306mm / 26.5 Lange. Looks like just eyeballing the mounted pair of 184's in your video the recommended line is the spot.
HI Michael!
We see no reason to further forward on that ski than the back line. Have fun!
SE
Haven’t finished watching at the time of this comment, but I was wondering if you were skiing Warm Springs in SunValley. One of my favorite runs to rip my Kendos on
Yes! What an amazing place to ski! Basically all of the follow-cam footage of Gordy (orange jacket) is Warm Springs. The rest, including the POV footage, is the other side of the mountain. That 3000+ vertical foot groomer on Warm Springs is the most satisfying place to ski a Kendo is probably the entire world. Just endless arcs down perfect corduroy!
I’m 5’ 9” advanced skier that likes to have fun but also charge a lot, so I’m looking for a ski that maintains great stability at high speeds. I’m deciding between the 2023 Volkl Kendo 88 at 177 and the 2023 Mindbender 89ti at 176. Which do you recommend?
Hello! Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Busy time of year around here. Kendo will feel more precise and a little stronger on trail. Mindbender will feel a little looser and more playful when you take it off-piste, but not quite as precise on a groomer. Hope that helps. I would definitely stick to the 177 or 176 length in either ski.
Hello,
Are there any other skies you can recommend that has a similar performance?
Looking for some skis that i can practice carving and i usually like to ski fast on groomers but also want something easy to practice with. Im 6’1” / 175lbs / intermediate skier. Thanks!
Hey Samuel! We recently did a review of the Mindbender 89Ti and there are some obvious similarities between those two skis, but some differences too. Gives you two skis to choose from, both of which can accomplish what you're looking for.
What binding placement are you using on this ski? Volkl has a 3-line mark for mounting that changes how it performs. I have the 2021 Kendos mounted off the rear-most line but am wondering how performance changes if I were to move it forward. It looks like you guys are skiing it center mounted. Appreciate all you do, Guys... thanks!
We use the rear of the three lines all the time on the Volkl's
@@SkiEssentialswhy is that recommended?
Great review! Are we getting an in depth review of the new Mantra 102s too?
The Mantra 102s were just as fun. They can arc and they floated well/were easy to maneuver in about a foot of powder/trees.
Yup! We'll definitely be doing an in-depth review of the Mantra 102 at some point this season. Not exactly sure when, but it'll definitely happen.
Hi, I was looking for a playful all-mountain ski that can also function in the park when I decide to go (won't be my primary focus). Some of your reviews that caught my attention are the Volkl Revolt 95/104, Bent Chetler 100, and Line Chronic and Vision 98. I also live in PNW. I'm
also an intermediate/advanced skier looking to buy my first pair, so want something I can continue to progress on. For my use case do you recommend any of these or any other skis? Thanks!
Hello! I like the idea of going right around the 100 width to maximize versatility for where you live. Bent 100, Vision 98, and Reckoner 102 would be my first picks. Revolt 104 would be a good choice too, especially if you wanted a little more float for those deeper PNW days. All of those skis would work well for you and you can progress on each of them equally.
So for last 3-4 years I have been skiing on Volkl Code L. This GS ski cruises through anything. I have also been taking it into the tight trees and steeps at Sugarloaf. Now at 70 it is getting difficult to get the skies around. I recently tried out the 2023 Kendo 88 on the super hard packed day and then went into the hard packed glades. (Couldn't stick your pole into the snow) I like to make lots of turns on the edge of the trail as opposed to going fast. Want to ease up a little. Do you think it's a good ski for both on and off trail with not much powder and going into my 70s? Thanks
Yes, I think it's a great choice. Very precise and grippy, but still accessible, especially if you've been on more of a front side ski. Have fun!
I’ve a dilemma which I hope you can help with; my local ski shop in the uk has dynastar mpro 90 but only in 178 length. Or I could go for kendo 88 in 170. I’ve been skiing for 50 years (60 years old) and have been skiing the mantra for the last 10 years at 170mm. I now want a ski that’s a little easier on piste but that I can still ski hard and fast on and is reasonable off piste. I am 173mm tall and 80kg.
