2024 Volkl Kendo 88 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

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[@driverjohns6051]

I'm an intermediate skier. After I demoed these, I bought them. I'm faster, more stable, turn better, etc. I enjoyed them a lot last season. Looking forward to improving on them this coming season. Thanks for the review, lots of technical talk that equates to just a better ski experience in my opinion.

[@daviddawson1101]

What’s totes wondering if I can ride this as an intermediate guy.. thank you !

[@withoutwroeirs]

Also intermediate, not over 50kpmh unless on a straight run. However my Salamon at 165cm were chattering when picking up speed (really only measured up to my chin) and not the most stable at times. What you said about being more stability has me interested.

[@slater1182]

Same here.... Demoed these last year and they are freaking amazing. Purchased 177s end of season last year. Find a way to demo these skis.

[@du3lcitiz3n]

@@slater1182 I just bought a set today 184s. I trust I'll love em... been a Volkl guy for a while, they make a great ski.

[@cadamcyk]

What bindings did you use?

[@emiller7108]

I bought a pair from you guys after I saw the review of the 23 Kendo last year. I’m an Intermediate skier, mostly groomers . I’m 54 and 6.4 240lbs so went with the 184s. I can say that these skis made me instantly a more comfortable and confident skier. They are kind of like a cheat code for an average skier. I skied Bridger Bowl , MT last March and they felt amazing . Very stable through any chop and effortless speed. The turning was noticeably easier and precise. I did read and notice they make a slight metallic ping which I like. Overall, I am very happy with them. Love the channel !!

[@shawn335]

I got these a couple months ago. Love em. They can rip and this review is very accurate to my experience

[@du3lcitiz3n]

Just picked up a pair of 184's with a Marker Griffon binding in white. Some new boots too, looking forward to giving them 3 days of slopes next week.

[@dbquek]

This is a wonderful narrower all mountain ski which not only rips but is so much fun and intuitive to ski as well, amazing job by Volkl.

[@SkiEssentials]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darinsmith2458]

I am sure that I would love this ski.. I like the low angle short turning radius.. That is the difference between these skis and my Stormrider 88s.. It sounds like this ski can fly but it can also turn at slow speeds.. With my Stormrider 88s I have to be doing at least 25 mph to turn them and they have 19m turn radius.. It gets tricky if there are a lot of people and only a couple runs open..

[@javiermendizabalperez7433]

Hi there, I am an expert skier (ex-racer) skiing in Europe. I used to mostly freeride, but with my current family life, I now mostly ski on-piste and adventure a bit off-piste when I can. I own a mantra M6 (176) with Salomon shift bindings; which I love and find them to have the perfect balance of stifness and useability. I am looking for something similar but a bit narrower to be able to rip on groomed pistes and still venture a bit off-piste. I am debating between the enforcer 88 and the kendo 88. Thank you for your feedback!

[@SkiEssentials]

The Kendo will be more of a known entity--very similar to the Mantra only narrower and quicker. The Enforcer has more rocker and taper, so more of a freeride character vs. the Kendo, which I think is a fantastic on-trail ski. The Enforcer is a bit more versatile while not dropping a whole lot when it comes to carving capabilities.

[@javiermendizabalperez7433]

@@SkiEssentials Great! thank you very much

[@bb57365]

Between this and the Blizzard Brahma for my next carver.

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes! If you're looking for raw horsepower, go Brahma. For more precise and exacting carving, go Kendo.

[@ThinkingWinking]

I'm deciding between 170 and 177 height. I ski blacks comfortably, but would not consider myself expert yet; 170 lb + 5'10. I plan to put in around 10-15 days a year on these on the east coast, and 5-10 days on the west coast. I plan to ski 15 days on a dedicated touring ski. I would greatly appreciate your feedback!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think if you're at all hesitant, and between sizes, the Kendo is a good one to go shorter. The 170 will offer you more control and a cleaner carved turn while the 177 may be a bit much in terms of demand.

[@ThinkingWinking]

@@SkiEssentials much appreciated!

[@tyfanuzzi5431]

videos get better every season! im really looking for a front side “no snow” ski to compliment my ripstick 96 black and mfree 108 been looking at the experience 82 ti ..wingman 82cti ..kastle fx86 maybe even a montero ar/ax (slightly harder to justify) but i always come back to the kendo i seem to be extremely interested in it. on trail carving wise does it hold up against those at 5’8 200lbs advanced skiier always getting better looking at the 176-178 in all of those i like the trees and bumps aswell but really looking for something to fill the front side or carving gap the m cross 82 also peaks my interest but feel it’s not soo much what i’m looking for i guess im really looking for that hard charging great edge hold on lovely east coast icy snow or ice not a super race style ski

[@scollyutube]

Brahma 82, or more new school thought process Armada Declivity 82ti?

[@tyfanuzzi5431]

the declivity is always a thought just maybe to light and get knocked around? brahma might just be to much all the time even in 173?

