In the world of women's skiing, two names stand out: the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Nordica Santa Ana 88. Both skis are designed for the 2023 season and are geared towards advanced female skiers who crave speed, precision, and versatility on the mountain. The Völkl Kenja 88 is praised for its stability, speed, and playfulness, making it a top choice for all-mountain skiing. On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 is known for its power, stability, and quick response, making it a favorite among speed-loving skiers. Both skis are excellent choices, but the final verdict depends on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Völkl Kenja 88 Skis are designed for lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. These skis are equipped with a 3D radius sidecut, a rocker tip and tail, and Tailored Carbon Tips and Tailored Titanal Frame. These features offer stability, speed, and playfulness, making the skis perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers.

The skis can also handle variable snow and powder, thanks to their redesigned geometry and increased tip rocker. The 88mm underfoot allows 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, while the rocker tip and tail provide float in variable snow and woods. The Titanal Frame and carbon tips add stability without sacrificing playfulness, making the Völkl Kenja 88 a top choice for all-mountain skiing.

Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Nordica Santa Ana 88 Skis are designed for advanced to expert female skiers who push the speed limit with every turn. These skis are FAST and reward the bold with extreme stability and edge hold. The skis are 88mm underfoot, allowing them to excel on fresh groomers and even on ice. However, at this waist width, they are weaker performing in off-piste conditions.

The Nordica Santa Ana 88 is a fantastic option for the advanced to expert woman who lives on the East Coast/Midwest or stays on the frontside in the Rockies. The biggest downside to these skis is they will easily overpower an intermediate skier.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Nordica Santa Ana 88 are designed for advanced female skiers who love speed and precision. They both have a waist width of 88mm, making them ideal for groomers and hardpack conditions. Both skis also feature a rocker tip and tail, which provides float in variable snow and woods.

In terms of construction, both skis incorporate advanced materials for stability and performance. The Völkl Kenja 88 uses a Titanal Frame and carbon tips, while the Nordica Santa Ana 88 uses a wood core, carbon, and a sheet of terrain-specific metal. Both skis are praised for their stability, speed, and playfulness, making them excellent choices for all-mountain skiing.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced female skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Kenja 88 is perfect for lady shredders who want a versatile ski for any terrain. Its 3D radius sidecut allows for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle, making it a playful and adaptable choice.

On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 is designed for skiers who push the speed limit with every turn. It rewards the bold with extreme stability and edge hold, making it a great choice for speed-loving skiers. However, it may overpower intermediate skiers, so it's best suited for advanced to expert skiers.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Völkl Kenja 88 takes the lead with its 3D radius sidecut and redesigned geometry. For speed and power, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 is the clear winner with its fast response and extreme stability. In terms of playfulness, both skis perform well, but the Völkl Kenja 88's carbon tips add an extra touch of playfulness. Finally, for stability, both skis are excellent, but the Nordica Santa Ana 88's terrain-specific metal sheet gives it an edge.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Nordica Santa Ana 88 are excellent choices for advanced female skiers. The Völkl Kenja 88 offers versatility and playfulness, making it a great all-mountain ski. The Nordica Santa Ana 88, on the other hand, is perfect for speed-loving skiers who crave power and stability.

Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences. If you love to explore the whole mountain and enjoy a playful ski, the Völkl Kenja 88 is for you. If you're a speed demon who loves to push the limits, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 is your match. Either way, you're in for a thrilling ride on the slopes!