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Reviewers' score
16.8
AWARD

AWARD

Völkl Kendo review 2018

AWARD
Best performance!

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

The Kendo from Völkl is a benchmark in this segment, always getting high scores from the PROSKILAB reviewers and loved by the ski community. On the ski runs, it’s a high-strung and stiff tool with exceptional qualities for a ski in this category. The Kendo loves speed and is happy in dynamic turns, on hard pack and steep slopes. Good grip, turn precision, stability and rebound... the cocktail is always just as astonishing. However, we also noted that the ski needs additional effort to bend in short turns. Off-piste, it will go everywhere and is especially happy in choppy snow where its stiffness lets it cut through wads of snow without deforming. The Kendo is an athletic ski and pretty demanding, so we recommend it for very good to expert, medium to heavy build riders, who can engage with it physically. Lighter, less technical or athletic riders would probably do better choosing the Stormrider 88, the Experience 88HD or the Pinnacle 85.

Review: Pros

  • Performance
  • High-strung character
  • Loves speed
  • Cuts through crud
  • All terrain qualities

Review: Cons

  • A stiff ski that requires engagement, ill-adapted to lighter riders

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
16.0
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
19.5
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
19.0
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
19.5
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
13.3
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
18.0
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
15.5
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
14.6
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
15.0
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
17.6
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
16.4
Performance on hard snow
☆☆☆☆☆
19.4
Freeride - Performance on hard snow
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
Any ground comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
15.5

Who's it for?

Good+ → Expert

Manufacturer's remarks

The Kendo has always been a favorite with reviewers and good riders, just like its big brother, the Mantra. The Kendo is a very stable, incisive ski on the piste thanks to its 2 Titanal plates, its straight sidewall and its camber underfoot. It’s a good versatile ski with 90mm at the waist and a rocker tip and tail. The Kendo is highly appreciated by ski instructors who need a high-performing, long-lasting tool that will take them not only on rock hard pack on the beaten track, but also in the powder.

Features of the Kendo

Brand : Völkl
Model : Kendo
Year : 2018
Family : All-Mountain front
Size tested : 177 cm
Tip size : 127 mm
Waist size : 90 mm
Tail size : 110 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : Not available

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2017