2023 Volkl Kendo 88

[Near Nyquist]

Having a good time on Kendos here in NEPA during this crap winter…have been skiing them on 100% man made gun powder.

These have a real smoothness to them. Lots of different turn shapes/really holds a nice long edge but can also have a nice pop into the next short turn…Very easy to ski…I am glad I got them/ I will probably ski them more than intended.

Despite my Moment 2 ski quiver…..I guess I am still a “Volkl guy”.

Told ya
Grab two
One for today
One for tomorrow

 

[MikeM.]

​

Philpug:
Length tested: 177
Location tested: Sun Valley
Conditions: Fresh snow, mixed condition

The Kendo 88 is just as important to Volkl for sales volume as their flagship M6 Mantra, so it was important for Volkl to bring all of the technology such as Tailored Tip and Tailored Titanal frame to the reimagined Kendo 88. The outgoing Kendo 88 already was designed with Volkl’s 3D sidecut, but this year, Volkl is dropping 1 meter from the middle of the 3D sidecut to decrease the turning radius from 17 m to 16 m on the reference 177 length.

The construction and shape changes on the Kendo were immediately noticeable. The ski was a lot quicker and had a bit more personality than even the outgoing model … which was noticeably better than the prior offering without losing what the aficionados like about the Kendo.

Insider Tip I: It’s not so much that you might want a Kendo, but with the new tailored construction, you now choose length by the turn shape you want.​

Insider Tip II: We expect the new Kendo to be a part of our Long Term Test Fleet, so stay tuned for updates.​

One thing I would change: Without completely picking nits, I think 2023 Kendo is about as perfect as a Kendo can be.​

Andy Mink:
Size tested: 184cm
Location tested: Mammoth Mountain, CA
Conditions tested in: Hard wind buff, chopped softening groomers

This is a charger that can be played with. With the addition of the titanal frame and carbon tip similar to that found in the M6 Mantra, plus the 3D radius, the Kendo has a great balance of torsional stiffness, stability, and turn shape possibilities.

On the very firm wind buff at higher elevations at Mammoth, the Kendo dug in securely allowing long or short turns with no problems. Release in the turns was easy and reengaging the edges was just a matter of pressure. The cut and piled up lower groomers were no challenge; the Kendo knifed through at whatever edge and turn radius was input. No matter where I took it the ride was smooth and supple, with what felt like power on tap.

• Insider tip: From my notes: "I don't want to give this one back. It is REALLY good."
• One thing that I would change: Nope. Nada. Nothing.

WadeHoliday:
Length tested: 177
Location tested: Mammoth
Conditions tested in: Hard snow, mixed terrain

Lots of excitement in the air about this one, as last year’s was “ski of the year” in some publications, and it did ski great. I liked the last one a lot, but believed the stated changes would be improvements, and they were!

The shape is awesome, it is a clean seamless blend of rise with 3 d sidecut, which I think is brilliant. It creates a ski that morphs easily between shapes, speeds, edge angles and terrain. It was the best of the day on the glazed groomer. Volkl spent some 6 million bucks on their factory tuning/finishing process, and it showed. Best edges of the day by far. They gripped like a race ski, but stlll drifted easily and predictably, with easy releases in bumps and 3 d terrain as well. How much was the ski design and how much the tune? Good question, but suffice to say, both were sweet! The Kendo is a bit more communicative than my favorite skis, but that is a taste thing. I think it’s the carbon tip providing a little extra noise feedback.

​

Torn between these and the Atomic Maverick 88ti. Looking for something versatile enough for various East Coast conditions aside from the occasional storm day, for which I’ve got Nordica Unleashed 98s. So basically, a ski for East coast firm conditions and bumps, and which inspires confidence to go faaaaast outside the bumps. I’m 6’1”, 240, former competitive powerlifter, advanced but not expert level skier. Any advice on which might work better for me is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Kyle]

The ‘23 Kendo is terrific for what you are describing but have not skied the Atomic. Volkl really has something with this construction and the 3D radius.

 

[tch]

One word of caution: my friend has had two pairs of the 2023 Kendo delaminate. He and I are BSL buddies and I LOVE the performance of the Kendos: much snappier and agile compared to my 20-21 Brahmas. But…defective twice…hmmmmm.

 

[MikeM.]

The ‘23 Kendo is terrific for what you are describing but have not skied the Atomic. Volkl really has something with this construction and the 3D radius.

Thanks!

 

[MikeM.]

One word of caution: my friend has had two pairs of the 2023 Kendo delaminate. He and I are BSL buddies and I LOVE the performance of the Kendos: much snappier and agile compared to my 20-21 Brahmas. But…defective twice…hmmmmm.

Thanks!

 

[MikeM.]

​

Philpug:
Length tested: 177
Location tested: Sun Valley
Conditions: Fresh snow, mixed condition

The Kendo 88 is just as important to Volkl for sales volume as their flagship M6 Mantra, so it was important for Volkl to bring all of the technology such as Tailored Tip and Tailored Titanal frame to the reimagined Kendo 88. The outgoing Kendo 88 already was designed with Volkl’s 3D sidecut, but this year, Volkl is dropping 1 meter from the middle of the 3D sidecut to decrease the turning radius from 17 m to 16 m on the reference 177 length.

