In the world of skiing, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, with a focus on carving and versatility. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are praised for their fast edge-to-edge performance and their 3D turn radius, which allows for a variety of turn styles. On the other hand, the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are known for their playful feel and forgiving flex profile, making them a great choice for tricky terrain like moguls and trees. While both skis are excellent choices, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers who prefer groomed trails, while the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are more approachable and suitable for a wider range of skiers.

Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis are designed for speed and precision, with a very fast edge-to-edge performance that will leave you breathless. The 3D turn radius is a standout feature, allowing for a variety of turn styles from long, GS, fall line, arc style turns to tighter turns in bumps or on groomed runs.

The Kendo 88 Skis are built with a multilayer wood core, a bit of carbon fiber weave in the tip, and the tailored titanal frame. This construction results in a very stable, damp, and responsive ski with zero chatter. These skis are a blast to carve with, thriving on the corduroy at Copper Mountain.

While these skis are not the most playful or forgiving, they do have a good amount of pop. They also have a little early rise in the tail, allowing for some skiing switch on groomed runs. However, they are not recommended for ungroomed runs or powder.

In terms of freeride performance, the Kendo 88 Skis do well in uneven terrain, moguls, chop, and trees. However, with only 88mm underfoot and not a lot of early rise, they are not the best off trail ski in 5+ inches of powder.

Overall, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers who mainly stay on groomed trails and enjoy skiing bumps every now and then.

Salomon Stance 84 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon Stance 84 Skis are all about fun and versatility. These skis are designed to be playful and easily disengaged, making them suitable for tricky terrain like moguls and trees. Despite the use of titanal in the Stance range, the Stance 84 has a more forgiving flex profile, making it approachable for a wider range of skiers.

The Stance 84 Skis are agile and quick edge-to-edge, making them great for moguls. They also have a progressive sidecut and lively wood core, providing agility and reliability in any condition. The addition of Titanal and carbon construction offers excellent grip on the snow, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride on the slopes.

These skis are geared more towards carving than freeride, but they still have a wider shovel and rocker for handling powder. With an 84mm waist, they are perfect for carving up groomers, but also have the ability to handle some boot top powder if there's an unexpected storm.

Overall, the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are a great fit for those who enjoy a playful and versatile all-mountain experience with a focus on carving.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are designed for all-mountain performance, with a focus on carving. They both have a quick edge-to-edge performance, making them agile and suitable for moguls. Both skis also have a wider shovel and rocker for handling some powder, although they are primarily designed for groomed runs.

In terms of construction, both skis use titanal in their construction, although the amount and placement vary. The use of titanal contributes to the stability and dampness of both skis, reducing chatter and providing a smooth ride.

Both skis also offer a variety of turn styles, thanks to their unique sidecut designs. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis feature a 3D turn radius, while the Salomon Stance 84 Skis have a progressive sidecut.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they cater to different types of skiers. The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers who prefer groomed trails and enjoy skiing bumps every now and then. These skis are very fast edge-to-edge and offer a variety of turn styles, making them a versatile choice for experienced skiers.

On the other hand, the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are more approachable and suitable for a wider range of skiers. They are designed to be playful and easily disengaged, making them a great choice for tricky terrain like moguls and trees. These skis are also more forgiving, thanks to their less aggressive flex profile.

In terms of construction, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis use more titanal in their construction, resulting in a stiffer and more responsive ski. The Salomon Stance 84 Skis, on the other hand, use less titanal, resulting in a more forgiving flex profile.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to speed and precision, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis take the lead. Their fast edge-to-edge performance and 3D turn radius make them a top choice for experienced skiers who crave speed and precision on the slopes.

For versatility and playfulness, the Salomon Stance 84 Skis come out on top. Their forgiving flex profile and ability to easily disengage make them a great choice for a wide range of skiers, especially those who enjoy tricky terrain like moguls and trees.

In terms of construction, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis win with their use of more titanal, resulting in a stiffer and more responsive ski. However, the Salomon Stance 84 Skis' use of less titanal results in a more forgiving flex profile, which could be a win for skiers looking for a more approachable ski.

Finally, for carving performance, both skis perform well. However, the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis' 3D turn radius offers a variety of turn styles, giving them a slight edge in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis and the Salomon Stance 84 Skis are excellent choices for the 2024 season. They both offer all-mountain performance with a focus on carving, making them versatile choices for a variety of conditions. However, they cater to different types of skiers, with the Völkl Kendo 88 Skis being more suited to experienced skiers who crave speed and precision, and the Salomon Stance 84 Skis being more approachable and suitable for a wider range of skiers. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style. So, whether you're an experienced skier looking for speed and precision, or a playful skier who enjoys tricky terrain, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!