- Joined
- Mar 5, 2017
- Posts
- 1,202
Tricia:
Length tested: 163, 170
Location tested: Sun Valley, Mt Rose, Mammoth
Conditions: Fresh powder, groomers, spring variable snow
Last year we were introduced to Völkl’s Tailored Titanal Construction, with the Volkl Secret 96. This year we get to see the successful construction brought into the long-loved Kenja. Being 88mm at the waist, the Kenja 88 goes up against skis in one of the most competitive categories in the women’s market. While the previous version of the Kenja was good, it lacked some of the snap and energy that was exciting about the Secret.
I skied the Kenja 88 in two different lengths to get a sense of the Tailored Titanal Construction. While skiing the 170cm length, I found it to be stable and ready to go with an energy and pop that made me grin. While I was skiing the 163 cm length, I found it to be quicker to turn, but with the same grin-inspiring attributes of the 170. We often found ourselves skiing boot top powder in bowls and trees with only a handful of groomers on this new evolution of the Kenja, and she checked all the right boxes for me. I am sure it will for you too!
- Insider tip: This is a good ski to complement the Secret 102.
- One thing I'd change: Not sure there is anything I'd change
AmyPJ:
Length tested: 163 cm
Location tested: Snowbasin
Conditions tested: Soft groomers, hard pack
The Kenja has always been known for not having much of a speed limit, and this newest version is no exception. Turn initiation was a breeze on this ski, and the tails felt like they released easier than prior versions. I talked to one of the reps in the Volkl booth and he said that the new construction has the titanal taper more in the tails, so that's probably what I was feeling. I felt that this ski was not as smooth or as damp as prior versions that I have skied, but it didn't have a particularly nervous feel either. The shape made me want to take it into some powder, but alas, we've had no powder for six weeks so that wasn't going to happen. I think this ski will be a really great all-arounder (hence tagged as an "all-mountain ski") and will please a lot of Kenja enthusiasts, and bring a few new ones on board thanks to its slightly friendlier demeanor.
- Insider tip: Demo to determine sizing if possible.
- One thing I'd change: Quiet the carbon sound that was quite noticeable.
Size tested: 170
Location tested: Waterville Valley, NH
Conditions tested in: On-piste terrain. Snow varied from small soft piles to skied off ice sheets.
The Kenja has been a crowd pleaser since its debut 10+ years ago. This year’s variation is no different. It is lighter and thus more approachable than some of the previous iterations. The lower weight, tighter turn radius, and livelier nature translated directly to a more maneuverable ski when in bumps and crud. Still the 2023 version maintains its ability to charge hard and fast on groomers.
While cruising groomers, the ski was stable and smooth, providing minimal feedback into my already tired legs. I felt like I could relax and enjoy the ride. When pushing my legs further to try to find the top end of the ski, it remained smooth and stable. The Kenja seemed to welcome expert-level speeds but didn’t demand them.
- Insider tip: You may find yourself in between ski sizing…size up for stability, down for maneuverability.
- Awards
- Who is it for?
- A woman looking for a one ski quiver with energy and edge hold. An aggressive intermediate or higher who craves speed. Someone looking for one ski to rule them all. The versatility of this ski won’t disappoint you.
- Who is it not for?
- A woman who wants something super damp. A lighter, more timid skier. Someone who is sensitive to the tingy-ness of carbon ski tips…you’ll feel the carbon in this ski.
- Skier ability
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- Advanced
- Expert
- Ski category
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- Frontside
- All Mountain
- Ski attributes
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- Groomers
- Moguls
- Off Piste
- Trees
- Segment
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- Women
Specifications
- Available sizes
- 149, 156, 163, 170
- Dimensions
- 129-88-113
- Radius
- 25/14/20m@163cm
- Rocker profile
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- Camber with tip and tail rocker
- Size Scaling
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- Construction
- Construction design
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- Updated construction
- New graphics
- Binding options
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- Flat