[@SkiEssentials]

Thanks! I don't think you need to second-guess the Kendo, there's a reason why it's a great selling ski with almost all positive feedback. It's a great turner, has some versatility, and is about as predictable and solid as it gets. Volkl does a great job increasing the energy of these skis while keeping them stable. Your description sounds very Kendo-esque to me. If you want to lean a bit more to the carve, I do like the sounds of the Wingman, but in the 86 CTI would give you some added versatility.

[@Bushwacked487]

For what it’s worth I skied the 177 kendo last year when I was heavier at 205lbs and it worked great.

[@mrbigstufff17]

I'm starting to look for a replacement for my 2016 Kendo (184). I'm a 6', 230 pounds advanced East Coast skier that use these skis for trees and bumps but also carving to get to the trees... I haven't tried any of the newer versions of the Kendo but I flexed them yesterday at a shop and I was surprised how easy I could hand flex them... Maybe it's because of the upper titanal sheet that has been cut in 3 parts??? Anyway, I've been spending too much time 😁 watching your videos and reading your reviews and have an interesting list to choose from: kendo (still 184 I guess), Stance 90 or 96 ( in 180 or 188?), Maverick Ti 88 (184) or 95 (188?) or the Ripstick 96 Black edition (188?)... I also own a 2019 Rustler 9 in 188. When I use it, I always find it way easier than my Kendo in the trees but prefer the precision and the feel of my kendo over it... Any thoughts? p.s. Please stop making those interesting videos... I have to stop watching and go skiing! 😁

[@SkiEssentials]

Sorry! The new Kendo is a lot more interesting than the 2016 in terms of energy. I also think there's a lot of fun to be had on the Maverick 88 in the 184. A lot of performance for a relatively light weight. Stance is quieter, although the 2024 versions are a bit more agile. I'd narrow focus to the Kendo and Maverick, both in the 184.

[@vidarkorsbergdalsb1467]

Got the answer: 2024 Kendo og 25 Mantra.

[@bvadel]

Still deciding but this gets me excited to go with a Kendo again since my favorite ski was the 2012 Kendo. Curious though @SkiEssentials or others- how do you think this compares to the new · Stockli Stormrider 88 · Elan Ripstick 88 Any thoughts or noticeable performance differences one way or the other? It will be a one quiver West Coast / Tahoe Ski -- 70% on groomed runs and 30% off-piste (which I felt the 2012 Kendos did well in most conditions)

[@SkiEssentials]

I'm loving the power and precision of the Kendo. The Stockli is close in terms of performance, but it just sounds quieter and smoother when it comes to a carved turn and is more amenable to off-piste skiing. The Ripstick is easier to turn and use than either of the other two, and while that is fun and exciting and poppy, it's not as strong or stable at speed. The new Kendo is also more lively and turny than the 2012 version.

[@tommyeschung]

Would you say that these could be good for when we go thru the melt freeze cycle on the west coast?

[@SkiEssentials]

I would! This ski lights it up under most adverse conditions and terrain.

[@myowngig]

Hey Guys! enjoying all the 2024 reviews. So I've been skiing the Nordica Enforcer 93 and absolutely love them. Looking for a 2nd ski, little narrower and more carvy, but still be able to smear out of a turn if wanted. Everything you've talked about makes me think the Kendo 88 fits the bill. Is this a no-brainer or should I be considering maybe a Enforcer 88 to be safe?

[@SkiEssentials]

Enforcer is safe, and it does have more taper and rocker than the Kendo, enhancing that smeary quality. Kendo is more precise, but not by a huge order of magnitude. If you want something with a different overall feel and character, Kendo is the way to go.

[@myowngig]

@@SkiEssentials Thank You!

[@rols3376]

Demo'ed a set last week. Incredible edge hold and responsivity. Was a little stiff for tight turns in chutes and steeps and risk of catching an edge, but on piste and skiied up offpiste, this ski is Incredible. Also demo'ed Blizzard Rustler 9, and skied well like a tank, and forgiving and solid off piste, but not as precise as the Kendo. So yeah, then Kendo best for highly skilled advanced skier. Also the Mantra. Similar to Kendo but to be honest feels like your girlfriend with a personality disordet vs the Kendo, which did what she was told and more....finally i tried the mindbender 89 to compare... a good ski and more fotgiving than the Volkls, but less precise. Heard the mindbenders delaminate so ensure you get a warranty. Happy skiing.

[@SkiEssentials]

Ha! Great description.

[@rols3376]

I ended up buying the Mantra because... they had run out of stock completely of the Kendos in NZ! Skied the Mantra hard a full day mostly on spring piste and took a while to get used to it and finding the sweet spot but once found, it was great although not as brain-to-ski responsive as the Kendo, which I guess is the difference in side-cut with the narrower waist of the Kendo giving it more edge-to-edge precision; look forward to trying Mantra in range of off-piste conditions, but yeah, the Kendo is a great ski for skilled technical skier wanting to drive it fast and hard. Cheers.@@SkiEssentials

[@exothermal.sprocket]

What would you say would be the takeaways comparing this Volkl Kendo 88 to the Rossignol Experience 86 Ti?

