Expert Comparison: Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024 vs Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings
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Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $419.99 40% off | See Price and Details |
User rating | 5(1) | -- |
The Curated Take | Best for experienced skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski that excels in various conditions. | Best for advanced skiers seeking a durable, high-performing setup for all-mountain skiing, especially carving. |
Ski type | Freeride, Carving, All Mountain | -- |
Skill level | Expert, Advanced | -- |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | -- |
In the world of skiing, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are two products that have made a significant impact. Both are designed for advanced skiers and offer a versatile setup that can handle any terrain. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are known for their agility and quick edge-to-edge performance, making them great for moguls. They also have Volkl's 3D turn radii, allowing for both short quick turns and long GS style turns. On the other hand, the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are a match made for advanced skiers looking for a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at them. The Marker Griffon bindings complement the skis and provide a secure and confident feel in technical terrain. However, both products have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024 summary
The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that is perfect for experienced skiers who enjoy powerful turns on any terrain. With its revised geometry and 3D Radius Sidecut, this ski offers three different radii in one, making it incredibly versatile for cornering. The new 16m radius in the middle adds even more variability to its turning capabilities.
With an 88 waist, these skis are ready to carve up groomers, but they also 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 skis are also great for moguls given how quick edge to edge and nimble they are. They're built with a multilayer wood core, carbon fiber weave, and a titanal frame, so you're getting a strong and relatively stiffer ski that's still pretty light and maneuverable.
However, it's worth noting that these skis might not be the best fit for someone who wants a more playful option or struggles in deep powder due to 2 sheets of titanal and a multi-layer wood core.
The best ski for everything on the mountain. This ski delivers ultimate versatility, carves with ease, rips up the moguls, and handles crud and chunk like no other. At just 88 mm underfoot, this ski really engages with the snow, having a daily high engagement edge. It also floats in the pow and loves to dolphin dive from the deep pow to the surface with a sense of playfulness that leaves me wanting endless runs. Having just bought the ski last year, I would happily buy another pair if I need to. If I had to choose only one ski for the rest of my life, this would be it.
The best ski for everything on the mountain. This ski delivers ultimate versatility, carves with ease, rips up the moguls, and handles crud and chunk like no other. At just 88 mm underfoot, this ski really engages with the snow, having a daily high engagement edge. It also floats in the pow and loves to dolphin dive from the deep pow to the surface with a sense of playfulness that leaves me wanting endless runs. Having just bought the ski last year, I would happily buy another pair if I need to. If I had to choose only one ski for the rest of my life, this would be it.
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings summary
The Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings is a match made for advanced skiers looking for a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at them. The Volkl Mantra M5 skis take the performance you expect from Volkl on a track, adds in a 2 layer titanal frame that offers dampness and rigidity during turns, with a versatile 96 mm underfoot width and partial twin tip.
The Marker Griffon bindings complement the skis and provide a secure and confident feel in technical terrain. This combination is ideal for skiers who want a durable and high-performing setup for all-mountain skiing.
However, the main drawback of this setup is during the deepest powder days. The skis can feel like they are sinking at slower speeds and it can be tough to keep the nose up when navigating fresh powder in the trees. That being said, for 90% of the time skiing, this setup is ready to handle it all.
The Volkl Mantra M5 and Marker Griffon 13 bindings are a match made for an advanced skier looking for a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at you. The M5 mantra takes the performance you expect from Volkl on a track, adds in a 2 layer titanal frame that offers dampness and rigidity during turns, with a versatile 96 mm underfoot width and partial twin tip.
The Volkl Mantra M5 and Marker Griffon 13 bindings are a match made for an advanced skier looking for a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at you. The M5 mantra takes the performance you expect from Volkl on a track, adds in a 2 layer titanal frame that offers dampness and rigidity during turns, with a versatile 96 mm underfoot width and partial twin tip.
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are designed for advanced skiers who want a versatile setup that can handle any terrain. They both offer agility and quick edge-to-edge performance, making them great for moguls. They also both have a wider shovel up front with a bit of rocker to handle some boot top powder if there's an unexpected storm. Both products are agile and quick edge-to-edge, and if you want to arc them fast down wide open groomers, they'll stay stable and confident.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both products are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are perfect for experienced skiers who enjoy powerful turns on any terrain. They are more on the stiff side, so they require a bit more effort to push the ski, but they shine in variable conditions, groomers, or hardpack.
On the other hand, the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are a match made for advanced skiers looking for a setup that can handle anything a resort can throw at them. The Marker Griffon bindings complement the skis and provide a secure and confident feel in technical terrain. However, this setup might not be the best fit for someone who wants a more playful option or struggles in deep powder due to 2 sheets of titanal and a multi-layer wood core.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both products perform well, but the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis might have a slight edge due to their 3D turn radii, allowing for both short quick turns and long GS style turns.
In terms of stability, the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings might take the lead due to the Marker Griffon bindings that provide a secure and confident feel in technical terrain.
For agility and quick edge-to-edge performance, both products perform well, making them great for moguls.
Finally, when it comes to handling powder, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis might have a slight advantage due to their wider shovel up front with a bit of rocker.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings are excellent choices for advanced skiers looking for a versatile setup that can handle any terrain. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis offer a bit more versatility due to their 3D turn radii, while the Curated: Volkl Skis + Marker Bindings provide a bit more stability due to the Marker Griffon bindings. Regardless of the choice, both products are sure to provide an exciting and enjoyable skiing experience.
