2023 Blizzard Brahma, Volkl Kendo, Rossignol Experience 86Ti, Stockli Stormrider 88

[@alanstuard889]

Hats off for being short and concise comparo! Accurate too, in my demoing the Kendo and the appropriately-named Brahma.

[@TheSkiMonster]

Thanks Alan

[@bb57365]

Most likely gonna go with the Kendo. Good info.

[@urbanrunoff]

interestingly i find the rossignol 86Ti to be more demanding in mid to long radius carves than the Brahma (still my fav) or old Kendo. but yes for slower speeds and shorter radius turns the 86Ti is very easy to ski.

[@IShamsi-ec7vd]

I’m confused between the Brahma 88, enforcer 88 and Kendo 88. I’m also confused about what length to get. I am 207lbs and 5-11 height. I like to Vail Breck big sky. I usually ski groomed blacks and double blacks with a sizable mix of Moguls. I do pick up higher speeds of around 50-55 mph. I never go back country or super deep ungroomed stuff. Would love to get your recommendation for me and rank them 1,2,3 for Me

[@TheSkiMonster]

Are you wanting to choose between those 3 models? Are you set on the 88mm waist width?

[@IShamsi-ec7vd]

@@TheSkiMonster not 100% set on the 88 but with all the research and talking to people I landed on the 88. Please feel free to give your opinion.

[@DLeopoldi914]

How does the enforcer 88 compare against this?

[@TheSkiMonster]

The Enforcer 88 is going to sit in the middle between the Kendo and the Rossi Experience, but it lives closest to the Kendo. It's not quite as powerful and stable as the Kendo but takes a little less work to turn at low speeds or in tight terrain.

[@jeffreygreen9315]

With the redesign of the Kendo replacing the 90mm wide version, would you say the Kendo has lost any power or edge grip in exchange for more versatility? If so, how does the old Kendo compare to the Brahma 88? Thanks!

[@TheSkiMonster]

@Jeffrey Green, the newer 88 is a more well rounded ski. They have opened up accessibility on the lower end of the performance spectrum, while only improving the top end performance. It still grips really well and loves the front side, but the newer construction allows for a touch of versatility. Depending on what older kendo you are referring to, the Brahma feels more precise compared to both Volkls. It grips better, has more energy, and doesn't feel dead. The trade off is that the current Brahma is less maneuverable than both Kendos.

[@h3x0r1984]

If I can ski and bend comfortably a Brahma 82, would I be ok to ski the Kendo 88 for carving on piste and chopping offpiste?

[@TheSkiMonster]

If you are bending a Brahma 82, you should have no problem carving on the Kendo 88.

[@cragginshred]

Hi! Stockli Montero AR compared to new 2023 Kendo for carving power and pop out of turn? I have an love the Mantra M6, had the 22 Kendo and liked it a lot until I got the Mantra which crushed it for railing power. Then got the AR this year and am not as impressed so far as I'd hope to be. Thanks!

[@TheSkiMonster]

Montero AR has a slightly tighter turn radius, and it is a little bit lighter. Our testers found the Montero AR to have more energy than the Kendo on groomed terrain, but preferred the Kendo in chopped up snow and off piste.

[@cragginshred]

@@TheSkiMonster Interesting because I find the AR likes big GS turns (I just did a demo vid of it) and is heavier than the 21 Kendo but have not tried the new one. thanks!

[@Andi69155]

what´s your opinion about the Brahma 88 vs. the new Völkl Deacon 84?

[@TheSkiMonster]

@Andi 69, Brahma and Deacon are close. Both love to carve and provide a smooth powerful feel. The Volkl Deacon is a little more one dimensional, really only likes to be on groomers. Brahma also loves groomers but because the tail releases easier than the Deacon, the Brahma is a touch more maneuverable (meaning you can make a wider variety of turn shapes on a brahma). If you love groomers you can’t go wrong with either of these. Go Deacon if you only like to carve and want unrivaled precision. Go Brahma if carving is your jam but want something that is easier to balance on and offers a little more versatility than a Deacon.

[@youliangyi3346]

What about enforcer 88 compare with these skis in precision and demanding also easy to ski in low speed?

[@nealmcdonald3027]

Do you feel like the kendo would be a good all mountain or would it be better to go with the mantra?

[@TheSkiMonster]

Thanks for the note Neal, both are going to feel powerful and most at home on groomers/hardpack. Because the mantra is wider, it will do better in varying terrain and conditions compared to the kendo

[@nzheliking1278]

Would the stormrider be a bit more manageable off-piste given the softer shovels, compared to the others? Thanks Nick

[@TheSkiMonster]

@NZ Heli King correct. The Stormrider will be the most playful and maneuverable of these 4, and also the easiest to initiate a turn at low speed.

[@nzheliking1278]

@@TheSkiMonster Awesome, 88 much turnier than the SR95? Cheers Nick

[@TheSkiMonster]

The 88 has a 18.4m radius @ 175cm. The 95 has a 17.2m radius @ 175cm. So some may argue that the 95 feels more turny. The 88 will feel quicker edge to edge.