Your recommendation would be very welcome. The kendo 88 is around £150 more expensive. Thanks for your excellent reviews!
Kendo in the 170 makes more sense than the 178 M-Pro. I'd go that route. Have fun!
SE
Bob said the 22 was planky. I agree. Last year I demod a 184cm m6 mantra and loved it. The 184 was a bit long in the bumps for me. Then I got on a 170cm kendo 22 and found it very planky and way less maneuverable and playful than the bigger m6. I didn't like it. I bought a 179cm m5 by mistake 🙃 😅. I thought it was the same as the one I demod. I still really like the m5
Great feedback, thanks for sharing!
I have a 2020 kendo 88 170 and how does this compare to the new kendo 88. I am intermediate skier 5’10” 189lb. Also what boots work best with these skis?
Very similar, the new ski is just more refined with the Tailored Titanal Frame and Carbon Tip. A little easier to ski, more dynamic, just a more rewarding skiing experience. Boots are tough without seeing your foot or knowing more about yourself as a skier, but in general, I would say most Kendo skiers are going to want to have either a 120 or 130 flex boot.
I'm looking to use this as a NE skier! I'm 6 feet, ~175 pounds and an advanced skier. Would you recommend the Kendos in 177 or 185?
You should be just fine on the 177, unless you like skiing particularly fast, in which case bump up to the 184.
You mentioned this didn't handle the best off piste of the others in its class. Of the frontside carving orientated 80-90s what ski would you say handles off piste the best?
Hey Allen! Black Crows Serpo, Armada Declivity 92, Elan Ripstick 88, Salomon Stance 90... In my opinion, all of those work better off piste, or at least are easier. Others too. On the other hand, none of them can match the precision of the Kendo when you have it on firm snow.
Hi Jeff, I had been looking at the Faction Mogul ski to take to bumps. However, I like to be able to have a ski for on piste as well. I am skiing the Mantra M6 which is a fantastic ski on soft, crude, groomed and crude. It is too wide for moguls. For this second ski for bumps and on piste, I was wondering about the Kenja 88 2023. Would this ski be lighter, quicker and more flexible for bumps. I am a 155 lbs, advanced level skier.
Hello! I do think it's fair to say the Kendo 88 is a better mogul ski than the M6 Mantra as it's quicker edge to edge, but it's not tremendously lighter and has a similarly stiff flex. If you're looking for something to complement your M6 Mantra, there may be better options. If moguls are the focus, I wonder if maybe something like the Volkl Kanjo 84 would be better. Lighter, quicker, but still responsive and a lot of fun on groomers too. I'm a similar size to you and really enjoy skiing in. Something to consider, at least. Hope that helps!
@@SkiEssentials Thank you! Those are very to the point comments. I will use the 2022-2023 season to get better on short radius and moguls. Likely, I'll stick to Kendo/Kenja 88 for this season as my 70/30 on piste and off piste ski and then the Mantra 6 for Western snow condition 30/70 on piste and off piste ski.
Guys, I am 6', 180lbs, expert level. Can I get away with 177cm versus 184 for speed, stability etc? Ski outwest on a variety of conditions. Thanks!
Hello Ski essentials Team
I‘am a intermediate/ lower advanced Skier and i am looking for a twin tip- all Mountain Ski. I am driving Most time on piste and next to it and a little bit in the terrain park. ( 70/30 )
But i prefer to have a good ski for soft snow conditions.
You have any recommandations?
Whats your opinion on the armada arv 86 or the völkl bash 86 for it ? I like the faction prodigy 1.0 and 2.0 as well
Greetings
Hello! You're on the right track here. Bash 86, ARV 86, Prodigy 1.0... basically any twin tip in the mid-80 mm width range is going to work really well for you. You could consider going a little wider into the low-90 mm range, but you also don't need to.
