2013 Blizzard Bushwacker Review - Blizzard Bushwacker vs. Volkl Kendo

The good news is that Blizzard did not change anything about the 2013 Blizzard Bushwacker other than the graphic. And why would they? I'm not a huge fan of the continued bull theme throughout their entire freeride series of skis but, to me, it really doesn't matter what a ski looks like.

The Kendo and Bushwacker are nearly identical in their constructions; they both have woodcores, feature metal, a full vertical sidewall, and have almost the exact same waist width. Of these similarities, what makes both these skis great is their waist width. I feel they have the perfect dimension for someone who primarily spends their time on the east coast and likes to mix up their turn shape. The Bushwacker remains the same for 2013 with an 88 mm waist while the Kendo goes from an 88 mm waist to an 89. In comparison, the Bushwacker is still a bit more snappy, playful, and forgiving and therefore better in softer/deeper snow than the Kendo. I skied the Bushwacker in 18 inches of snow at Deer Valley last April and it was better than most of the skis we had in our quiver that were 10-15 mm wider. With the Bushwacker, however, you give up a little stability on firm conditions but that happens with the majority of skis out there unless it's a race ski or built like one. Bottom line is that I wouldn't fault the ski too much for this minor flaw. The Kendo, to put it simply, holds just a touch better because it has a traditional camber flex pattern under the foot.

The Bushwacker features their "flipcore" technology. I prefer cambered skis to rockered skis, but Blizzard does it best because they do it differently. Blizzard "flipcore" technology has addressed the issue with how most rockered skis are made. The problem is that most companies use camber molds to make reverse camber skis. Once the skis are made they are heated and pressed to give the ski a reversed cambered profile. I think of a piece of plastic that is bent continuously when I think of a ski that is made this way. That's why most rockered skis lack energy and snap. The Bushwacker, however, is essentially a cambered ski built upside down, hence the name "flipcore". By building the ski this way, the core remains strong, uncompromised, and highly energetic.

What's funny about these two skis is that the 2012 Bushwacker was made to steal Kendo sales away by offering a similar dimension and construction at $50 less. For 2013, the Kendo features a tip rocker in hopes to steal some sales back. I'm sure there are many that are not going to like the addition of rocker to the Kendo, but I think it was a much needed change and makes the decision between these 2 skis that much more difficult. "Flip" a coin. No pun intended.

Thanks for reading,
Ryan

Ski Haus, Inc.
1611 Route 22
Brewster, NY 10509
Ph. 845-279-3100
Info@skihausonline.com

Volkl Kendo Review

Without a doubt the Volkl Kendo has been my favorite ski for the past three seasons. Our Volkl Representative gave us a pair in February of 2010 before they hit the ski racks so I know this ski quite well. The Kendo's construction mimics that of the Racetiger series of skis, so, it is fast, stiff, and extremely precise. For an 88mm waisted ski, the Kendo is surprisingly quick edge to edge, but is so only when brought up to speed. The edge hold of the Kendo is unparalleled. Simply put, the more it's pushed the more it digs. Despite its width it takes a strong experienced skier to figure out how to ski it in deeper snow and/or mixed conditions. There are 3 reasons for this, and it's exactly why I have come to love this ski: it's stiff, it has metal, and it's cambered.

Bottom line is that in a market that is dominated by integrated systems and "rockered" skis, the Kendo remains simplistic and tried and true in its construction. It is among a small percentage of skis that requires drilling and comes priced without a binding. The Kendo proves that the only ingredients necessary to make an exceptional pair of skis is a laminated woodcore, a vertical sidewall, 2 sheets of metal, an 88mm waist, and, most importantly, a classic cambered flex pattern. Don't get me wrong, rockered skis are relevant and have there place in the market, but they're not for everybody. While they are fantastic for most beginners to intermediates, western skiing (in general), and deeper/softer snow, you will never see anyone on the World Cup circuit racing on a pair of rockered skis. Not to compare my skiing ability to the likes of these athletes, but I am always skeptical of changes in ski equipment technology that does not stem from (or trickle down from) racers. Case in point..soft boots. VH1 where are they now?

Check out the Kendo on our website. Click HereThanks for reading,

Ryan

Ski Haus, Inc.

1611 Route 22

Brewster, NY 10509

Ph. 845-279-3100

Email : Info@SkiHausOnline.com