Volkl Kendo 88 - 2020 Ski Review

Volkl Kendo 88

Bindings Included? No

Use: 50% piste / 50% powder

Ability: Advanced / expert

In a nutshell: Power, performance and stability in a lightweight all-mountain package.

The trusty Volkl Kendo 88 is back for another year sporting some brand new design features. Die-hard Volkl fans will be pleased to know the Kendo’s upgrades are similar to those its close relative, the M5 Mantra, received last year to great reviews but in a skinnier, more piste-friendly package.

The first major addition to the Kendo 88 is the Titanal Frame, which incorporates metal enforcements only where you need them most; you’ll find a full sheet of metal along the base of the ski but the second metal sheet along the top is only full-sized underfoot, and positioned only along the edges in the rest of the ski. This shaves of plenty of weight but retains that power and strong edge-to-edge performance that Volkl is known for, with a more natural feeling flex that makes the ski more accessible to a wider range of skiers.

The second new addition is the 3D Radius Sidecut, which blends three different turn radii into the shape of the ski. Underfoot we see a mid-sized radius, while the tip and tail sport a longer radius, which makes it much easier, and more fun, to play around with your turn shape and optimise the Kendo 88 to the terrain you’re skiing. Furthermore, the subtle rocker-camber-rocker profile and versatile 88mm waist allows for plenty of edge-to-snow contact on the hardpack, while keeping it light and lively in the tip and tail for the deeper, softer snow we all know and love.

Overall, the Kendo 88 is the perfect ski for the aggressive (or wanting to become more aggressive) skier who loves riding all the lift-accessed snow the resort has to offer. While the new additions have made it an easier ski to ski, they haven’t sacrificed any of the hard charging, smooth and stable performance Volkl is known for. If you’re in the market for a fun but powerful ski that rips hard on the pistes but doesn’t sacrifice performance on the rest of the mountain, this is your ski.

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