Hi, I'm currently looking for that one quiver ski. I'm mostly on groomers but I'm really think this Kendo 88 sounds like a good choice. But I also thinking about going for a Head E-Titan as I have always had more frontside skis. But now when I also ski most of the time with my children (5&8) I'm thinking about if I will have more fun on a Kendo then on the Head E-titan, because I wont be able to have as much highspeed runs as before. What are you reflextion on these two and my "needs" for a one quiver ski?
Hi Tobias! You're definitely on the right track here. There's not a huge difference between those skis in a lot of ways, but I do think you'd have more fun on the Kendo when skiing slower with your kids. Titan sometimes feels like it needs a lot of speed to come alive. The Kendo is still a stiff, supportive, and powerful ski, I just think it's a little more compliant for slower speeds and more casual skiing. Hope that helps and sorry for the delayed reply!
@@SkiEssentials Thank you reply. Had my first run with the kids today and the Kendo didnt let me down. Was more playful than I thought in slower speeds and instant switch to more raw power in higher speeds.
New bent line (specifically 110) detailed review coming out soon??
For sure. We actually were on it today, although briefly. Few more days on it in different conditions and we should be able to put a nice review together.
What demo bindings are those? Were the skis tested (shown in the video) with them?
It's a Marker Griffon demo binding. Same binding tested as in video.
Lol, "How does it compare to an Enforcer?" needs to be a segment in all reviews for skis wider than 85mm
It's a great benchmark ski!
So during the comparison video you said that there are a lot of people on the Kendo 88 that should be on the Kanjo 84. How much does that change with this new model? I am rolling some old Salomon 720s and looking to upgrade now that I am getting back out on the hill again. Would like to find something pretty versatile for the Midwest. My local hill has some pretty steep runs with mostly man made snow so usually can get a lot of ice. Would like something that isn’t going to tear my knees up that I can spend most of the time on trail. I do like to occasionally take some jumps and flip around to go backwards. Was leaning towards the Kanjo but now was curious about the new 2023 Kendo? Thanks!
Hi Daniel! This new ski definitely does change that somewhat. Does it completely change it? No, but this new Kendo is more approachable than the previous version for sure. The shorter turn radius underfoot helps a ton. Between those two skis, it still comes down mostly to how aggressive you are as a skier. If you like speed, go Kendo, if you prefer more moderate speeds, Kanjo still might be better for some...
Hi, what did you buy and do you like it?
@@rensknoop4986 I ended up with the Kendo 88 and yes I do like them. They do like speed and seem more responsive the faster you go but they do just fine following the kids around too
Nice review! Can you compare these to the Elan Wingman CTI 82/86? Which other all mtn ski would you say is a bit easier off-piste?
The Kendo is more versatile as it's a narrower version of the more freeride skis in the Volkl line. Wingman is more front side oriented for sure, and while they all carve great, the Kendo is more well-rounded and easier to ski off-piste. For a lighter option, check out the Elan Ripstick 88 or the Head Kore 87--these skis use carbon rather than metal to power the ski.
hey ski essentials, I'm on the hunt for a replacement for a 2013 armada JJ after the local shop hack jobbed the 3rd mount and my heel piece pulled out and sent me into the trees. the new JJ doesn't have the same shape as the OG 5 point radius shape or whatever its called and I've heard some people don't like the other changes, the revolt 121 looks about as close as I've seen I was just wondering if you had any other ideas of things that are sorta the same
Revolt 121 is a good choice, also check out Atomic Bent Chetler 120, K2 Reckoner 122, and Rossignol Gamer.
Hello, I have an old Mantra 102 and I'm looking for something in between my Blizzard WRC. So I thought about either the Kendo 88 or the Mantra M6. As I am 188cm and 97kg, I am worried a little about the length of the Kendo, as it is 184 max and the Mantra M6 is available in 191. Would you say, the 184 of the Kendo is still ok/good? or should I go with the Mantra, even if its way closer to my old Mantra under foot wise. Or do I have to get the Brahma 88 in 191? Greetings from Germany.
