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.
@daviddawson11019 ай бұрын
What’s totes wondering if I can ride this as an intermediate guy.. thank you !
@withoutwroeirs8 ай бұрын
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.
@slater11827 ай бұрын
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.
@du3lcitiz3n7 ай бұрын
@@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.
@cadamcyk5 ай бұрын
What bindings did you use?
@emiller71089 ай бұрын
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 !!
@shawn3357 ай бұрын
I got these a couple months ago. Love em. They can rip and this review is very accurate to my experience
@du3lcitiz3n7 ай бұрын
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.
@dbquek11 ай бұрын
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.
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@darinsmith245811 ай бұрын
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..
@javiermendizabalperez74337 ай бұрын
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!
@SkiEssentials7 ай бұрын
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.
@javiermendizabalperez74337 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials Great! thank you very much
@bb573657 ай бұрын
Between this and the Blizzard Brahma for my next carver.
@SkiEssentials7 ай бұрын
Yes! If you're looking for raw horsepower, go Brahma. For more precise and exacting carving, go Kendo.
@ThinkingWinking8 ай бұрын
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!
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
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.
@ThinkingWinking8 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials much appreciated!
@tyfanuzzi543111 ай бұрын
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
@scollyutube11 ай бұрын
Brahma 82, or more new school thought process Armada Declivity 82ti?
@tyfanuzzi543111 ай бұрын
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?
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
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.
@Bushwacked48710 ай бұрын
For what it’s worth I skied the 177 kendo last year when I was heavier at 205lbs and it worked great.
@mrbigstufff178 ай бұрын
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! 😁
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
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.
@vidarkorsbergdalsb14674 ай бұрын
Got the answer: 2024 Kendo og 25 Mantra.
@bvadel8 ай бұрын
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)
@SkiEssentials7 ай бұрын
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.
@tommyeschung2 ай бұрын
Would you say that these could be good for when we go thru the melt freeze cycle on the west coast?
@SkiEssentials2 ай бұрын
I would! This ski lights it up under most adverse conditions and terrain.
@myowngig10 ай бұрын
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?
@SkiEssentials10 ай бұрын
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.
@myowngig10 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials Thank You!
@rols337611 ай бұрын
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.
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
Ha! Great description.
@rols337611 ай бұрын
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.sprocket5 ай бұрын
What would you say would be the takeaways comparing this Volkl Kendo 88 to the Rossignol Experience 86 Ti?
@SkiEssentials5 ай бұрын
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.sprocket5 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials Thank you for the feedback!
@ollystokes93867 ай бұрын
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!
@SkiEssentials7 ай бұрын
I'd go 177 in that ski. Lots of stability here!
@cadamcyk6 ай бұрын
Looking at getting the 177s. 5 10 175lb. 57 years old. Suggestion on bindings for this? Mostly on piste ~ not doing anything too crazy.
@SkiEssentials5 ай бұрын
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-ec7vd8 ай бұрын
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
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
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-id7hh8 ай бұрын
Appreciate any sizing advice for east coast use…..6 foot 180lb…..177 v 184?
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
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.
@klrba758 ай бұрын
How would these Kendo's do off- piste in the trees, Eastern U.S.region ( Magic, Killington, Jay)? Expert skier. 6ft 2in, 234lbs.
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
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.
@gtkona16088 ай бұрын
Very difficult to turn off piste especially if the snow is at all firm.
@seige.8 ай бұрын
What ski shoes flex would you consider on this ski? 183cm the ski is 177cm
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
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.8 ай бұрын
@@SkiEssentials Thank you!
@dave966811 ай бұрын
What’s a comparable ski that’s a little bit lighter?
@patrion602811 ай бұрын
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.
@dave966811 ай бұрын
@@patrion6028thank you
@Bushwacked48711 ай бұрын
You might be surprised- these really don’t feel heavy on your feet.
@SkiEssentials11 ай бұрын
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.
@lukecico515510 ай бұрын
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.
@gtkona16088 ай бұрын
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.
@SkiEssentials8 ай бұрын
Interesting take! This is not the usual Kendo feedback that we get. Perhaps a tune was off on your ski?
@gtkona16088 ай бұрын
@@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.
@matthieuboisvert638210 ай бұрын
hello, what high do you recommand on eastside groomer?
@SkiEssentials10 ай бұрын
Sorry, can you rephrase the question?
@matthieuboisvert638210 ай бұрын
how high should the ski be for groomers?@@SkiEssentials
@scott489 ай бұрын
How’s does this ski compare to rtm 86?
@SkiEssentials9 ай бұрын
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.