Expert Comparison: Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 vs Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $419.99 40% off | $299.97 40% off |
User rating | 5(1) | 5(1) |
Ski type | Carving, All Mountain, Freeride | All Mountain |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
Tail profile | Partial twin tip | Flat |
In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl Kendo 88 and Atomic Maverick 86 C are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains, but each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kendo 88, with its titanal metal construction, is known for its stability at high speeds and excellent performance on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. On the other hand, the Maverick 86 C, with its carbon frame, is praised for its lightweight agility and quick edge-to-edge transitions. While both skis are versatile, the Kendo 88 is more suited for advanced to expert skiers who love ripping groomers, while the Maverick 86 C is a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to up their game. In the end, the choice between these two skis will depend on your skiing style, skill level, and the conditions you typically ski in.
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 summary
The Völkl Kendo 88 skis are a versatile all-mountain option that offers a combination of performance and agility on a variety of terrain. With an 88mm waist width, these skis strike a balance between carving on groomed runs and maneuverability in variable conditions. The construction of the Kendo 88 skis incorporates high-quality materials to optimize performance. They feature a wood core combined with layers of titanal metal, which provides stability, dampness, and power transmission. This construction enhances the ski's responsiveness, edge hold, and overall performance.
In terms of on-snow performance, the Kendo 88 skis excel in a variety of conditions with more of an emphasis on groomers and hardpacked snow. Their light amount of camber underfoot provides reliable edge grip and precise carving on firm snow, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail adds maneuverability and helps with turn initiation. This combination makes them effective on groomed runs, moguls, and even lighter amounts of soft snow.
The Kendo 88 skis are known for their stability at higher speeds, offering a smooth and confident ride. Their construction and shape contribute to excellent energy transfer and edge control, allowing for powerful turns and a solid connection with the snow. However, their firm flex rating sacrifices some forgiveness and playfulness, and they may not offer enough float for fresh powder days.
These are going to carve like crazy, and still let you hit the fresh snow, Groomers to trees lets do it with these. But these still have a wider shovel up front with a bit of rocker to handle some boot top powder if there's an unexpected storm. They are agile and quick edge-to-edge, but if you want to arc them fast down wide open groomers, they'll stay stable and confident. These have Volkl's '3D turn radii', meaning that you have 3 different turn radii packed into one ski. So you can make short quick turns, or long GS style turns.
These are going to carve like crazy, and still let you hit the fresh snow, Groomers to trees lets do it with these. But these still have a wider shovel up front with a bit of rocker to handle some boot top powder if there's an unexpected storm. They are agile and quick edge-to-edge, but if you want to arc them fast down wide open groomers, they'll stay stable and confident. These have Volkl's '3D turn radii', meaning that you have 3 different turn radii packed into one ski. So you can make short quick turns, or long GS style turns.
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2023 summary
The Atomic Maverick 86 C skis are a great choice for skiers looking for a lightweight and agile ski that can handle a variety of conditions. These skis feature a carbon frame, which keeps the ski lightweight and agile, making it easy to maneuver and quick to transition from edge to edge. With an 86mm waist, the Maverick 86 C skis are very quick edge-to-edge and are at their best when making tight and snappy turns in tighter terrain.
These skis are a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who value quickness and maneuverability. They are also a solid and dependable ski for intermediate skiers looking to up their game on both groomers and off-piste. Despite their agility, these skis are not the best choice for deep, soft snow conditions. However, they are a highly versatile ski in a more forgiving package, making them a great choice for skiers looking to progress and improve their technique.
Hey guys, Ian. Hamilton ski expert at curated.com here talking today about the atomic Maverick 86. See I've recommended to see a bunch because it's a good more entry-level affordable. Ski, and it did pretty good for what I expected it to. It's only 86 mm wide so more. It's on the skinnier side for all-mountain skis, but they're great on the groomers held an edge. Well the carbon kept them stiff, but they weren't overly stiff to the point that they were not approachable for intermediate or more beginner skiers.
Hey guys, Ian. Hamilton ski expert at curated.com here talking today about the atomic Maverick 86. See I've recommended to see a bunch because it's a good more entry-level affordable. Ski, and it did pretty good for what I expected it to. It's only 86 mm wide so more. It's on the skinnier side for all-mountain skis, but they're great on the groomers held an edge. Well the carbon kept them stiff, but they weren't overly stiff to the point that they were not approachable for intermediate or more beginner skiers.
Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Völkl Kendo 88 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains. They both have a similar waist width, with the Kendo 88 at 88mm and the Maverick 86 C at 86mm, which allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and good performance on groomed runs. Both skis also feature a slight rocker in the tip and tail for added maneuverability and ease of turn initiation. They are both designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are praised for their stability and edge control.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile all-mountain options, they cater to slightly different skier personas due to their construction and performance characteristics. The Völkl Kendo 88, with its titanal metal construction, is a powerhouse on the slopes, offering stability at high speeds and excellent performance on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. This makes it an ideal choice for advanced to expert skiers who love ripping groomers and crave a ski that can handle high speeds with confidence.
On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C, with its carbon frame, is a more forgiving and agile ski. It's quick edge-to-edge and excels at making tight and snappy turns in tighter terrain. This makes it a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to up their game and improve their technique on both groomers and off-piste. It's also a good option for advanced skiers who value quickness and maneuverability over high-speed stability.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to stability at high speeds, the Völkl Kendo 88 takes the crown. Its titanal metal construction provides excellent stability and dampness, allowing it to hold its edge with authority even at high speeds.
In terms of agility and quickness, the Atomic Maverick 86 C comes out on top. Its carbon frame keeps the ski lightweight and agile, making it easy to maneuver and quick to transition from edge to edge.
For versatility across a variety of conditions, it's a close call, but the Völkl Kendo 88 has a slight edge. Its construction and shape allow it to perform well on groomed runs, moguls, and even lighter amounts of soft snow.
Finally, for approachability and forgiveness, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is the winner. It's a more forgiving ski that's approachable for intermediate skiers, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their technique and up their game.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are excellent all-mountain skis that offer a blend of performance and versatility. The Kendo 88, with its titanal metal construction, is a powerhouse on the slopes, ideal for advanced to expert skiers who love ripping groomers at high speeds. On the other hand, the Maverick 86 C, with its carbon frame, is a more forgiving and agile ski, perfect for intermediate skiers looking to up their game and improve their technique.
Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your skiing style, skill level, and the conditions you typically ski in. If you're an advanced to expert skier who loves high-speed carving on groomers, the Kendo 88 is the ski for you. If you're an intermediate skier looking for a versatile and agile ski to help you improve your technique, the Maverick 86 C is a great choice. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes with these top-notch skis. Happy skiing!