I'd go Kendo in the 184--it's a pretty sturdy ski and will hold up to some rigorous skiing for sure. I think the M6 and the 102 are too close, and I think the longer Brahma is just a lot of ski--you really have to get it moving in order to access the sidecut.
I Messaged you guys a couple times and I’m Having a hard time deciding between Volkl 88 and enforcer 88… I’m 5’11 265 pounds. I ski Mont Tremblant mostly so it’s packed/groomed snow, icy at times. I dont do moguls or trees, however I do want a stable forgiving. Ski when I hit unpredictable bumps at high speeds…. Please lemme know what you recommend between those 2
Hey Eli! I think since you don't ski a lot of moguls or trees, and considering your size, I would go with the Kendo. It's a little more supportive for bigger skiers and it's an extremely rewarding ski on groomed slopes and firm snow. I saw your comment on another video too, so I'll leave this reply there for others to see as well.
@@eliassays I think you're making a great choice Eli! Also appreciate the feedback. We'll try to work in some better visuals when discussing things like radius, camber, etc. Hope you have a fantastic season!!
Hey guys, I'm looking for a front-side oriented all-mountain ski to add to the quiver (already have an all-mountain, POW, and park ski). I'm a big aggressive skier. Looking at getting one of these three.
Rossignol Experience 86ti
Volkl Kendo
Blizzard Brahma 88
Let me know what you guys would choose and why, thank you!
For the biggest and most aggressive skiers, the Brahma 88 most closely holds the keys to success. It's about as stout and sturdy as it gets. When you go to Kendo from there, you're getting a bit more whip out of the ski, but slightly less stability. For Experience, even though it's the narrowest by number, I find it to be the most versatile of the group. Brahma seems to fit what you're looking to do in terms of aggressive all-mountain skiing with a front-sided nature.
When can I buy a pair of 2023 Kendo 177s? Any chance I can get a pair on an early market release?
I believe they will be available soon... Check back in a week or so, but you should be able to get one this season.
I'm 175cm tall, weigh 87kg and demoed the Deacon 84 in 177cm and I loved it, but I'm leaning towards the Kendo 88 in 177cm. I'm an advanced skier who likes to fast long turns and would like to try a bit off piste (marked ski routes only). How does the Kendo compare to the Deacon 84 and is the train 177cm recommended for my stats and level? Thanks
PS: Current ski is Atomic SX 11 167cm. To short, too unstable at higher speeds.
The Kendo, despite having a rounder and more versatile shape, is pretty darn stable. The Deacon feels sharper and more precise/reactive, but from a stability standpoint, they're very close. If you're looking for a bit more adventure without losing much in the carving department, I'd go with the Kendo. I'd say the 177 is fine.
Hey guys! I'm 188cm tall and 75kg, i skii most of time in spain and french alps. I'm looking for a new pair of skis. I usually ski on groomers without avoiding to going offpiste when the conditions are good outside. Looking for a playful skis for good short turns at the side of the piste but also something that feels comfortable at high speeds. I've been recomended the maverick 88 but also the kendo 88 or the ripstick. Whats are the differences and what would you recomend? Thanks!
The Maverick feels like a lighter duty and more playful version of the Kendo, which is more stout and stable. The Elan is wonderful, but is lighter and chattier than the others as it's powered by carbon rather than metal. If you're looking for the highest performance ceiling, go with the Kendo, but for a mix of on-trail performance and off-trail versatility, the Maverick is a lot of fun and very versatile. It sounds like you'll lean to the Maverick to me. K2 Mindbender 89Ti is also worth a look in this range. That's more like a Kendo-minus in terms of character. Have fun!
Hello,
I am 5’8” 180-190lbs depending on how my dieting is going. Advanced aggressive skier
I’ve been skiing Kendos for around a decade and had a chance to demo and then buy these a month ago in winter park Colorado.
I bought these in the 177cm based partly on your recommendations and they rip. The new design definitely improved this ski. They absolutely shred on the hard pack groomers but also have improved in the bumps and just short turns overall.
