 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi, I'm looking to buy new skis and can't decide between the Yumi or the Kenja! I'm 173cm, weigh 63kg and I like to ski as far as possible in a day (preferably as fast as I dare go) the steeper the better! I tend to shy away from big moguls but I'd like to master them (mostly confidence). I want an all-round ski that is fun in all conditions.
I'm currently on Head SuperJoy (2015) 163cm - 128-75-108 - turning radius = 12.5m, which I have loved but they are hopeless off-piste so I've not really ventured further than the smashed bit off the side of a run... also, since I upgraded my boots to a very stiff women's boot (which are great) I find myself throwing too much weight into the fronts of the SuperJoys, then over correcting etc... and lose stability going fast. I've never really got them carving properly, this may just be my ability though!
I'm torn between the 168cm Yumi, which are 124-84-104 - turning radius = 17.6m, and the 163cm Volkl Kenja, which are 127-90-110 - turning radius = 16.8m. I have read that the Kenjas suit ex-racers (which I'm definitely not) and I'm worried that 90mm might be too wide at the waist if I'm still not carving well on narrower skis? However, I am also worried that the Yumi might not be much stiffer than the SuperJoys as reviews describe both skis as 'medium to stiff' (the Kenjas are described and 'stiff to very stiff'). I want the extra stability but still want to be able to put in short turns when necessary!
Any advice please?
Many thanks,
Zoe 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hi Zoe, welcome to Snowheads
My own thought would be go Kenja. A very nice ski.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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zeon, You should be fine on the Kenjas - SWMBO was in your position a couple of years ago, and leant towards the Yumis, she was finially convinced to the Kenjas and hasn't looked back. They'll be fine for what you want, she certainly isn't anything like an ex racer 
We've often swopped skis or a ski as we have the same BSL, for fun, and they are a great ski. You might want to look at the 170 Kenja though, which I convinced SWMBO to go for - she was previously on a 163 ski, and again she admits it was the correct choice, but was worried before about the length. She's about your height and weight.
Shes quite happy on em on groomed runs, through trees or 2ft of powder - its made a big difference to MY skiing fun 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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If you are open to other suggestions, I'd throw the Nordica Santa Ana 93 and Head Kore 93W into the mix.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@zeon, Have you skied the Kenja and the Yumi? Neither will feel anything like the Superjoy, but I guess that's what you want. A Völkl tech once told me that the Kenja was the same as the Yumi but with metal in it, which is why it is stiffer but they are otherwise similar. If you haven't skied them, try and get a test somewhere and your decision may be a lot easier.
I agree with @Bones though, you should be looking at a 170cm, and definitely try the Santa Ana – I would take those over either the Kenja or the Yumi any day.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Scarlet wrote: |
@zeon, Have you skied the Kenja and the Yumi? Neither will feel anything like the Superjoy, but I guess that's what you want. A Völkl tech once told me that the Kenja was the same as the Yumi but with metal in it, which is why it is stiffer but they are otherwise similar. If you haven't skied them, try and get a test somewhere and your decision may be a lot easier.
I agree with @Bones though, you should be looking at a 170cm, and definitely try the Santa Ana – I would take those over either the Kenja or the Yumi any day. |
I was having similar thoughts - based on the SCGB test.
Volkl Kenja:
"The Kenja definitely woke us up when we got on it! This is a high performing ski that felt like it loves speed and being pushed to its limits. It’s at its best when being charged hard where it displays rock solid stability and great edge hold. At speed it has brilliant shock absorbing abilities with amazing dampening properties, it feels like it has no limits. On hardpack at slower speeds it fells less eager, this is a ski that wants to get on and tear up the mountain! A great ski for super confident skiers."
Weakness: "Less playful at slower speeds".
Comments:
"A ski best suited for an expert skier who charges the pistes. Great shock absorbing and dampening"
"Quite a stiff ski and you need a few cups of coffee before getting on it!"
TEST WINNER:
Nordica Santa Ana 92
"All of our team remarked on the astonishing ability of this ski. It felt like a step up on many of the other skis we tested. Its agile and easy to use at all speeds and feels perfectly balanced in all conditions. In deep snow and varied conditions it floats up and is great fun to use. Moving onto groomed pistes it has an amazing touch with the snow while being able to deliver really high levels of grip for this type of ski. Overall, this was a brilliant ski that can perform incredibly well in all conditions with ease."
Comment
"Heads and shoulders above the competition in terms of versatility. They are playful and strong without being soft and too brutish"
RUNNER UP
Head Kore 93W
"This was another ski that initially feels very easy to use, its lightweight construction and well judged shape makes it feel very much on your side. It has a lovely balance and a flex that does a brilliant job of giving ease of use but still being able to keep really good contact with the snow and allowing the edge to engage. Unfortunately we were limited on the lengths we could test and had options of too short or too long, however it was really obvious that this is an amazing ski that can cover all conditions with ease."
Comment
"Easy for longs and shorts on the piste, but has a lovely balance and flex pattern that works well in the off piste".
The OP has a great Piste Ski....and IMO would be better with something that makes Off Piste easier.....unless a fast, damp hard-charging missile is the top priority.
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I have some kenjas and I find them abit like marmite. One day I absolutely love them and on a tired wimpish day I hate them. I have had the best and worst days skiing on them. They are absolutely amazing if you do the driving but can be really hard work if you let them take control. They are super stable and definitely give me the confidence to go at speed. I too have thought about some yumis for easier days but not sure they would be stable enough at speed.
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Thanks everyone. I have organised to try the Kenjas at Milton Keynes. I am definitely open to other suggestions so will look into the others recommended - thanks for all your advice.
Zoe
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Scarlet wrote: |
@Old Fartbag, I'd agree with most of that (I haven't skied the Head Kore, so no comment there). It's a while since I tried the Kenja and Yumi, but I was never tempted by either tbh. I've tested the Santa Ana on a couple of occasions, and have been trying to figure out a way to justify fitting a pair into my collection ever since  Alas, I have more pressing requirements for my cash  |
Personally, the AM Ski I like for 1 week per year, is different to what I would own if I was getting a couple of months skiing. For the former, I like to make life easier, which is why I own Scott The Ski, rather than something more heavy weight.
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