[@SkiEssentials]

I prefer standing on the Kendo and letting the ski do most of the work. It's strong, stable, and predictable with precision to spare. The Experience feels more like a traditional ski in that the skier input has a lot more to do with the outcome of the turn. You have to be a more active participant on the Experience, which I like, but it's not quite as natural feeling in a carved turn as the Kendo, which really seems to come across the hill better than most skis in this width range.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you for the feedback!

[@ollystokes9386]

Hi Looking for next ski. Advanced and aggressive skier who loves the technicality of carving but also learning moguls and venturing off piste whenever possible. I am 177cm and 215 lbs - what length would you recommend? thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd go 177 in that ski. Lots of stability here!

[@cadamcyk]

Looking at getting the 177s. 5 10 175lb. 57 years old. Suggestion on bindings for this? Mostly on piste ~ not doing anything too crazy.

[@SkiEssentials]

We pair them with these Attacks and they work great! www.skiessentials.com/products/2024-volkl-kendo-88-skis-w-tyrolia-attack-14-bindings?ski%2520size=163

[@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 ski 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

[@SkiEssentials]

These skis are all very similar, it's easy to see the confusion. I like to think that the Brahma is the strongest, the Enforcer is the most versatile, and the Kendo is the most precise--those are the main differences. I'd look to the upper 170's to low 180's in these skis.

[@douglasmilch-id7hh]

Appreciate any sizing advice for east coast use…..6 foot 180lb…..177 v 184?

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't think going over head high on these skis makes a lot of sense--I'd go with the 177, it's a pretty darn stable ski and you'll love the more active turn shape of the slightly shorter one.

[@klrba75]

How would these Kendo's do off- piste in the trees, Eastern U.S.region ( Magic, Killington, Jay)? Expert skier. 6ft 2in, 234lbs.

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a bit of a challenge, but if this is your only pair and you actually spend most of your time on-trail, then it's a great blend. I'm about your size and did just fine in the trees and bumps on the 184--they're still maneuverable but on the stiff side.

[@gtkona1608]

Very difficult to turn off piste especially if the snow is at all firm.

[@seige.]

What ski shoes flex would you consider on this ski? 183cm the ski is 177cm

[@SkiEssentials]

Boot flex is more specific to the skier than the ski. Factors such as leg length, weight, ankle flexion, aggressiveness, and preference all play into the flex discussion. If you're looking to maximize a powerful ski like the Kendo, however, stiffer boots in the 120 and 130 range will be the most effective.

[@seige.]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you!

[@dave9668]

What’s a comparable ski that’s a little bit lighter?

[@patrion6028]

Mindbender 89 or 90, Declivity 88, Dynastar M-Pro 90, Kore 87, Ranger 90, Maverick 88 come to my mind in this category. I'd add the Ripstick 88, IF Elan would build a Black Edition :) But as it stands, the Ripstick is just waaay softer than anything else listed and especially way softer than the Kendo, so i don't think it is what you're looking for.

[@dave9668]

@@patrion6028thank you

[@Bushwacked487]

You might be surprised- these really don’t feel heavy on your feet.

[@SkiEssentials]

These above commenters have some good thoughts for sure. I'd say the Maverick 88Ti stands out to me as a good option for a lighter Kendo.

[@lukecico5155]

I bought these March ‘23. Skied them at Stowe. They’re pretty great. Wonderful edge hold. Felt nimble. I don’t know why people are saying heavy, because they felt pretty light under foot to me.

[@gtkona1608]

On firm snow the tail slid out, the edges did not hold, chattered at speed. 150 lbs, 5'9", nonaggressive expert skier, 170cm ski. No confidence that the edge would hold. Impossible to turn in firm off piste snow.

[@SkiEssentials]

Interesting take! This is not the usual Kendo feedback that we get. Perhaps a tune was off on your ski?

[@gtkona1608]

@@SkiEssentials The shop did a tune, the edges did not hold so then they did their radial tune, so I do not think tuning was the issue. Maybe the 165s would have n]been better. Traded for the Blizzard Brahma 88 in 165 and after 20 years skiing in Utah to use groomers to get to off piste, groomers are now fun. The Brahmas are forgiving on groomers but not in cut up snow where I am required to be a better skier.

[@matthieuboisvert6382]

hello, what high do you recommand on eastside groomer?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sorry, can you rephrase the question?

[@matthieuboisvert6382]

how high should the ski be for groomers?@@SkiEssentials

[@scott48]

How’s does this ski compare to rtm 86?

[@SkiEssentials]

Similar to the Mantra response, but with increased mobility in the Kendo. RTM 86 had a bit more energy through the tail vs. Kendo, but the Kendo feels more engaged and poised from tip to tail. There's more rocker and taper in the Kendo, so for as good as it carves, it's still more open and amenable to off-trail activities. I actually really like the Kendo for a bump ski, even though it's on the demanding side to use.