In previous model years I shredded the 170cms but these 2023s seem more versatile hence why I went longer. I’ve asked you guys many size questions the last few years and you for sure helped out.
One more question for you, I also rock some bent chetler 100s that are sometimes a little bit too soft for me, they just don’t have the stability for me lacking the metal. What would some good 100 width options be for in between the serious Kendos and the ultra playful chetlers? Love the chetlers for the trees, bumps, and small powder but they’re kinda terrible at speed and carving on icy hard pack for me if I’m forced to.
Thanks again guys
I hear you about the Bent 100--I have similar experiences on mine, but really love them in the trees and soft snow. I'd check out the Blizzard Rustler 10 and Salomon QST 98--both have a good blend of playfulness and performance. Have fun!
SE
Do you have any info on the 2023 fisher ranger 96?
So much. We have so much information on it. Tons of experience on it, we've tested like 5 rounds of prototypes and the final production models. Unfortunately, we signed an agreement with Fischer that we can't release any details until February 1st. We've started posting some teaser clips on social media!
At the 23:23 mark of this video, there is a person skiing in front in red colour suit. What is he skiing on? He is whipping around in those looking good!
We were both on the Kendo 88 on those runs! He was a great skier. Competitive mogul background if I remember correctly, and now a PSIA instructor.
What bindings would you recommend with those?
We pair them with either a Tyrolia Attack 14 or a Marker Griffon--works great!
How do these compare to the 2023 K2 mindbender 89Ti?
There's a lot of similarities in terms of turn shape, application, and overall performance level. The Kendo has a different sound to it--more pingy because of the metal frame, but with that ping you also get precision and power. The K2 has a nice kick out of the turn, but doesn't bring you in quite like the Kendo. I'd say the Kendo is a higher-performing ski on the feet of a top-end skier while the K2 is a bit more accessible for a variety of people.
So the question is these or enforcer’s for a heavier intermediate like myself? (6ft 250lbs & likes to ski fast)
The Kendo is more of a carvers ski rather than the Enforcer which is a bit easier to manage in a non-carving format. No speed limits on either of these skis, but Kendo does want to turn a bit more. Have fun!
Deacon 84 vs Kendo.... which one do you like better?
Great question!
I probably would have said Deacon in the past, but I had overwhelmingly positive experiences on the Kendo this year. I love the shorter turn radius and lighter swing weight of the new build. If I were more focused on technical carving, I think the Deacon would be a smarter choice, but the versatility of the Kendo combined with the carving power make it tough to pass up. I literally had so much fun simply standing on the downhill edge of the Kendo and feathering my weight to get the radius to change, even minutely. Also skied it in about 3-4 inches of fresh and it did great. I'm very keen on Kendo right now.
SE/Bob
I'm someone who learned how to ski in the 70's and skied a lot in the 80's and am looking to return to the sport. I'm trying to research some different skis, as they've changed a lot in 30+ years. The Volkl Kendo 88 is on my short list, as it seems like it would at least be somewhat comparable to the racing skis that I used back in the day, although obviously a lot shorter and wider, although I haven't skied in a couple of decades. I'm a bit puzzled by the skiing form of the guys in the video and have a question for people who are more in tune than I am with the current state of the sport: These guys are not doing any pole plants. They are just holding their hands out with the poles pointing behind them. Has it been decided that pole plants are superfluous or are they just demonstrating poor form?
carve turning doesn’t need pole plants watch the mogul part and you will see pole plants
Must be a millennial thing. Pole plants seem to be a lost art.
Do you guys prefer the kendo or the mantra??
For where we ski here in VT, the Kendo is a slightly preferable width for an everyday ski. I have no problems with either, but I had very positive experiences on the new Kendo this season for sure, even in about 3-4 inches of snow.
SE/Bob
"But it 'ken do' it!" :)
Hey guys, what do you think about the Volkl Kendo 92 ?
