2023 Volkl Kendo 88

Starting way back in January, we got our first crack at the updated Volkl Kendo 88, and since then, it’s been nothing but positive feedback from top to bottom. New for 2023, the Kendo gets a few upgrades and tweaks that makes it one of the most precise skis in the competitive ~88mm category. Still built with a multi-layer wood core, the Kendo 88 gets a tailored titanal frame and tailored carbon in the tips. The titanal frame is more sophisticated—putting more emphasis on the mid-body edges and mid-aft sides versus the very ends of the tips and tails. This allows for a bit more appropriate flex and corresponding grip when it comes to a carving turn, as well as making the ski more compliant in softer snow. Tailored carbon stringers in the tips increase the torsional stiffness of the ski, again lending to a stronger and more predictable entry to the turn. With the 3D Radius sidecut, we’re actually seeing a reduced arc with the 2023 Kendo, making this thing totally rip turns. It’s a pleasure to ski, but still has to be used in a fairly aggressive format in order to glean the best possible performance. Our testers found the Kendo to have significantly improved over previous versions of the ski for sure.

Dave Hatoff found his 177 cm test length to be a bit long, but that equated to a high score of 5 out of 5 for stability. Another 5 was awarded for torsional stiffness and edge hold while 3’s and 2’s smattered the rest of his scorecard. The 2’s for forgiveness and playfulness are not that surprising given the stiff and demanding overall nature of the ski. Dave notes that the Kendo 88 is a “Stiff, powerful ski that likes to be driven hard and has a need for speed. These things don't want to go slow. The harder they are pushed, the better they become. Very stable and seems to have no speed limit. Excellent hard snow grip.” Most skiers will find that the Kendo is a bit more comfortable with some speed underfoot for sure. Another 177 cm tester, Mike Aidala, found that to be true to size and a good length for him. Mike gave top marks of 5 out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. For a high-end all-mountain ski, we’re pretty stoked to see these high scores run the board for Mike. Due to the fun-factor in turning the ski, he also gave it 4’s for playfulness and versatility, so fairly high overall for Mike. He states that “The new Kendo 88 skis have been improved, offering a noticeable 1m shorter turn radius. Yes, it's an improvement you will notice if you have been skiing the previous Kendo. I feel the Kendo 88 skis are the answer for those frontside groomer days when the conditions are less than ideal. The Kendo 88 skis are super energetic with exceptional edge grip to initiate and exit every turn with awesome energy on the firm hard pack. All it takes for everyday on the mountain to be over the top fun regardless of the snow conditions, is being on the right ski to handle whatever mother nature sends our way. The new Kendo 88 skis are sure to get your heart rate up and put a smile on your face when you crush a variety of turns on the firm conditions on an empty mountain!”

On the 184’s both Nate Gardner and Johsua Matta found the skis to feel true to size, with Nate noting that the size was “Just right...if you like to rip fast.” Nate’s a taller skier at over 6’2”, with the implication that it’s okay to size down if you’re not so sure. Nate’s scores were pretty similar to Mike’s with 5’s given for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, stability, quickness, and maneuverability. 4’s dotted the rest of his card, leading to a very impressive overall average. Nate wonders about the language rating of the test when he gives his feedback: “Can I swear on this….holy smokes that ski rips. Stable at speed, but releases when you want. Quick in the short, but stay on it or you’re in for a ride.” As an upper-level PSIA individual, Nate has some good ground to stand on here, and when you get someone with his technical skills on a ski like this, clean arcs are going to be the end result. Another top-level instructor, Josh Matta, also found a lot to love about the Kendo, giving it 5’s out of 5 for stability, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression. Being able to access the whole sidecut of the ski due to the shorter arc is likely what makes the forgiveness score stand out a bit. Josh notes that the Kendo is a “Rally car crossed with monster truck. Volkl nailed the rocker/camber profile and stiffness and made a ski that charges and is stable but yet nimble and playful. Easy on Nosedive and in Wishbone woods, but edge grip on Lift Line. It’s early in the test, but it’s my favorite all-mountain and I doubt I’ll ski a better one.” Nice high praise from two of Stowe’s finest ski coaches.

It’s pretty safe to say that our testers are on board with the Kendo changes, and that’s great news for skiers who have loved this ski, and others like it, for quite some time now. Thanks to Volkl’s legendary edge grip and their commitment to making some of the finest-engineered skis on the planet, advanced and expert skiers will reap the benefits of this culmination of technology and design.