2022-2023 Nordica Enforcer 88 vs Volkl Kendo 88 Ski Comparison | Powder7
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 21 фев 2023
- Shop for the Enforcer 88: www.powder7.com/Nordica-Enfor...
Shop for the Kendo 88: www.powder7.com/Volkl-Kendo-8...
Two names that have lingered around the all-mountain ski scene for years: the Enforcer and the Kendo. Here, Alex and Matt lay down some of the differences in how the two narrow-ish all-mountain skis feel on snow.
Note: the Enforcer 88 returns for 2023-2024 with new graphics but no other changes. The Kendo 88 gets new art plus Volkl's tailored carbon tip technology. You can read about that update in our Volkl skis preview on the Lift Line Blog: www.powder7.com/ski-blog/volk... 
Спорт
I think the enforcer has a much more progressive shape than the Kendo allowing you to mix up turn shapes and sizes more while being quicker edge to edge. The tip is softer which makes it good in moguls while underfoot and the tail is very stiff means it doesn't give anything away in power.
The Kendo on the other hand has a more traditional feel especially in turn initiation.
Love comparison videos like this. . . . .I'm currently skiing in this waist width (I'm on Brahma's) but was thinking of going a little wider. Would love to see a comparison or hear your thoughts on the Enforcer 94 vs the Black Crows Serpo. . . . .
Nice, Gary. Yeah, the Enforcer has two sheets of metal, so it will ski more like your Brahma than the Serpo will. The Serpo has a partial sheet, so it feels lighter. The Enforcer has more power, but requires a bit more input (again, like your Brahma) to engage. Hope that helps! -Matt
@@powder7skis Thanks Matt- in your opinion will the Serpo be 'strong enough' to hold a good edge carving east coast hard pack . . . . its not always what I want to ski but in VT its often what you are skiing. Also considering the new Rangers 90 and 96.
@@garyfischberg2467 They will be "strong enough" although just be ready for them to feel lighter and less powerful than the Brahmas. You will though get more playfulness and easier versatility...they're more forgiving. Caveat: I skied Whiteface for 3 years on playful freeride skis! -Matt
@@powder7skis When you say Whiteface- a lot is said without saying it
@@garyfischberg2467 If you know you know!
Very helpful comparison, thank you.
Also thinking for my ideal length (~167 skis) the Enforcer comes closer on the 165 where Kendo has 163 or 170.
Otherwise would you say Enforcer is more foregiving? Or more relaxed?
It's hard to say "relaxed" for the Enforcer because it's still a pretty stout and fairly demanding ski. A lot of our staff do find it to be a bit more forgiving compared to the Kendo in tight places like trees/bumps, but both skis err on the side of wanting to be driven.
Thanks for this review. I am almost sold on Enforcer 88. I broke my Stance 90s during winter. But I am also considering Declivity 92 ti. How will they compare related to carving and long turns?
The Enforcer provides a bit more suspension and dampness compared to the Declivity. Both feel equally locked into turns and stable on edge (as well as being fun to ride when you let off the gas), but the Enforcer has a bit more weight to it. On icy patches or through other rough snow conditions, the Enforcer is a bit more "shock absorbent." The Declivity always shocks me with how much edge hold it has while feeling so lively. I think it's the more energetic of the two and is probably a little easier to release in tight bumps or trees. But in short, the Declivity is much more in the Enforcer camp than in the Kendo camp! -Alex
@powder7skis Thanks for the reply. I ended up getting Mindbender 89 ti.
Hi, thank you for the review! Do you think it would be better to hop up to the 94 enforcer, not sure if there is a noticeable difference? I am skiing on Australian snow which tends to be firmer with little pow unless you really go out and search for it. And I guess i was wondering whether you think the kendo 88 would suit that type of snow better than the enforcer?
They'll both suite firm snow well. The Kendo will feel a bit more planted to the snow and damp, while the Enforcer will feel a little more energetic. The 94 Enforcer vs the 88 will just be a little less nimble and a little more ski to get up on edge while being more versatile with that extra waist width.
Could you elaborate on what you mean by suspension?