Wish they made it for the US audience for sure! We never see them or get on them, other than when our lady friends ski and love the Secret 92.
How do you make just a thirty meter turn and then what do you do to make a 17 meter turn and then what do you do to make only a 24 meter turn? Thanks
It's really a sliding scale, or a progression of different turn radii you can make. While you can make those different turns, you can make others too, it's not just those 3, so to speak. It mostly has to do with how you're weighting and bending the ski. If you're driving the shovel and bending the ski a lot underfoot, you're going to achieve those shorter radii turns. If you're initiating laterally and not bending the ski as much, it will run into much bigger arcs. Hope that helps!
My only question is when does your stock arrive? Looking to replace my 2016 Brahmas (187), and, I just told my son, if my Brahmas break I’d order a pair of these blind. Based on your assessments, they seem to be similar to the new Brahmas, but a little more versatile. Fair?
HI Gian!
They certainly occupy the same slot in the catalog, although I find the Kendo to be quicker and more energetic while the Brahma remains one of the dampest and most stable skis in its class. As such, I do think the Kendo is more versatile because it's quicker. We are anticipating a 2023 Kendo arrival in mid-February.
SE
Are these almost identical to the k2 mindbender 90ti?
No, the Kendo is more substantial.
Looked up the rest of the line and wow, the gold and black Revolt 121s are glorious! (but I still love my original white/blue/orange pair)
Very interested in the new M102 !
We will definitely have a Mantra 102 review up at some point! I had a blast skiing that ski too.
Is it actually a thing to not pull the bar down on a lift in the USA? It’s something I’ve never ever seen in Europe!
I usually don’t pull it down, I’m from Canada
hahah yup i got a bad case of vertigo and have to ask if it is ok to put the bar down :) most are ok with it, some give me attitude. it is just one of those things ...
I'd say 80% of people put the bar down (Canadian rockies here) but yeah, plenty of people leave it up. I usually have it down but I'll leave it up on some lifts
I'd say it's more of an east vs west thing than anything else. I've lived in places and skied with certain groups of people where pulling the bar down just isn't something you do. I've also lived in places and skied with other groups where you always, 100% pull the bar down. Here in Vermont, we're always riding with the bar down. I prefer it, and it also happens to be a state law.
I actually rode up the chairlift with a guy this weekend while I was coaching who was passionate about not pulling the bar down. I had never experienced anything like it.
In this clip, I can say with 99% certainty that we pulled the bar down right after this. We had just gotten on the lift, Gordy started chatting about the ski, so I quickly pulled the camera out without thinking about much else.
How come you never talk about mogul skis or Quickturn skis? It seems like most of the skis you review are mid turning to GS ski’s?
Mogul-specific skis are very one-dimensional, and unless you're competing, there's not a whole lot to review. Instead, we try our best to discuss any/every ski's potential capabilities in bumps and short turns.
😊
Arms are very loose flinsy
No! Gonna need you to redo this video and crap all over the new model! I just bought the 2022 Kendo! I love it! But you make me want to buy the 2023 model!!!! Please! Redo this video and tell me the new Kendo sucks!!!
Hahaha, can't do that! But realistically, the ski you bought is still really, really good. As we mentioned, these are pretty subtle tweaks to an already great ski. Does it make it better? Of course. Should everyone immediately throw away their old Kendos and buy the new ones? Not necessarily, at least don't rush to get rid of them. Ski them, enjoy them, and when they're starting to get beat up, grab a new model!
Put the safety bar down.
You their mother?
@@Bushwacked487 I identify as their father, thank you very much. If you are going to be an "influencer," you should set a good example. Watched a kid life-flighted out of my home mountain because he fell out of a chair. Don't be stupid; put the bar down. And, nobody likes your BlueTooth speaker. Really, noone.
@@Mole204 adults tend to be able to sit in chairs without falling off. Anyways, you’re not in charge of anyone so maybe consider taking it down a notch.
At first please work on your own ski technique - sorry.
Always trying to improve!