Völkl’s Kendo and Mantra models have been taking turns at introducing a basketful of brilliant features over the past few seasons. This intricate pas de deux began with the launch of the Mantra M5, the first Völkl to embody Titanal Frame, a complete re-set on how the top layer of Titanal is treated, which instantly elevated the Mantra M5 back among the All-Mountain West category’s very best. When Völkl applied Titanal Frame to the Kendo 88 chassis the following year, it upped the performance ante with the intro of 3D Radius Sidecut. The multi-radius sidecut (long/short/long) turned out to be the perfect companion technology for Titanal Frame, opening up a measure of turn versatility and ease of operation the M5 lacked. With the two technologies working in tandem, the Kendo 88 assumed the throne as the most versatile ski in the All-Mountain East genre and the new star in Völkl’s line.
This year, it was the Mantra’s turn to steal the spotlight back by adopting 3D Radius Sidecut, improving Titanal Frame by trimming its width according to size and incorporating yet another innovation, Tailored Carbon Tip. Given how the two models have been swapping top billing, it’s a cinch the next Kendo 88 will receive the same treatment in the 21/22 collection. Please note that while the current Kendo 88 is ripe for another round of upgrades, the version on the shelves today is no slouch. Not only is the Kendo 88 our top-rated Power ski in the All-Mountain East genre, a position it has held since its inception, it also earns elite marks as a Finesse ski. Its numeric dominance speaks to a huge performance envelope on hill. But statistics don’t capture the feeling of security and energy the Kendo 88 imparts to its pilot. Here’s how Perry Schaffner, a recently retired college racer who crushes every turn like her dad, pegged the Kendo 88 in a mix of conditions.
“This ski is a super fun and playful ski. At 88 underfoot it’s wide enough to be solid in second-day powder and probably even light powder. It also skied well and was stable on the groomers. I think this is a great all-around ski for skiers of any ability, super fun ski and also great graphics.” Perry’s pop, Jim Schaffner of Start Haus, knew the Kendo 88 was a winner from the first turns he took at a snow-slathered Snow Basin. “This ski is going to end up being a category killer. A very well-balanced ski, easy to stay centered on and get pressure to the tip. A quick, lively ski that really held in the turn.” Schaffner’s observation about the Kendo 88’s peppy turn finish deserves attention, as its exceptional energy earned it a near-perfect 9.75 score for Rebound/Turn Finish.
The Kendo 88’s built-in ability to instantly adapt to its master’s commands is a marvel. All you need to switch from a long-radius cruiser to a snappy-quick cobra is a change in edge angle and a dollop of pressure. You don’t even have to rock forward to generate a short-radius turn; you can operate all the controls from a centered stance. The skier doesn’t have to do anything special other than stay in balance, for the Kendo 88’s energy output can shift gears on the fly. If you want to make short turns, go get ‘em, they’re there for the asking. Otherwise, put it in cruise and I’ll see you at the lift. Every ski in this genre has to be proficient off -trail, and the Kendo 88’s double-rockered baseline has no trouble heading into trees or moguls if that’s where the best skiing is. Of course, it can’t ride high on freshies like a Big Mountain behemoth, but it makes up for it with agility, zipping through potential choke points with confidence.
The single most important quality an all-mountain ski can possess is total indifference to terrain selection. On this score, the Kendo 88 has no peer. It transitions from wind-affected crud to crisp corduroy as if those two conditions were the same. On hard snow, it’s so quick to the edge the skier can’t even tell it’s rockered and it’s so stable in crud you can relax, drop the reins and let the boys run. One reason the Kendo 88 is so solid yet so playful is its 3-piece Titanal Frame design allows the structure to be more easily compressed and its heavy-duty fiberglass laminate to load up with rebound energy. An energetic turn finish isn’t unique to the Kendo 88, but it’s nonetheless a relatively rare commodity in today’s market. Until someone can make a better all-terrain ski at this width, the Kendo 88 will hold onto its crown. If I’m reading the tea leaves correctly, there’s every chance its successor will be its own kin.