Of course!! It's a bit of a weird term to apply to skis, but we're essentially referring to the "shock absorbtion" the ski offers. Like suspension on a car or mountain bike that absorb bumps in the trail or road to smooth out the ride, a ski can feel more smooth (or "damp") than others. There's no mechanical suspension, but the materials a manufacturer uses can help a lot in letting the ski ride smoothly over harsh or variable snow. A ski can feel precise and locked in on edge, but sometimes feel harsh (older skis loaded with carbon feel like this to me). Likewise, a ski can feel damp and loaded with suspension, but loose and less precise (like a Dynastar M Free, a really rockered ski, but very predictable pushing through variable snow). Skiers who priortize a really "planted feel" like skis with lots of "suspension". I hope that helps, just let me know if you have questions about that!! -Alex
IMHO, Don't ski the Kendo in short lengths. I am 5'10", 150 lb, expert, older skier, ex-instructor and collegiate racer, 66 years and have been aroung the block for 60 years. MANY sets of skis, boots, bindings and poles. A typical ski gear nerd. I bought the 2023 Kendo in a 170 cm thinking that the "extra width" at 88 mm was going to let me have a calm and intuitive glide with a solid edge set. It turned out to be nervous, edgey and not at all calm. As these two say, stay forward to guide it around its truly, gorgeous turn radius, but not having a 'stand-up and glide' setting, because they were shorter, made me get rid of them after skiing for 3-4 hours, total. I even had them re-stone ground to ensure that the bottom and edge were in-sync. No change. They were on eBay the week after my CO trip where the skiing was typical Spring blizzard episodes, with freshpack, wind blown, sunny perfect skiing. IMHO, buy them longer than your head height and expect to be rewarded IF you work at it. Peace.
Great feedback and thanks for sharing!! I think that length advice totally makes sense for a skier of your skill level and experience on snow. But if an intermediate had the same specs, I'd probably still recommend the 170cm. For sure, expert skiers shouldn't be afraid to size up! -Alex
I am trying to decide between the Enforcer 88 or 94. I'm an advance - 60 year-old, 6".0", 225 pound skier. I spend 80% on the front side of the mountain. Which ski waist width will be best for me? Also, the shop I am purchasing to skis at recommended 172 cm. Should I look at 179 cm?
Hey Michael, sorry for the late reply! The length is tough, I would say a 172 sounds a little short for you, but it depends on what length skis you've ridden before. If you normally ride skis in the mid-170s, I'd the 172 should work for you. If you normally go with longer lengths, the 179 might be worth thinking about. Shorter skis will be quicker to respond and easier to turn. Longer skis will want to take longer turns and can feel like more work. Length is often personal preference, and plenty of folks like gear outside of their "recommended range" for different reasons.
As for the width, I think the 88 should be fine for you! If the vast majority of your time is on the frontside, having something quicker underfoot will be snappier and perform better on firm snow. The tip shape of the Enforcer helps improve off-piste and soft snow performance when you do get a storm day. I hope that helps! -Alex
thanks guys..so I'm down to these 2 skis ..been on a Volkl RTM 81 for about 7 years ... thought about the Kendos but it sounds like the Enforcer 88 is maybe a bit more easier to use if we get a little powder( eastern skier so the powder is at a premium ) because of the higher amount of rocker the ski has...guess after skiing a Volkl for quite a few years I'm looking for a versatile ride while still having the ability to ski the groomers.... my question is does the Enforcer 88 still provide the necessary stability yo get through most eastern conditions such as hard pack , and icier conditions ? thanks for any feedback!
After reviewing your video again , would you give the edge to the Enforcer when it comes to versatility?
Hey Peter, sorry for the late reply! I think you're spot on, I find the Enforcer easier to navigate soft snow in, but you won't lose out on hardpack performance. With two sheets of metal, this thing can still rip an icy slope with the best of them. I think you'll just get greater versatility out of the Enforcer with what you're trying to do. -Alex
I skied the Enforcer 88s in the Dolomites for a couple of weeks and had a blast. It performed great on piste. Sadly no fresh snow while I was there so didn't get a chance to go off-piste but when there was some soft snow swept up at the edge of the run it was an absolute joy and I could fly past the other skiers feeling like I was on a cushion. Heading out to Austria in a couple of weeks and so far the forecast is looking promising so might get a chance to find out how they perform in some fresh powder!