Expert Comparison: Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 vs K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $419.99 40% off | $249.98 50% off |
User rating | 5(1) | 5(6) |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for beginner and intermediate skiers looking to develop their skills and transition to more aggressive all-mountain skiing. |
Ski type | Carving, All Mountain, Freeride | Freeride |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl Kendo 88 and the K2 Mindbender 90C are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for versatility and performance, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kendo 88, with its titanal metal construction, is a powerhouse on groomed runs and hardpacked snow, offering stability and precision at high speeds. On the other hand, the Mindbender 90C, with its carbon construction, is a lightweight and playful ski that excels in off-piste conditions and is perfect for less aggressive skiers. While both skis are excellent choices, the Kendo 88 is best for advanced to expert skiers who love ripping groomers, while the Mindbender 90C is ideal for intermediate skiers looking for a versatile and forgiving ski.
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 summary
The Völkl Kendo 88 skis are a force to be reckoned with on the mountain. These skis are designed for performance and agility, making them a versatile all-mountain option. With an 88mm waist width, they strike a balance between carving on groomed runs and maneuverability in variable conditions.
The Kendo 88 skis are constructed with 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.
When it comes to on-snow performance, the Kendo 88 skis excel in a variety of conditions, with a particular 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.
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
K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023 summary
The K2 Mindbender 90C skis are a playful and versatile option for skiers looking for a ski that can handle a variety of conditions. These skis are designed with a carbon construction, making them lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The Mindbender 90C skis are built with a carbon braid and strips that stiffen the mid-section of the ski for grip and edge control. The loosening of the braids at the tip and tail soften the flex and make this ski incredibly fun off-piste, in light powder, trees, and moguls.
These skis are great for the less aggressive skier who wants both a ski that can perform on the blue and blacks but has the versatility to jump into those side hits when they call. Skiers looking for a versatile ride that remains stable and nimble in a variety of terrain and conditions will love the Mindbender 90C.
Despite their lightweight construction, these skis can chatter at high speeds and may not be the best option for aggressive skiers or those who prefer to ski on harder snowpack. However, for intermediate skiers looking for a forgiving and versatile ski, the Mindbender 90C is a fantastic choice.
Without any metal, this skis keeps things light and playful while the carbon braid and strips stiffen the mid section of the ski for grip and edge control. The loosening of the braids at the tip and tail soften the flex and make this ski incredibly fun off-piste, in light powder, trees, and moguls. Great for the less aggressive skier who wants both a ski that can perform on the blue and blacks but has the versatility to jump into those side hits when they call.
Without any metal, this skis keeps things light and playful while the carbon braid and strips stiffen the mid section of the ski for grip and edge control. The loosening of the braids at the tip and tail soften the flex and make this ski incredibly fun off-piste, in light powder, trees, and moguls. Great for the less aggressive skier who wants both a ski that can perform on the blue and blacks but has the versatility to jump into those side hits when they call.
K2 Mindbender 90C Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Völkl Kendo 88 and the K2 Mindbender 90C are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of conditions. They both have a similar waist width, with the Kendo 88 at 88mm and the Mindbender 90C at 90mm, making them versatile for both groomed runs and off-piste conditions.
Both skis are designed with advanced technology to enhance performance. The Kendo 88 features a wood core combined with layers of titanal metal for stability and power transmission, while the Mindbender 90C uses a carbon braid and strips to stiffen the mid-section of the ski for grip and edge control.
Both skis also offer a balance of stability and maneuverability. They are designed to be agile and quick edge-to-edge, with a focus on providing a fun and versatile ride.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile all-mountain options, they cater to different types of skiers. The Völkl Kendo 88 is best suited for advanced to expert skiers who love to carve on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. Its titanal metal construction provides stability and precision at high speeds, making it a powerhouse on the slopes.
On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 90C is ideal for intermediate skiers looking for a versatile and forgiving ski. Its carbon construction makes it lightweight and playful, excelling in off-piste conditions and providing a fun ride for less aggressive skiers.
In terms of construction, the Kendo 88 uses a combination of wood and titanal metal, while the Mindbender 90C uses carbon. This results in the Kendo 88 being more stable at high speeds, while the Mindbender 90C is lighter and more playful.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to performance on groomed runs and hardpacked snow, the Völkl Kendo 88 is the clear winner. Its titanal metal construction provides stability and precision, allowing for powerful turns and a solid connection with the snow.
In terms of versatility and forgiveness, the K2 Mindbender 90C takes the lead. Its carbon construction makes it lightweight and playful, making it a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to explore off-piste conditions.
For stability at high speeds, the Kendo 88 comes out on top. Its construction and shape contribute to excellent energy transfer and edge control, offering a smooth and confident ride at higher speeds.
Finally, in terms of maneuverability, both skis perform well. However, the Mindbender 90C's lightweight construction gives it a slight edge, making it easier to turn and more fun to ride in off-piste conditions.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 and the K2 Mindbender 90C are excellent all-mountain skis that cater to different types of skiers. The Kendo 88, with its titanal metal construction, is a powerhouse on groomed runs and hardpacked snow, making it ideal for advanced to expert skiers who love to carve. On the other hand, the Mindbender 90C, with its carbon construction, is a lightweight and playful ski that excels in off-piste conditions, making it perfect for intermediate skiers looking for a versatile and forgiving ski.
Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your skiing style and preferences. If you're a speed demon who loves to carve on groomed runs, the Kendo 88 is the ski for you. But if you're an intermediate skier looking for a versatile and forgiving ski that can handle a variety of conditions, the Mindbender 90C is a fantastic choice. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!
