Thanks for the info. I have the ‘23 Kendo. It’s the first ski I’ve ever owned, coming back to skiing two years ago after almost a decade away, so I don’t have a point of comparison, but it’s been a very fun ski.
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2023 Volkl Kendo 88
- Thread starter SkiTalk Test Team
- Start date
The Kendos have really helped me in skiing. I've improved, to be sure, regardless of the Kendos, but they do afford a sense of confidence because they're so well damped (probably some other terms would more accurate but I think it works)
Often in variable snow which is the norm right now on the east coast, constantly hitting pockets of skied off powder, ice, water/slush and hardpack all within 30 feet of each other and randomly, makes other skis I own feel unstable and get knocked around a bit. It's more of a sensation probably than an actual problem, but enough to be very distracting and cause me to get a little psyched out...
...not the Kendos, they blast through all of it. Initially I had to work getting it on edge (and still do but have come a long way), but once I was able to, I could reap its benefits.
So even though it's technically a less approachable ski than say an intermediate ski, it boosts a real sense confidence more than all other skis I've been on, and thats enough to allow me to focus on getting to the next level. Steep Blues and Black diamonds with the aforementioned conditions aren't as daunting now.
Can't say enough good things about this ski.
Often in variable snow which is the norm right now on the east coast, constantly hitting pockets of skied off powder, ice, water/slush and hardpack all within 30 feet of each other and randomly, makes other skis I own feel unstable and get knocked around a bit. It's more of a sensation probably than an actual problem, but enough to be very distracting and cause me to get a little psyched out...
...not the Kendos, they blast through all of it. Initially I had to work getting it on edge (and still do but have come a long way), but once I was able to, I could reap its benefits.
So even though it's technically a less approachable ski than say an intermediate ski, it boosts a real sense confidence more than all other skis I've been on, and thats enough to allow me to focus on getting to the next level. Steep Blues and Black diamonds with the aforementioned conditions aren't as daunting now.
Can't say enough good things about this ski.
170.
Been wanting to try the Kendo’s for a while and seeing some end of the year sales has me tempted. My quiver in this range is already a little crowded with a 22/23 SR88 184, 20/21 SR95 184 and 19/20 Rustler 9 180 but was thinking about the 177 Kendo’s. Use would be focused on off-piste NE skiing… Killington tree’s and bumps so was thinking on the shorter end for tighter terrain. On-piste my Stockli WRTs are my daily drivers but want something that will still be fun on-piste in between bump and tree runs. I’m a beginning bump/tree skier but really am starting to enjoy them. 6’2” and 220 pounds at the moment. I was hoping to demo the kendo’s this season but it didn’t happen. 177 Kendo’s seem to fit what I’m looking for but appreciate any feedback. Also curious if there is too much overlap with the SR88s to justify them but a quiver is never static. 
One of the best skies from Vokl in a long time. Love mine!
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- Dec 2, 2015
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- 25,010
Peak Performance in Kton probably has a stack of Demos or new ones. Sales should be starting.. I was hoping to demo the kendo’s this season but it didn’t happen. 177 Kendo’s seem to fit what I’m looking for but appreciate any feedback. Also curious if there is too much overlap with the SR88s to justify them but a quiver is never static.
I’m not a huge fan of em in trees. I’d go Kango & less over lap w SR88
Volkl Blaze 86, if you are starting bumps & trees. Turns much quicker in tight spaces with a lot less effort. A much slower ski than the Kendo on the groomer though.
Thanks @KingGrump and @Brian Finch . Blaze and Kanjo seem like good options and there are some deals on them now. Seems like the Kanjo might be more interesting when in between bump/tree runs on groomers but if I want to really focus on my bump/tree skiing I could play along the sides and dip in and out of the trees when skiing groomers with my buddies.
This ski is on my short list for over the summer. There's a demo pair at Bromley in my size. I'll watch and see if it's around over the summer. If it is, I'll grab it.
Which shop?Just got an email from a shop with a 50% off end of year sale. No Blaze 86s or Kanjos but Kendo’s 177 for 349 shipped.
Adv 5’8” 170 running 21’ Kendo 170. Love them, they need to be driven and being on the relatively lighter side do get a bit noisy/feedback on hard pick/ice, but hold very well. Able to adjust pressure and easily make wide and short turns without issue (rebound is nice). Good technique is important if you’re not able to get to the gym enough, like me. If I push morning session hard can end up with noodles early afternoon (gotta get into gym). Still trying to figure out bumps with these. Mostly ski in west.
A '21 is a gen 4 Kendo. Try a 5th gen Kendo. They finally got the 3D radius thing right. Much smoother in the off piste & bumps.
IMO, the 4th gen Kendo is a dog. My least favorite out of all the gens. Gave it away after 46 days.
I am currently on my 7th pair of Kendo since 2011. Pair #8 in wrapper waiting n the wing for next season.
Saving up for 5th gen and some new boots 24-25’. Was jealous once reading rave reviews of 5th gen when they came out. Looking forward to better performance in the bumps. Good to hear this from a Kendo veteran.