Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of the most exciting skis of 2024: the Völkl Kendo 88 and the Blizzard Rustler 9. Both skis are designed to deliver top-notch performance on the mountain, but each has its own unique strengths and characteristics. The Völkl Kendo 88 is a speed demon, offering a fast edge-to-edge experience and a 3D turn radius that allows for a variety of turn styles. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a versatile all-rounder, excelling in a variety of conditions and terrains, thanks to its playful construction and dual-personality design. While both skis are fantastic choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Kendo 88 is more suited for those who prefer groomed trails and carving, while the Rustler 9 is a better fit for those who enjoy off-piste skiing and a more playful ride. So, who's the winner? It all depends on your skiing style and preferences. Read on for a detailed comparison!

Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2024 summary

The Völkl Kendo 88 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the mountain. These skis are designed for speed and precision, offering a fast edge-to-edge experience that will leave you breathless. The Kendo 88's unique 3D turn radius is a game-changer, allowing you to switch between long, GS-style turns and tighter turns with ease. This versatility makes the Kendo 88 a fantastic choice for a variety of conditions and terrains.

The Kendo 88's construction is equally impressive. It features a multilayer wood core, a carbon fiber weave in the tip, and a tailored titanal frame. This combination results in a ski that is stable, damp, and responsive, with zero chatter. The ski's camber is designed for stability and edge hold, making it a dream to carve with.

However, the Kendo 88 isn't just about speed and carving. It also performs well in freeride conditions, handling uneven terrain, moguls, and trees with ease. While it's not the best choice for deep powder or skiing switch, it's a solid option for those who enjoy a mix of on-piste and off-piste skiing.

The Kendo 88 is recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers who primarily stick to groomed trails but enjoy the occasional venture off-piste. It's not the best choice for beginners or those looking for a ski that excels both on and off the trail.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2024 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a wide range of conditions and terrains. With a waist width of 96mm, they offer a good balance between groomed runs and off-piste exploration. The Rustler 9's construction focuses on stability and responsiveness, making them suitable for skiers of varying skill levels.

The Rustler 9's rocker profile, with full tip and a touch of tail rocker while lightly camber underfoot, provides versatility and performance. The rocker profile enhances floatation in powder and makes them more nimble in soft snow, while the touch of camber underfoot ensures reliable edge hold and stability on groomed runs.

The Rustler 9 skis offer a good balance between carving and maneuverability. They are capable of making smooth and controlled turns on groomed runs, while still being agile enough for moguls and off-piste exploration. The ski's moderate flex pattern and responsive nature make it enjoyable for skiers of varying skill levels.

The Rustler 9 skis are recommended for advanced or expert skiers in the east. For expert skiers, it'll make a really great all-mountain ski. For advanced skiers, it's a great front side-oriented ski. This is probably not going to be your daily driver if you're west of the continental divide. But if you wanted a ski for hard snow days or for low tide days out in Tahoe, this would be a really fun ski to make trenches on firmer snow.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kendo 88 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are high-performance all-mountain skis designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer a balance between on-piste and off-piste performance, making them versatile options for a variety of conditions and terrains.

Both skis feature a rocker profile that enhances floatation in powder and makes them more nimble in soft snow, while the touch of camber underfoot ensures reliable edge hold and stability on groomed runs. They both also feature a construction that focuses on stability and responsiveness, making them suitable for skiers of varying skill levels.

In terms of carving, both skis offer a good balance between carving and maneuverability. They are capable of making smooth and controlled turns on groomed runs, while still being agile enough for moguls and off-piste exploration.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain options, they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences. The Völkl Kendo 88 is more of a speed demon, offering a fast edge-to-edge experience and a 3D turn radius that allows for a variety of turn styles. It's a great choice for skiers who love carving and prefer groomed trails, but also enjoy the occasional venture off-piste.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a more playful and versatile all-rounder. It's a better fit for skiers who enjoy off-piste skiing and a more playful ride. The Rustler 9's construction, which includes a sheet of metal underneath the binding and two columns of Titanal running the length of the edges, makes it more agile in tight spots, like trees and moguls, and allows it to float better in powder.

In terms of persona, the Kendo 88 is perfect for the speed-loving, carving enthusiast who enjoys a fast, precise ride with the flexibility to venture off-piste. The Rustler 9, on the other hand, is ideal for the adventurous skier who loves exploring off-piste terrain but still wants a ski that can hold its own on groomed runs.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to carving performance, the Völkl Kendo 88 takes the crown. Its fast edge-to-edge experience and 3D turn radius make it a dream to carve with, offering a variety of turn styles and a very stable ride.

For off-piste performance, the Blizzard Rustler 9 comes out on top. Its playful construction and ample rocker profile make it more agile in tight spots and allow it to float better in powder.

In terms of versatility, it's a close call, but the Rustler 9 edges out the Kendo 88. Its ability to perform well in a wider range of conditions and terrains, from groomed runs to powder, gives it the upper hand.

Finally, for stability and responsiveness, both skis perform exceptionally well. They both feature constructions that focus on stability and responsiveness, making them suitable for skiers of varying skill levels. However, the Kendo 88's multilayer wood core, carbon fiber weave, and tailored titanal frame give it a slight edge in terms of stability, especially at high speeds.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are fantastic all-mountain skis that offer a balance of on-piste and off-piste performance. The Kendo 88 is a speed demon that excels in carving and offers a fast, precise ride, making it a great choice for skiers who love groomed trails but also enjoy the occasional venture off-piste. The Rustler 9, on the other hand, is a versatile all-rounder that shines in off-piste conditions and offers a more playful ride. It's a better fit for skiers who love exploring off-piste terrain but still want a ski that can hold its own on groomed runs. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences. Happy skiing!