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Expert Comparison: Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 vs K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023

Published on 02/10/2024 · 4 min readCompare Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 and K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Fiona Orel, Ski Expert
Lexie V, Ski Expert
Dawn Littleton, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Fiona Orel, Lexie V, Dawn Littleton, Matt G, Nick Carcieri and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023
Out of stock
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · Women's · 2023
Price
$418.93
40% off
$199.98
50% off
User rating
5(1)
5(6)
Ski type
All Mountain, Freeride
All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Beginner, Intermediate
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Tail profile
Partial twin tip
Partial twin tip

In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Kenja 88 and K2 Mindbender 85 are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. The Völkl Kenja 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski that offers stability, speed, and playfulness. 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 K2 Mindbender 85 is a versatile ski for both groomed and off-piste terrain. It's lightweight and responsive, making it suitable for beginners looking to progress or more advanced skiers who want an easy-to-handle ski. Both skis have their strengths and are great options for different types of skiers. The final verdict will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style.

The Völkl Kenja 88 Skis are designed for lady shredders who want stability, speed, and playfulness on the whole mountain. With a snappy 88mm underfoot, 3D radius sidecut, and rocker tip and tail, these skis dominate hardpack and provide float in variable snow. The Titanal Frame and carbon tips add stability without sacrificing playfulness. Perfect for those who want a versatile ski for any terrain. The 3D radius sidecut allows for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle, making it a top choice for all-mountain skiing. The redesigned geometry and increased tip rocker make it a top choice for all-mountain skiing. It's perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, but can also handle variable snow and powder.

These skis will give you all you are looking for and all you didn't realize you needed, I put these in at 163 they do have a rocker tip and tail so that means less ski on the snow, which makes them feel a bit shorter than the full length.

Fiona Orel
Ski Expert

The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are a great fit for female skiers who want a versatile ski for both groomed and off-piste terrain. With a 85mm waist width and All-Terrain Rocker, these skis provide easy turn initiation and floatation in soft snow. They are also lightweight and responsive, making them suitable for beginners looking to progress or more advanced skiers who want an easy-to-handle ski. Overall, the Mindbender 85 is a great option for those looking to explore different conditions on the mountain. K2 uses a short turning radius on this ski, for a skier who prefers controlled, shorter turns. However, they can still hold their own on those longer turns.

These are a great ski and built to ski anywhere you want to go, these will have you excelling into new terrain with confidence and stability. Great for on and off piste. There is a reason that so many skiers love the Mindbenders! Fun, agile and stable all in one package.

Fiona Orel
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kenja 88 and K2 Mindbender 85 are designed for female skiers who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. They both offer easy turn initiation, good edge hold, and floatation in soft snow. Both skis are also designed with a rocker tip and tail, which provides float in variable snow and woods. They are both versatile skis that can handle a variety of conditions, from groomed runs to off-piste terrain.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain skiing, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Kenja 88 is perfect for lady shredders who want stability, speed, and playfulness. It's designed with a 3D radius sidecut and Titanal Frame and carbon tips for added stability without sacrificing playfulness. This makes it a great choice for advanced skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle any terrain.

On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 is a great fit for intermediate to advanced female skiers who want a versatile ski for both groomed and off-piste terrain. It's lightweight and responsive, making it suitable for beginners looking to progress or more advanced skiers who want an easy-to-handle ski.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Völkl Kenja 88 has a slight edge due to its 3D radius sidecut and Titanal Frame and carbon tips. For stability, the Völkl Kenja 88 also comes out on top with its Titanal Frame and carbon tips. In terms of playfulness, both skis are comparable, but the Völkl Kenja 88 might be a bit more playful due to its rocker tip and tail. For beginners, the K2 Mindbender 85 is the clear winner due to its lightweight and responsive design.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and K2 Mindbender 85 are excellent choices for female skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Völkl Kenja 88 offers a bit more stability and playfulness, making it a great choice for advanced skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle any terrain. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 is a great fit for intermediate to advanced female skiers who want a versatile ski for both groomed and off-piste terrain. It's lightweight and responsive, making it suitable for beginners looking to progress or more advanced skiers who want an easy-to-handle ski. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style.

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