Kästle ski reviews 2010
Kästle—the name—returned out of the blue a couple of seasons ago in what the company called "The Comeback of the Year" and the word definitely is out . . . in terms of dealer interest and number of test cards, Kästle (and, in fairness, Blizzard) was the brand showing the greatest surge. This year the line is doubled, to 8 models from four. Kästle received some of the highest scores in this year's test. One of our core groups of testers, the people at Footloose in Mammoth, were debriefed at the end of test season and asked to name their favorite ski. All but one mentioned one or another Kästle . . .
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RX
The RX, a frontside carver with astonishing range, both in terms of terrain and skill suitability, is one of the best carvers now on the market. Distribution is extremely limited, and prices head north of $1500, but very much worth a test ride.
MX 78
The 78, like all Kästles, performs at the top of its genre. Those seeking an excellent all mountain 1-ski-quiver along with a guaranteed lift line conversation starter, need look no further. We don't know if it's Kastle's attention to craftsmanship and detail, including tuning, but seldom do we receive test cards that are mostly 5's and with some 4's, which is how this one came in.
MX 88 
The performance scores were at first suspect, but as we went through the cards, they were confirmed to be the majority opinion. We can't recall any ski that received perfect fives across the board, but the 88 came close.
MX 98
Not as versatile as other models, still a strong big mountain and powder ski for skilled, aggressive skiers. The 88 is a more versatile ski, especially now that the superb 108 is on the scene for pow chasers.
MX 108
Big mountain hard charger for big mountain hard chargers. Reasonably easy to handle inbounds, but this ski was built for the backside and it delivers! By no means a 1-ski-quiver, but anyone who loves the outback should give the 108 a try. "What I would ride if I were a pro on the freeride circuit," according to one tester. "Wow! Awesome, Dude," exclaimed another. Unshakable stability and absolutely no speed limit. Avoid bumps and tight glades. . .
