Reviewers' score

15.5

AWARD

Völkl Kendo 88 review 2020

Best performance!

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

After the Mantra, comes the Kendo, which is one of the benchmarks in this market segment. It has been upgraded by Völkl and now comes in two versions, the 92 and the 88. We tested the Kendo 88.

The modifications are similar to those made to the Mantra M5. The ski is narrower, with a waist that has decreased from 90 to 88 mm. The construction has changed and uses more or less the same as the Mantra’s. It has two Titanal plates in the form of a horseshoe. The radius has been decreased by about 2 meters and is now 18.6 m in the test size.

As soon as we click into the Kendo 88, we realize one thing: this ski is made for speed. It is definitely more agile and responsive than its predecessor, but it is actually better in long turns at speed. According to the testers, "it needs speed and space to fully shine.” Edge grip is “excellent,” stability is “incredible,” and it has the typical Völkl DNA. The downside is that the ski is without a doubt a little more demanding than its predecessor and requires focus and aggressiveness.

Off-piste, the ski performs very well especially in chopped-up snow or crud where its stiffness allows it to split chunks of snow apart. Float in powder is still good despite the reduction in width in this new version.

An “excellent ski," the Völkl Kendo 88 is more agile than its predecessor and more performance-oriented. It is the perfect ski for athletic aggressive skiers who are looking for the perfect balance of power and versatility.

Review: Pros

High-level overall performance
Edge grip
Incredible stability
Precision
Loves to go fast
Cuts through chopped-up snow

Review: Cons

Physical and demanding ski

The ski review scores

Turn initiation	☆☆☆☆☆	15.2
Stability	☆☆☆☆☆	17.3
Stability/turning performance	☆☆☆☆☆	17.0
Grip	☆☆☆☆☆	17.8
Short turn performance	☆☆☆☆☆	13.7
Long turn performance	☆☆☆☆☆	17.5
Skid turn performance	☆☆☆☆☆	14.5
Handleability	☆☆☆☆☆	13.8
Comfort	☆☆☆☆☆	13.7
Snow contact	☆☆☆☆☆	13.7
Soft snow fluidity	☆☆☆☆☆	13.8
Freeride - Flotation quality	☆☆☆☆☆	15.3
Handling in powder	☆☆☆☆☆	16.3
Performance on hard snow	☆☆☆☆☆	15.3
Freeride - Performance on hard snow	☆☆☆☆☆	16.8
Any ground comfort	☆☆☆☆☆	16.3

Who's it for?

Beginner

Basic

Intermediate

Good

Very good

Excellent

Expert

Very good → Expert

Manufacturer's remarks

For over 14 years, Völkl has dominated the Freeride Performance category with the Mantra and the Kendo. After the new M5 Mantra, this Titanal Freeride family has grown for 2020 with not less than 3 new skis in addition to the M5: the Mantra 102, the Kendo 92, and the Kendo 88. All of these skis have the proven Titanal Frame construction: a Titanal plate that only goes around the perimeter of the sidewalls of the tip and tail, and has a thinner plate, under the binding. In the tip, there is a layer of carbon to increase torsional stiffness, which increases power and stability at high speed. The new feature of the Kendo 88 is the 3D Radius Sidecut design: a longer radius at the tip and tail for easier turn initiation, and more stability at high speed. And a shorter radius in the center of the ski to have a maneuverable ski that is easy to pivot in short turns.

Features of the Kendo 88

Brand :	Völkl
Model :	Kendo 88
Year :	2020
Family :	All-Mountain front
Size tested :	177 cm
Tip size :	129 mm
Waist size :	88 mm
Tail size :	111 mm
Radius for the size reviewed :	18 m

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Your review

Im an advanced intermediate. I find the Kendo88s are propelling me to get better and better. They seem to be natural carving skis on piste, but you can shorten up the turns easily. They allow you to do more slide or slip turns too. The rounded tail makes that easier. Ive been surprised on occasion by ice, and the Kendos really grab with the edge. theyve saved me several times from a yard sale! Ha. I love these new skis. Im mostly a front-side guy. but just skied them in 4 inches of new pow, and they were awesome!

In 2006 I was awed by a new versatile ski, the Volkl AC3, rated at that time by many as the Ski of the Year. Now 14 years later my long search for a worthy successor has been finally answered by Volkl. The professional review here of the Kendo 88 is spot on. This ski with its unique combination of rocker and camber, selective customized use of metal, and innovative 3D side cut results in awesome versatility and stability that significantly exceeds my AC3 and any other All-Mountain ski I have tried. It can shift so easily from short swing to carve and handle most snow conditions well except really deep powder when a wider ski would probably be advantageous. I agree that this is not a beginners ski but any solid intermediate or advanced skier should be able to handle it and, as the man in the ski shop told me when I purchased mine, this ski will make you a better skier. It is also, as any really great ski should be, a blast to ride on!

I loved the way these skis performed - loved. Unfortunately, I had the first pair replaced on warranty because they started to delaminate after the first season. Dealing with EOC was about the same as dealing with a used car salesmen, but ultimately they did replace them. I just did my first weekend on the replacement skis and they also delaminated. Second day! I wish I could attach pictures to show the condition, but there is exactly 0 chance I will be buying these again despite their great performance.

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