In the world of skiing, the Völkl Kendo 88 and Salomon QST 92 are two top contenders for the title of best all-mountain ski. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The Kendo 88 is a fast, edge-to-edge ski that excels in carving and freeride categories, while the QST 92 is a playful, versatile ski that shines in all-mountain terrain. However, the Kendo 88 is more suited for groomed trails and the QST 92 is more forgiving and playful. The final verdict? It depends on your skiing style and preference. If you're a speed demon who loves carving, go for the Kendo 88. If you're an all-mountain explorer who values versatility and playfulness, the QST 92 is your ski.

Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. Designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, these skis are all about speed and precision. They are a directional, frontside, on-piste, freeride ski that delivers a very fast edge-to-edge experience. The 3D turn radius is intuitive and allows 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 features a unique 3D radius sidecut, which in the 184 length, has a 31m turn radius up front, a 17m turn radius underfoot, and a 26m turn radius in the back. This unique design creates an easy turning ski that is incredibly responsive. The ski's multilayer wood core, carbon fiber weave in the tip, and tailored titanal frame contribute to its stability, dampness, and responsiveness. There's zero chatter, making it a joy to carve with.

However, the Kendo 88 is not a freestyle ski. It's not the most playful and it's not designed for skiing switch, especially on ungroomed runs or powder. It's also not the best off-trail ski in 5+ inches of powder. But it does well in uneven terrain, moguls, chop, and trees, making it a great option for those who like to mix up their skiing experience.

Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST 92 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that offers a playful and forgiving ride. They are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are perfect for those who want to explore all types of terrain. With a 92mm waist and a freeride rocker profile, these skis are agile and quick edge-to-edge, making them great for moguls and tight terrain.

The QST 92 skis are easy to turn and maneuver, making them a lot of fun on groomers. They have a medium 16-meter turn radius, making them a solid carving ski. They are very stable in the turn and can handle a range of conditions, from hard snow to soft snow. The skis are also very damp, absorbing vibrations and providing a smooth ride.

However, the QST 92 skis are not the best choice for deep powder or super manky snow. They are also not the most stable ski for steep groomed terrain at high speeds. But they are a great choice for skiers who like to cruise groomers and occasionally explore off-piste. They are also a good choice for skiers who want to start playing around with skiing switch, thanks to their partial twin tip design.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kendo 88 and Salomon QST 92 skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are versatile all-mountain skis. They both have a waist width in the 88-92mm range, making them ideal for a variety of snow conditions and terrains. Both skis are agile and quick edge-to-edge, making them great for moguls and tight terrain. They both have a strong platform underfoot for maximum grip on hard snow and are designed to be stable and confident at high speeds. Both skis also have a partial twin tip design, making them suitable for skiers who want to start playing around with skiing switch.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain skis, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl Kendo 88 is a speed demon's dream. It's a fast, edge-to-edge ski that excels in carving and freeride categories. It's perfect for skiers who love to carve up groomers and occasionally venture off-piste. However, it's not the most playful or forgiving ski, making it less suitable for beginners or those who prefer a more freestyle approach to skiing.

On the other hand, the Salomon QST 92 is a more forgiving and playful ski. It's great for skiers who want to explore all types of terrain and value versatility and playfulness. It's also a good choice for skiers who want to start playing around with skiing switch, thanks to its partial twin tip design. However, it's not the best choice for deep powder or super manky snow, and it's not the most stable ski for steep groomed terrain at high speeds.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to carving, the Völkl Kendo 88 takes the crown. Its fast edge-to-edge performance and 3D turn radius make it a carving machine. For freestyle, neither ski is a true freestyle ski, but the Salomon QST 92's more forgiving and playful nature gives it a slight edge. In terms of freeride, the Kendo 88's performance in uneven terrain, moguls, chop, and trees gives it the advantage. However, for all-mountain versatility, the Salomon QST 92's ability to handle all types of terrain and its playful and forgiving ride make it the winner.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 and Salomon QST 92 skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Kendo 88 is a speed demon's dream, excelling in carving and freeride categories, while the QST 92 is a more forgiving and playful ski that shines in all-mountain terrain. The final decision comes down to your personal skiing style and preference. If you're a speed demon who loves carving, go for the Kendo 88. If you're an all-mountain explorer who values versatility and playfulness, the QST 92 is your ski. Either way, you're in for a thrilling ride on the slopes!