In the world of women's skis, the Völkl Secret 96 and the Völkl Kenja 88 are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced skiers who crave speed, precision, and versatility on the mountain. The Secret 96 is a powerhouse, perfect for carving through any type of snow and conditions, while the Kenja 88 is a snappy, playful ski that dominates hardpack and offers a unique 3D radius sidecut. Both skis are packed with innovative features and technology, but they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences. So, which one is the winner? Let's dive into the details and find out!

Völkl Secret 96 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Völkl Secret 96 is a ski that's designed for advanced skiers who love to charge through all conditions. It's a versatile ski that can handle everything from heavy wet snow to fluffy powder days. The Secret 96 is equipped with new Carbon Tips, which provide excellent stability at high speeds and reduce chatter. It also features a triple turn radius, allowing you to carve short quick turns or long, wide turns with ease.

This ski is wide enough to float in powder, but narrow enough to get on edge, making it a great one-ski quiver. It's a durable ski that can carve and turn through any type of snow, making it perfect for skiers who like to explore the whole mountain. However, it's not ideal for beginners or those who aren't ready to drive and charge with this ski. The Secret 96 is a demanding ski that craves to be driven by its skier, but it rewards its pilot with unparalleled precision and stability.

Völkl Kenja 88 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Völkl Kenja 88 is a ski designed for lady shredders who love to ski the whole mountain with speed and precision. It's perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, but it can also handle variable snow and powder. The Kenja 88 features a 3D radius sidecut, which allows you to change your turn radii based on speed and edge angle. This unique feature makes the ski incredibly versatile and adaptable to different skiing styles and conditions.

The Kenja 88 is 88mm underfoot, making it snappy edge to edge and perfect for dominating hardpack. It also features a rocker tip and tail, which keeps the ski afloat in variable snow and through the woods. The Tailored Titanal Frame and carbon tips add stability without sacrificing playfulness, making this ski a joy to ride. However, it's not ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed skiing style.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Secret 96 and the Kenja 88 are designed for advanced skiers who love to ski the whole mountain. They both offer stability, speed, and precision, and are equipped with innovative features that enhance their performance in various conditions. Both skis have a rocker tip and tail, which helps them float in variable snow and through the woods. They also both feature a Titanal Frame and carbon tips for added stability without sacrificing playfulness.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences. The Secret 96 is a powerhouse that's perfect for carving through any type of snow and conditions. It's a versatile ski that's wide enough to float in powder, but narrow enough to get on edge. This makes it ideal for skiers who like to explore the whole mountain and aren't afraid to charge through all conditions.

On the other hand, the Kenja 88 is a snappy, playful ski that dominates hardpack. It's perfect for East Coast skiers or those who prefer groomers, but it can also handle variable snow and powder. The Kenja 88 features a unique 3D radius sidecut, which allows you to change your turn radii based on speed and edge angle. This makes it incredibly versatile and adaptable to different skiing styles and conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Secret 96 takes the lead with its ability to handle any type of snow and conditions. For speed and stability, both skis perform exceptionally well, but the Secret 96's new Carbon Tips give it an edge in reducing chatter at high speeds. In terms of playfulness, the Kenja 88 shines with its unique 3D radius sidecut and snappy edge-to-edge transitions. Finally, for precision, both skis offer excellent edge hold and control, but the Secret 96's triple turn radius allows for more precise carving of both short quick turns and long, wide turns.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Secret 96 and the Kenja 88 are top-notch skis that offer advanced skiers a thrilling ride on the mountain. The Secret 96 is a versatile powerhouse that can handle any type of snow and conditions, making it perfect for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain. The Kenja 88, on the other hand, is a playful ski that dominates hardpack and offers a unique 3D radius sidecut, making it ideal for skiers who prefer groomers but still want the ability to handle variable snow and powder.

Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're a skier who loves to charge through all conditions and carve through any type of snow, the Secret 96 is the ski for you. If you prefer groomers but still want a ski that's versatile and playful, the Kenja 88 is a fantastic choice. Either way, you're in for a thrilling ride with these top-of-the-line skis from Völkl. Happy shredding!