Völkl Kendo review 2017
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Like the Brahma, the Kendo has become a solid market reference. After getting a "Best ski" distinction last year, it continued to do extremely well this year.
It's still a stiff, predictable, extremely stable and grippy ski, that behaves incredibly well and loves to go fast. We reviewed a 22m radius waist model, which obviously prefers long-radius turns, if possible at very high speeds.
However, it's happy on all terrains, both on piste and off the beaten track. The ski is "solid" in all conditions and won't let you down, even on steep slopes and hard pack. Its stiffness is also an advantage in difficult snow, especially in the crud where it won't let a few mounds of snow distort it.
On the other hand, the ski requires engagement and concentration as well as good technical skills. Some reviewers also noted the "German car" comfort: you feel safe but it’s firm under foot!
You've got it: the Kendo was not designed for riders who like to float along enjoying the view. It's not really for learner freeriders either. This is heavy stuff, and in this category, it's probably one of the best skis on the market for good to expert athletic riders looking above all for performance.
Review: Pros
- Good overall performance
- Stability and turn hold at high speeds
- Solidity in difficult snow
- A gutsy and energetic ski that loves speed
Review: Cons
- A relatively demanding ski that requires physical engagement and good technical skills
- Lacks comfort
The ski review scores
Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.5 |
Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.3 |
Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.0 |
Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.5 |
Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.2 |
Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.2 |
Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Any ground comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
With the same recipe as the Kendo, it has retained all its liveliness and 50-50 capacity. Of course, the Kendo is wide enough for days in the powder, but the real potential of this Titanium-powered ski is found on the piste. Expect to be surprised in all snow conditions.
Features of the Kendo
Brand : | Völkl |
Model : | Kendo |
Year : | 2017 |
Family : | All-Mountain front |
Size tested : | 184 cm |
Tip size : | 127 mm |
Waist size : | 90 mm |
Tail size : | 110 mm |
Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2016