Volkl Kendo 88 Skis 2024

LOYAL TO THE FRONT SIDE.

REVIEWED BY: Joe Riccio

The Volkl Kendo has been around for quite some time now and it's still an incredibly popular ski. It's immensely powerful, damp, stable, and grips like no other. All of these things combine to give an expert skier, or more aggressive skiing intermediates a high-performance feel. The Kendo 88 got the same treatment the Mantra got in 2022 -- Carbon tip, and tailored titanal frame.  What does this jargon mean? It means the Kendo 88 initiates a turn more easily and they ski better and feel more well-rounded even in the fringe sizes, the smallest and largest lengths (size-specific construction). The 2022 and prior generations of the Kendo 88 took a more skilled skier to turn, a skier that was more in the driver's seat, skied more aggressively and could handle skiing a bit faster -- all the time. Compared to the previous version of the Kendo, the new Kendo 88 is a more accessible ski, it's easier for an intermediate-level skier to enjoy, while still providing the top-end performance an expert demands.  The Kendo 88 loves to spend time on groomers with the occasional dabbling off-trail if the snow is good.  When on groomers the Kendo could care less what the conditions are, groomers are where this ski comes to life. The Kendo isn't the easiest ski to drive all day and there are skis out there that feel more energetic, but if you want that true "Volkl" feel and love to rip groomers, the Kendo is a solid option.

Who is this ski for? Skiers who love a solid, quiet, damp powerful feel. This ski is optimized to ski groomers and will reward skiers who drive a little harder. 

Who isn't this ski for? Skiers who want an easygoing ski for casually cruising, there are easier skis out there. Skiers who spend a fair amount of time off trail or in softer deeper snow. 

Mantra M6 vs Kendo 88, which one should I choose? The M6 is a more powerful, demanding ski that will blast through crud better and offer versatility across more terrain. The Kendo 88 crushes groomers better, carves a nicer turn, is more nimble underfoot and easier to balance on.

Tested by

Brady Page

Eric Gerrmann

Garrett Finn

George Michaelsen

Joe Riccio

Matt Berkowitz

Tyler Fuller