In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Kenja 88 and Salomon QST Lux 92 are two powerhouses that have made a name for themselves. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are known for their exceptional performance on groomers. However, they each have their unique strengths and characteristics that set them apart. The Völkl Kenja 88 is a playful groomer ripper with a tailored Titanal frame and a shorter turn radius, making it a bit stiffer and heavier than other options. On the other hand, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is a versatile all-mountain ski with a fun design and a blend of stiffness and flex. It's a demanding ski that requires a driver to be forward on their skis. Both skis are excellent choices, but the best one for you will depend on your skiing style and preferences.

Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Völkl Kenja 88 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. They are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are known for their playful and nimble nature. The skis are reinforced with a Titanal frame, making them stiffer and a bit heavier than other options. This means they are perfect for skiers who love to rip up groomers at high speeds.

One of the key features of the Kenja 88 is the tailored Titanal frame. This frame is designed to reduce the amount of metal in each size of the ski, making them lighter and more playful than you might expect. The skis also have a shorter turn radius than previous models, allowing for quick and tight turns.

In terms of performance, the Kenja 88 excels in carving. They have excellent edge hold and are described as being chatterproof, meaning they can handle any condition without any problem. They are also very responsive and poppy, making them a fun choice for freestyle skiing. However, they are not the best choice for powder conditions, as they are primarily designed for groomers.

Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that offers a blend of stiffness and flex. They are designed for skiers who are forward on their skis and are ready to put some power into their turns. The skis are stiff and packed with power, making them a demanding but rewarding choice.

One of the standout features of the QST Lux 92 is the extra rocker in the tips. This design allows for easier turn initiation, making them a joy to ride. They also have a lot of camber underfoot, which allows you to really lay into a turn without the skis sliding out on you.

In terms of performance, the QST Lux 92 is a powerhouse in carving. They require a bit of energy to get turning, but once they are turning, they are really fun throughout the turn. They also have excellent edge hold and are great at plowing through variable, choppy, and uneven terrain. However, they are not the most playful skis and are not recommended for skiing switch or in the park.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Salomon QST Lux 92 are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are known for their exceptional performance on groomers. They both have a stiff construction that provides excellent edge hold and stability at high speeds. Both skis also have a design that allows for easy turn initiation and a blend of stiffness and flex for a fun and responsive ride. They are both not the best choice for powder conditions and are primarily designed for groomers.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, they each have their unique strengths and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The Völkl Kenja 88 is a playful groomer ripper that rewards aggression. It's perfect for skiers who love to rip up groomers at high speeds and are looking for a ski that can progress with them from intermediate to expert level.

On the other hand, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is a versatile all-mountain ski that requires a driver to be forward on their skis. It's a demanding ski that requires a bit of energy to get turning, but once they are turning, they are really fun throughout the turn. This ski is perfect for skiers who are ready to put some power into their turns and are looking for a ski that can handle a variety of terrain.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to performance on groomers, both skis excel, but the Völkl Kenja 88 might have a slight edge due to its playful nature and ability to rip up groomers at high speeds.

In terms of versatility, the Salomon QST Lux 92 takes the cake. Its all-mountain design and blend of stiffness and flex make it suitable for a variety of terrain.

For ease of turn initiation, both skis perform well, but the Salomon QST Lux 92 might be a bit easier to turn due to its extra rocker in the tips.

Finally, when it comes to progression, the Völkl Kenja 88 is the clear winner. It's designed to progress with the skier from intermediate to expert level, making it a great long-term investment.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kenja 88 and the Salomon QST Lux 92 are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer exceptional performance on groomers and have a design that allows for easy turn initiation and a fun and responsive ride. However, they each have their unique strengths and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The Völkl Kenja 88 is perfect for skiers who love to rip up groomers at high speeds, while the Salomon QST Lux 92 is ideal for skiers who are ready to put some power into their turns and are looking for a ski that can handle a variety of terrain. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your skiing style and preferences.