Volkl Kendo Ski Review

With the emergence of the free-ride market, skiers with old straight skis or narrower more traditional shaped skis are seeing wide waisted boards everywhere. From movies to magazine reviews, wide skis are dominating the hearts and minds of powder-hounds across the globe.

Skis in Volkl's freeskiing category have been reigning over the mountains and marketplace over the past few winters. In particular, the Volkl Mantra has been their most popular and best selling free ride ski. The blend of Volkl's power construction, sensorwood core, side-cut and dual titanium allow the Mantra to rule any terrain or condition. Volkl realized that there are slight complications with just having the Mantra in the line-up, and they needed a ski that was going to be more east coast friendly. Volkl's new ski has solved two major concerns that ski manufactures are facing as wider skis continue to grow in the market place.

1. Older generation skiers are sometimes hesitant of wider waisted skis.

2. The majority of skiers do not get the opportunity to ski conditions for which these wider skis are made.

Since its conception, the Volkl Kendo Skis have been calling the shots on the east coast. Over the past few seasons, advanced to expert skiers have gravitated towards Volkl's all-mountain ripper, and the 2013 Volkl Kendo comes back better than ever! The Kendo has a more aggressive side-cut (narrower waist), but other than that it is built exactly like the Volkl Mantra, a full wood core, side wall construction and two sheets of titanal. The Kendo measures in at 127-88-109 making the ski less intimidating to an older skier, and ideal for an east cost hardpack ripper. The ski rules the east coast with exceptional edge grip and powerful energy out of every turn. The 88 mm underfoot combined with Volkl's Tip Rocker gives the Kendo a perfect fusion of technology to dominate any east coast terrain. Volkl's edition of tip rocker for 2013 makes the previously (2012, 2011) fully cambered ski more versatile, allowing the ski to cruise through tight trees and deep stashes with ease. It will rip groomers like a race ski and provide enough lift in fresh snow and spring time conditions.

Volkl Kendo Ski Review aka The Bottom Line: The 2013 Volkl Kendo is everything an aggressive east coast skier needs to rule any type of terrain or condition. If the Volkl Mantra seems to be a little too wide for your taste, or if you happen to do most of your skiing in the mid-west or on the east coast, the Volkl Kendo is an absolute perfect choice.

_{Buy the 2012 - 2013 Volkl Kendo - $499}