In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a blend of stability, speed, and playfulness. The Völkl Kenja 88 is a versatile all-mountain ski that excels on hardpack and groomers, while the Elan Ripstick 94 W is a lightweight, agile ski that performs well in a variety of conditions. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

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 allows for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle, providing versatility in different conditions.

The Kenja 88 also features a rocker tip and tail for float in variable snow and woods. The Tailored Carbon Tips and Tailored Titanal Frame add stability without sacrificing playfulness, making these skis a top choice for all-mountain skiing. The redesigned geometry and increased tip rocker further enhance their performance, earning them recognition as Outside Mag's lady's front side ski of the year and the top women's ski for the 22-23 season.

Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis are a versatile and lightweight option for intermediate to advanced skiers. With a 94mm waist width, these skis are wide enough for powder but narrow enough for groomers. The carbon rods and asymmetrical technology provide stability and precision in every turn.

Elan's unique Amphibio profile means there's a specific left and right ski, which can help with carving and all sorts of things all over the mountain. The ski is pretty flexible, with a little bit of camber underfoot for good groomer performance, and rocker in the tip and tail for freeride capabilities.

The Ripstick 94 W is a reliable and fun ski for anyone and everyone, whether you're hitting the front side, backside, or venturing into the backcountry. It's a ski that doesn't ask too much of you, but gives a whole lot in return.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a versatile, all-mountain ski. They both offer a balance of stability, speed, and playfulness, making them suitable for a variety of conditions.

Both skis feature unique technologies to enhance their performance. The Kenja 88 has a 3D radius sidecut and Tailored Carbon Tips and Tailored Titanal Frame, while the Ripstick 94 W has carbon rods and an Amphibio profile. These features provide stability and precision in turns, as well as versatility in different conditions.

Both skis also have a rocker tip and tail, which helps with float in variable snow and woods. They are both praised for their performance on groomers and hardpack, but also have the capability to handle off-piste and powder conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they each have their unique strengths. The Völkl Kenja 88 is particularly strong on hardpack and groomers, making it a great choice for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomed runs. Its 88mm underfoot provides snappy edge-to-edge transitions, and its 3D radius sidecut allows for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle. This ski is perfect for lady shredders who want stability, speed, and playfulness on the whole mountain.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 94 W is incredibly lightweight and agile, making it a breeze to ski all day. Its 94mm waist width and wide tip make it a good choice for powder days, and its Amphibio profile enhances carving performance. This ski is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle all conditions, from groomers to powder to trees.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Elan Ripstick 94 W's wider waist width and lightweight design give it a slight edge, especially in powder conditions.

In terms of stability, the Völkl Kenja 88's Tailored Carbon Tips and Tailored Titanal Frame provide excellent stability without sacrificing playfulness, making it the winner in this category.

For speed, both skis hold their own, but the Völkl Kenja 88's 3D radius sidecut allows for changing turn radii based on speed and edge angle, giving it an advantage.

Finally, for playfulness, the Elan Ripstick 94 W's lightweight design and Amphibio profile make it a fun and agile ski that's easy to maneuver, making it the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The Kenja 88 excels on hardpack and groomers, while the Ripstick 94 W shines in powder and off-piste conditions.

The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. If you prefer groomed runs and want a ski that offers stability, speed, and playfulness, the Kenja 88 is a great choice. If you're looking for a lightweight, agile ski that can handle all conditions, the Ripstick 94 W is worth considering.

No matter which ski you choose, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!