The Curated Take
The Volkl 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.
- The 3D Turn Radius allows this ski to offer a multitude of turns- short and quick or hip to hip across the trail
- Ultimately damp at higher speeds and holds its edge with authority even on ice and hardpacked snow
- Solid build has this ski holding up for multiple seasons regardless of how hard they are skied
- At 88mm underfoot does not offer enough float for fresh powder days
- Extremely firm flex rating creates stability but sacrifices forgiveness and playfulness
With 88 mm under the boot, the Kendo delivers impressive carving performance thanks to the three different radii in the sidecut. These enable precise power transmission, uncompromising liveliness, and optimum turning behavior such as never before experienced with Titanal skis.
The Kendo 88 is also built with a Titanal frame and carbon tips, providing more stability and impressive damping.
As a result, the ski offers an extremely lively yet smooth ride, even at high speeds. A multilayer wood core framed by full sidewalls and with a P-Tex 2100 base rounds off the premium construction.
- The 3D Turn Radius allows this ski to offer a multitude of turns- short and quick or hip to hip across the trail
- Ultimately damp at higher speeds and holds its edge with authority even on ice and hardpacked snow
- Solid build has this ski holding up for multiple seasons regardless of how hard they are skied
- At 88mm underfoot does not offer enough float for fresh powder days
- Extremely firm flex rating creates stability but sacrifices forgiveness and playfulness
- Skiing on any terrain except deep powder
- Skiing at speed, no chatter
- Short and long turns
- Not great for deeper, softer snow
- They like to ski fast
- Might be heavier with metal from tip to tail
Why did you choose this product?
We actually were assigned the 2023 Kendo 88's during our film production for the 2024 year, I was surprised at how pleasantly shocked I was while riding them. A true precision carving tool with a nod toward all mountain versatility. Great edge hold, extremely damp, and an intuitive and enjoyable edge to edge transition has me going back to the Volkl Kendo 88 on those hardpacked days.What was your favorite moment with this gear?
My favorite moment on the kendo 88 was when I swapped them out for a twin tip and got to carve on some harder, groomed snow. This ski absolutely rips and it was like night and day going from a twin tipped freestyle ski to the kendo 88- high speed carving, edge hold, and extreme stability has this ski feeling like it belongs on that hardpacked, groomed, or icy terrain. The edge to edge transition and ability to carve tight or wide turns without forcing you into a certain turn radius was ideal for a versatile ride.What is the value for the money versus other options?
The Kendo 88 is a bombproof, versatile, and stable ski that offers a firm flex rating and solid construction. Tailored titanal metal in the core helps to keep this ski super damp at higher speeds. Due to the durability and performance aspects of the Kendo 88, I do believe that it retains its value for longer as opposed to alternative options. All in all, the kendo 88 is a safe bet that will hold up for seasons to come. As always, shopping with us here at Curated may give you a better deal and I encourage skiers to shop for the best deal as this may impact the overall value of your ski.100%
5.0
/51 customer review
Kendo 88
Posted on Aug 29, 202343% of customers also bought Ski Bindings
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