The construction and shape changes on the Kendo were immediately noticeable. The ski was a lot quicker and had a bit more personality than even the outgoing model … which was noticeably better than the prior offering without losing what the aficionados like about the Kendo.

Insider Tip I: It’s not so much that you might want a Kendo, but with the new tailored construction, you now choose length by the turn shape you want.​

Insider Tip II: We expect the new Kendo to be a part of our Long Term Test Fleet, so stay tuned for updates.​

One thing I would change: Without completely picking nits, I think 2023 Kendo is about as perfect as a Kendo can be.​

Andy Mink:
Size tested: 184cm
Location tested: Mammoth Mountain, CA
Conditions tested in: Hard wind buff, chopped softening groomers

This is a charger that can be played with. With the addition of the titanal frame and carbon tip similar to that found in the M6 Mantra, plus the 3D radius, the Kendo has a great balance of torsional stiffness, stability, and turn shape possibilities.

On the very firm wind buff at higher elevations at Mammoth, the Kendo dug in securely allowing long or short turns with no problems. Release in the turns was easy and reengaging the edges was just a matter of pressure. The cut and piled up lower groomers were no challenge; the Kendo knifed through at whatever edge and turn radius was input. No matter where I took it the ride was smooth and supple, with what felt like power on tap.

• Insider tip: From my notes: "I don't want to give this one back. It is REALLY good."
• One thing that I would change: Nope. Nada. Nothing.

WadeHoliday:
Length tested: 177
Location tested: Mammoth
Conditions tested in: Hard snow, mixed terrain

Lots of excitement in the air about this one, as last year’s was “ski of the year” in some publications, and it did ski great. I liked the last one a lot, but believed the stated changes would be improvements, and they were!

The shape is awesome, it is a clean seamless blend of rise with 3 d sidecut, which I think is brilliant. It creates a ski that morphs easily between shapes, speeds, edge angles and terrain. It was the best of the day on the glazed groomer. Volkl spent some 6 million bucks on their factory tuning/finishing process, and it showed. Best edges of the day by far. They gripped like a race ski, but stlll drifted easily and predictably, with easy releases in bumps and 3 d terrain as well. How much was the ski design and how much the tune? Good question, but suffice to say, both were sweet! The Kendo is a bit more communicative than my favorite skis, but that is a taste thing. I think it’s the carbon tip providing a little extra noise feedback.

​

Considering these for East coast icy/firm conditions and moguls. As a physically strong 6’, 240lb advanced (not expert, former competitive powerlifter) skier, would 184 be good or should I size down to 177? I’d like maneuverability in the bumps, but don’t want a ski that gets squirilly on me at speed outside the bumps. This ski will compliment my 186 Nordica Unleashed 98s.

 

[KingGrump]

Considering these for East coast icy/firm conditions and moguls. As a physically strong 6’, 240lb advanced (not expert, former competitive powerlifter) skier, would 184 be good or should I size down to 177? I’d like maneuverability in the bumps, but don’t want a ski that gets squirilly on me at speed outside the bumps. This ski will compliment my 186 Nordica Unleashed 98s.

177.

 

[Rod9301]

I see that it has a fairly wide tip.
Does the tip hang or get deflected in moguls?

 

[KingGrump]

I see that it has a fairly wide tip.
Does the tip hang or get deflected in moguls?

No.

 

[Brian Finch]

Updates and thoughts. This ski rips. I've lugged it all over the US & EU and have beaten it good. Even placed a nice edge compression from a 30 footer under the heel & just ground it out the best we could - ski still tears around like a champ.

I have tentatively retried my Kendos for the season as I went up a shell size recently & they need a remount. I'm on the farthest back trad line, any suggestions?

Additionally, to the best of my knowledge, this is a carryover to '24 & I've seen them in shops as low as $399 Go get em!!

 

[Tony S]

Updates and thoughts. This ski rips. I've lugged it all over the US & EU and have beaten it good. Even placed a nice edge compression from a 30 footer under the heel & just ground it out the best we could - ski still tears around like a champ.

I have tentatively retried my Kendos for the season as I went up a shell size recently & they need a remount. I'm on the farthest back trad line, any suggestions?

Additionally, to the best of my knowledge, this is a carryover to '24 & I've seen them in shops as low as $399 Go get em!!

Did the 30 footer enlarge your feet as well?

 

[Brian Finch]

Did the 30 footer enlarge your feet as well?

Had not connected that.....

 

[Brian Finch]

Where are ppl mounting them bump!

 

[Near Nyquist]

Where are ppl mounting them bump!

On da line

 

[Brian Finch]

On da line

There’s 3 lines

 

[Near Nyquist]

There’s 3 lines

Oh that …
Use the widest one
That’s the factory line
Furthest back

 

[James]

Updates and thoughts. This ski rips. I've lugged it all over the US & EU and have beaten it good. Even placed a nice edge compression from a 30 footer under the heel & just ground it out the best we could - ski still tears around like a champ.

I have tentatively retried my Kendos for the season as I went up a shell size recently & they need a remount. I'm on the farthest back trad line, any suggestions?

Additionally, to the best of my knowledge, this is a carryover to '24 & I've seen them in shops as low as $399 Go get em!!

Which length are you skiing?

 

[Brian Finch]

Which length are you skiing?

184cm

 

[BC.]

Where are ppl mounting them bump!

Factory/longest line.