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Expert Comparison: Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 vs Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis + Konect Bindings · 2023

Published on 02/10/2024 · 5 min readCompare Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 and Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis + Konect Bindings · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Dennis Walton, Ski Expert
Fiona Orel, Ski Expert
Jake Renner, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Dennis Walton, Fiona Orel, Jake Renner, Gary Neft, Henry Kvietok and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis + Konect Bindings · 2023
Price
$419.99
40% off
$849.95
User rating
5(1)
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Ski type
Carving, All Mountain, Freeride
Carving, All Mountain
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
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Tail profile
Partial twin tip
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In the world of skiing, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis + Konect Bindings are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both are designed for advanced skiers who love to carve on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are known for their stability at high speeds and their ability to handle a variety of conditions, while the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are praised for their lightweight design and powerful edge on turns. However, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are not ideal for fresh powder days due to their 88mm underfoot, while the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are not recommended for deep, soft snow. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in.

The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are a versatile all-mountain option that offers a combination of performance and agility on a variety of terrain. With an 88mm waist width, these skis strike a balance between carving on groomed runs and maneuverability in variable conditions. The construction of the Kendo 88 skis incorporates 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.

In terms of on-snow performance, the Kendo 88 skis excel in a variety of conditions with more of an 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.

Dennis Walton
Ski Expert

The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis + Konect Bindings are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who are looking to fine-tune their skills on piste. With an 86mm underfoot, these skis provide stability and control for carving at high speeds. The drive tip design gives a powerful edge on your turns, making them perfect for those who love to carve.

These skis come with a brand new look and bindings included, adding to their appeal. The bindings do not come mounted, allowing you to customize them to your preference. The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are lightweight yet stable at speed for a really smooth feel. 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.

The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are not ideal for deep, soft snow, but they excel on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. They are a great choice for skiers who want to advance their skills and enjoy a smooth, controlled ride.

This ski is perfect for the intermediate-advanced skier looking to fine-tune their skills on piste. 86mm underfoot gives stability and control for carving at high speeds and its drive tip design gives a powerful edge on your turns. It's also got a brand new look and bindings included!

Fiona Orel
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are designed for advanced skiers who love to carve on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. They both offer stability and control at high speeds, making them perfect for those who love to push their limits on the slopes. Both skis are agile and quick edge-to-edge, allowing for a variety of turn styles. They also both come with a brand new look for the 2023 season, adding to their appeal.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced skiers, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are more versatile and can handle a wider range of conditions. They are ideal for skiers who love to carve on groomers and hardpacked snow, but also want the ability to handle moguls and lighter amounts of soft snow. On the other hand, the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are more focused on piste performance and are perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to fine-tune their carving skills.

The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are also known for their stability at high speeds, making them a great choice for skiers who love to push their limits. The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis, on the other hand, are lightweight and offer a smooth, controlled ride, making them a great choice for skiers who value comfort and control.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis take the lead. They can handle a wider range of conditions and are known for their stability at high speeds. For piste performance, the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis come out on top. They are designed specifically for carving on groomed runs and hardpacked snow, making them perfect for skiers who love to carve.

In terms of construction, both skis are made with high-quality materials designed to optimize performance. However, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis feature a wood core combined with layers of titanal metal, which provides stability, dampness, and power transmission, giving them the edge in this category.

Finally, when it comes to value, the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis offer a great deal with bindings included. This makes them a great choice for skiers looking for a high-quality ski at a great price.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis are excellent choices for advanced skiers. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis offer versatility and stability at high speeds, making them a great choice for skiers who love to push their limits. The Rossignol Experience 86 Basalt Skis, on the other hand, are perfect for skiers looking to fine-tune their carving skills on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. They also offer a great value with bindings included. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in. Happy skiing!

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