In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl Kendo 88 and Nordica Enforcer 94 are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and offer a blend of performance, stability, and versatility. The Kendo 88 is known for its agility and stability, especially on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. It's a solid all-mountain option that can handle a variety of conditions, but it truly shines on groomers and hardpack. On the other hand, the Enforcer 94 is a true all-mountain performer, capable of tackling everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. It's a bit heavier and stiffer than the Kendo 88, but it offers exceptional stability and edge hold. Both skis are durable and built to last, but they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences.

Völkl Kendo 88 Skis · 2023 summary

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.

Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis · 2023 summary

The Nordica Enforcer 94 skis are a true all-mountain performer, capable of tackling everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. This is a stiff ski due to its double-core build and will be a true one-ski quiver for the advanced East Coast skier who travels out West for a week or two each year. The skis have a powerful wood core combined with two metal sheets, providing stability and torsional rigidity, translating to a smooth and stable ride at high speeds. The shape and camber profile contribute to effective energy transfer, allowing for dynamic and precise turns even at high speeds.

The edge hold on the Nordica Enforcer skis is exceptional. They feature a traditional camber underfoot with a slight rocker in the tip and tail, which enhances edge engagement and grip on firm snow (and the famed East Coast ice). Additionally, the Enforcer's construction incorporates Nordica's advanced technology, such as the Energy 2 Titanium construction, which adds to the skis' edge hold and stability on icy or hard-packed surfaces.

The Enforcers truly shine on groomed slopes. Their construction ensures stability and edge grip, allowing for confident carving and precise control. The camber underfoot provides effective energy transfer, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail adds forgiveness and maneuverability.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Kendo 88 and Nordica Enforcer 94 are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions. They both feature a wood core combined with metal layers, providing stability, dampness, and power transmission. This construction enhances the skis' responsiveness, edge hold, and overall performance. Both skis also feature a traditional camber underfoot with a slight rocker in the tip and tail, enhancing edge engagement and grip on firm snow while adding maneuverability and forgiveness. Both skis are known for their stability at high speeds and their ability to handle a variety of conditions, from groomed runs to moguls and soft snow.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences. The Völkl Kendo 88 is more agile and excels on groomed runs and hardpacked snow. It's a solid all-mountain option that can handle a variety of conditions, but it truly shines on groomers and hardpack. This makes it ideal for skiers who spend the majority of their time on groomed runs and hardpacked snow, but still want the versatility to handle variable conditions.

On the other hand, the Nordica Enforcer 94 is a bit heavier and stiffer, offering exceptional stability and edge hold. It's a true all-mountain performer, capable of tackling everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder. This makes it ideal for skiers who want a one-ski quiver that can handle a wide range of conditions and terrains.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

1. Versatility: Both skis are versatile, but the Nordica Enforcer 94 has a slight edge due to its ability to handle everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder.
2. Performance on Groomed Runs: The Völkl Kendo 88 takes the win here, with its agility and stability on groomed runs and hardpacked snow.
3. Stability at High Speeds: Both skis offer excellent stability at high speeds, but the Nordica Enforcer 94, with its heavier and stiffer build, might offer a bit more confidence for skiers who like to push their limits.
4. Construction and Durability: Both skis are built to last, with high-quality materials and construction. It's a tie in this dimension.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Kendo 88 and Nordica Enforcer 94 are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Kendo 88 excels on groomed runs and hardpacked snow, making it a great choice for skiers who spend the majority of their time on groomed runs. The Enforcer 94, on the other hand, is a true all-mountain performer that can handle everything from East Coast ice to West Coast powder, making it a great one-ski quiver for skiers who want to explore a wide range of conditions and terrains. Both skis offer excellent stability at high speeds and are built to last, making them a solid investment for any serious skier. So, whether you're a groomer lover or an all-mountain explorer, you can't go wrong with either of these skis.