In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Kenja 88 and Atomic Maven 86 C are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, offering a blend of speed, stability, and playfulness. The Völkl Kenja 88 is a favorite among lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with precision and speed. It's perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, but can also handle variable snow and powder. On the other hand, the Atomic Maven 86 C is a versatile front-side tool that excels in all terrains. It's a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to progress their skills. While both skis have their strengths, the final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Völkl Kenja 88 Skis are a top choice for women who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. These skis are designed for stability, speed, and playfulness. They feature an 88mm underfoot for snappy edge-to-edge transitions and domination on hardpack. The 3D radius sidecut allows for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle, offering versatility in different terrains. The rocker tip and tail provide float in variable snow and woods, making it a great choice for those who love off-piste adventures. The Tailored Carbon Tips and Tailored Titanal Frame add stability without sacrificing playfulness. These skis are perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, but they can also handle variable snow and powder. The redesigned geometry and increased tip rocker make it a top choice for all-mountain skiing.

Atomic Maven 86 C Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Atomic Maven 86 C Skis are a versatile front-side tool that's perfect for improving all-mountain performance. These skis are nimble and versatile, offering a blend of power and maneuverability. They are designed for skiers who like to ski it all in one day. The Maven 86 C utilizes carbon in the construction as opposed to metal, keeping the ski lighter and more approachable. This makes it a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls. The healthy camber underfoot results in a surprisingly strong edge hold for tight turns on groomed runs. For advanced skiers, the Maven is an awesome tool for executing tighter, more controlled turns on hardpack. This is a strong, versatile weapon in a forgiving package.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kenja 88 and Atomic Maven 86 C are designed for all-mountain performance, offering a blend of speed, stability, and playfulness. They are both designed with a rocker tip and tail, which provides float in variable snow and woods. Both skis are also designed to be versatile, allowing for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle. They are both aimed at intermediate to advanced skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to off-piste adventures.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Kenja 88 is perfect for lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. It's particularly good for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, but can also handle variable snow and powder. The Kenja 88 is also a bit more tech-heavy, featuring Tailored Carbon Tips and a Tailored Titanal Frame for added stability.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maven 86 C is a versatile front-side tool that's great for intermediate skiers looking to progress their skills. It's lighter and more approachable, making it a delight in both trees and while navigating moguls. The Maven 86 C is also a strong and confident ski for cruising the groomed blues and blacks of the local mountain.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to speed and precision, the Völkl Kenja 88 takes the lead with its 3D radius sidecut and Tailored Titanal Frame. For versatility and maneuverability, the Atomic Maven 86 C shines with its carbon construction and healthy camber underfoot. In terms of stability, both skis perform well, but the Kenja 88's Tailored Carbon Tips give it a slight edge. Finally, for playfulness, both skis offer a fun and exciting ride, but the Maven 86 C's lighter and more approachable design might make it a bit more enjoyable for some skiers.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and Atomic Maven 86 C are excellent choices for women skiers looking for all-mountain performance. The Kenja 88 is perfect for lady shredders who love speed and precision, while the Maven 86 C is a versatile tool for intermediate skiers looking to progress their skills. Both skis offer a blend of speed, stability, and playfulness, making them great options for a variety of conditions. The final choice will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So, whether you're an East Coast skier who loves groomers or an adventurous skier looking to explore off-piste, you can't go wrong with either of these skis.