Cagematch: Völkl Secret 96 vs Völkl Kenja 88

[SnowHot]

In this cagematch comparison I'll go over these two siblings from Völkl
Both are good skis but they have different tenacity and may find a place in your quiver.

 

[SnowHot]

Featured skier in the purple jacket is @floridakeysskibum

 

[floridakeysskibum]

Featured skier in the purple jacket is @floridakeysskibum

My video debut! And I brought the163 kenja 88 home with me. I already have the black crow 156 camox birdie in a 97, but I would like to try the secret in the future.

 

[SnowHot]

My video debut! And I brought the163 kenja 88 home with me. I already have the black crow 156 camox birdie in a 97, but I would like to try the secret in the future.

Hmmmm, I wonder if you know anyone that can make that happen

 

[mustski]

My video debut! And I brought the163 kenja 88 home with me. I already have the black crow 156 camox birdie in a 97, but I would like to try the secret in the future.

You can try mine at Diva West. I'm bringing them for sure.

 

[floridakeysskibum]

You can try mine at Diva West. I'm bringing them for sure.

I completely forgot to try your stockli too

 

[mustski]

Stockli is gone, but I'll bring my Secrets for sure. Bring your Kenjas and we can switch off! I'm bringing my Volkl Ones also and hoping for a good powder day!

 

[floridakeysskibum]

Ok I’m bringing my black crows too but I do not have adjustable bindings on them :/

 

[santacruz skier]

I'll be watching the weather and then determine what to bring.... I have some good choices........Sheeva 9, Sheeva 10, and Black Crow Camox Birdie (2017 version so different from current) @WaterGirl has them too.

 

[santacruz skier]

In this cagematch comparison I'll go over these two siblings from Völkl
Both are good skis but they have different tenacity and may find a place in your quiver.

Enjoyed the Cage Match. Will there be more?

 

[DebbieSue]

Looking good @floridakeysskibum! Can't wait to ski together at DivaWest.

Question for @SnowHot . . . for low level "powder" let's say 2-12" out West, do you think Secret 96 would have more float than Kenja (or BP88) based on design as well as width. It is unreasonable for an East Coast skier to hope for some float from either ski?

 

[mustski]

I have skied my secrets in 8-10” with no problem and I’m a pretty crappy powder skier!

 

[SnowHot]

Enjoyed the Cage Match. Will there be more?

Yes we're putting out more all the time.

Looking good @floridakeysskibum! Can't wait to ski together at DivaWest.

Question for @SnowHot . . . for low level "powder" let's say 2-12" out West, do you think Secret 96 would have more float than Kenja (or BP88) based on design as well as width. It is unreasonable for an East Coast skier to hope for some float from either ski?

Yes for sure the Secret 96 is more capable in snow that is edge deep to boot top.

 

[RandomSkier]

Comparing an equal length Kenja and Secret, would you say that the Secret has a higher skill barrier to entry than the Kenja, given the added weight and wider width offering less maneuverability? Or given the same construction, do they feel similarly enough that if you can handle a Kenja no problem, you will be equally at home on a Secret?

 

[SnowHot]

Comparing an equal length Kenja and Secret, would you say that the Secret has a higher skill barrier to entry than the Kenja, given the added weight and wider width offering less maneuverability? Or given the same construction, do they feel similarly enough that if you can handle a Kenja no problem, you will be equally at home on a Secret?

Not really a big jump in skill, but there is also an assumption that someone looking at a Secret 96 is skiing more variable ski conditions, so there is also an assumption that that skier is slightly more adventurous.

 

[RandomSkier]

Not really a big jump in skill, but there is also an assumption that someone looking at a Secret 96 is skiing more variable ski conditions, so there is also an assumption that that skier is slightly more adventurous.

Yes, very true. Thank you for the response. I was just curious as the Kenja and Secret are touted two of the more demanding women's skis. I wouldn't hesitate to jump from a Santa Ana 88 to 93 or from a 93 to 98 for example if the snow conditions warranted it. But in a more challenging ski, could that jump in width be significantly more impactful?

 

[SnowHot]

Yes, very true. Thank you for the response. I was just curious as the Kenja and Secret are touted two of the more demanding women's skis. I wouldn't hesitate to jump from a Santa Ana 88 to 93 or from a 93 to 98 for example if the snow conditions warranted it. But in a more challenging ski, could that jump in width be significantly more impactful?

Talk to @floridakeysskibum and @mustski. Neither of these ladies care for a ski that's terribly demanding and they own either the new Kenja or new Secret 96.

I would say the Santa Ana 88 is more playful than the Kenja 88 simply because it has more rocker profile.

 

[floridakeysskibum]

RandomSkier, are you coming to steamboat? Both mustski and I will be there and we have demo bindings on those skis so you are welcome to try mine

 

[mustski]

You can try mine also. I don’t find the Secret 96 demanding at all. It does pretty much whatever I ask of it. It slows down as easily as it speeds up and switches turn shape with ease.

 

[RandomSkier]

@floridakeysskibum and @mustski Thanks for the generous demo offer! I won't be at Steamboat, but thanks anyway.

I certainly plan to test the Secret 96 on my home mountains. Just wondering if I have enough skill at an advanced intermediate to handle the Secret 96 or whether I am more suited to a Kenja 88.