In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Kenja 88 and Salomon Stance W 94 are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced riders who love to carve up the mountain with speed and precision. The Kenja 88, with its 3D radius sidecut and 88mm underfoot, is a versatile all-mountain ski that excels on hardpack and groomers. The Stance W 94, on the other hand, is a frontside-oriented charger that offers stability at speed and great edge hold. While both skis are excellent choices, the Kenja 88 might be a better fit for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, while the Stance W 94 could be a better choice for those who love to rip on firm snow.

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. With an 88mm underfoot, these skis offer snappy edge-to-edge transitions and dominate on hardpack, making them perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers. The 3D radius sidecut is a standout feature, allowing for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle. This means you can make short, tight turns or long, sweeping ones with the same ski.

The Kenja 88 also features a rocker tip and tail, which provide float in variable snow and woods. The Tailored Carbon Tips and Tailored Titanal Frame add stability without sacrificing playfulness. This ski's redesigned geometry and increased tip rocker make it a top choice for all-mountain skiing. It's a ski that offers stability, speed, and playfulness, making it a great fit for lady shredders who want to conquer the whole mountain.

Salomon Stance W 94 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Salomon Stance W 94 Skis are a frontside-oriented charger that offers stability at speed and great edge hold. These skis are unique in that once on edge, you can shift your weight fore/aft to change the shape of your turn mid-turn. This feature allows for a dynamic skiing experience, letting you change your turn shape depending on your mood or the terrain.

With a 94mm underfoot width, the Stance W 94 is extremely versatile in all conditions. It performs well on firm snow and carving, but it can also handle rough terrain and variable snow. The width in the shovel and the all-mountain rocker keep you floating above the worst of it. While it's not the most playful ski, it's not a dead feeling either. It's versatile, responsive, and dynamic, making it a great choice for aggressive, advanced-intermediate, and expert skiers.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Salomon Stance W 94 are designed for advanced female skiers who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. They both offer stability at speed and have great edge hold, making them excellent choices for hard-charging skiers. Both skis also feature a rocker tip and tail, which provide float in variable snow conditions. They are versatile and can handle a variety of snow conditions and terrains, from groomers to variable snow to woods.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different preferences and conditions. The Völkl Kenja 88, with its 88mm underfoot and 3D radius sidecut, is perfect for skiers who love to carve up groomers and hardpack. It's particularly well-suited for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers.

On the other hand, the Salomon Stance W 94, with its 94mm underfoot and ability to change turn shape mid-turn, is a frontside-oriented charger that excels on firm snow. It's a great choice for skiers who love to rip and want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Salomon Stance W 94 might have a slight edge due to its ability to change turn shape mid-turn. For stability at speed, both skis excel, but the Völkl Kenja 88's 3D radius sidecut and Tailored Titanal Frame might give it a slight advantage. In terms of playfulness, the Völkl Kenja 88 is the clear winner with its Tailored Carbon Tips and increased tip rocker. Finally, for edge hold, both skis perform well, but the Salomon Stance W 94's ability to shift weight fore/aft to change turn shape might give it a slight advantage.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Salomon Stance W 94 are excellent choices for advanced female skiers. The Kenja 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski that excels on hardpack and groomers, while the Stance W 94 is a frontside-oriented charger that excels on firm snow. Both skis offer stability at speed, great edge hold, and the ability to handle a variety of snow conditions and terrains. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in. So, whether you're an East Coast skier who loves groomers or a hard-charging skier who loves to rip on firm snow, there's a ski for you in this comparison. Happy shredding!