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Kastle Skis 2021: The First Look
The Drifter.
Kastle is known for making micro-adjustments every two years to its rock-solid, hard-charging skis. In the last two years, though, the brand has teed up some larger-scale edits and additions. Last year, they redesigned the all-mountain/freeride FX line. This year, true to their two-year release schedule, they tweak the MX skis.
The old reliable MX84 comes back as the MX83, and it sheds a bit of weight. The idea is to retain classic MX character (speedy, smooth, and traditional) while making the skis even more intuitive to ski. We have never hated an MX ski, and we sincerely doubt that will change in 2021.
The wider skis in the MX collection, now the 88 and 98, both feature an extra flourish: early rise. Skiers loved the MX98 last time Kastle made it, and now with DNA from last year’s MX99, it should be better than ever.
Kastle didn’t stop there.
All-new to the collection for 2021 is the ZX108, also known as “The Drifter.” Kastle designed the ZX as an homage to the old BMX line, aiming it at today’s youthful freeride-style skiers. There’s no carbon or metal in the build, but true to the Kastle name, the ZX is strong. Think of it as a moderately directional big-mountain-charger with an excellent blend of soft snow and mixed snow performance. We are looking forward to spending many days ripping around our western mountains on the ZX.
ON SNOW
ZX108: Justin says: “It blows through chopped up snow with ease.”
MX88: Matt says: “It’s incredibly snappy and smooth, and it still wants to be skied hard.”
Shop our full selection of 2021 skis
What’s New
Brand-new big-mountain/freeride ski: ZX 108. Built with no metal and no carbon, it pays homage to the BMX105 while pioneering some new ground for Kastle. The ZX will come with a low price tag for Kastle and, built with the same tip and tail as the FX106 HP, it should crush big ski terrain.
The MX88 returns with a slightly different moniker/waist width (88 vs 89) and a splash of early rise, a la the MX99 of the last two years. Kastle also removed a little mass to make the skis slightly lighter and smoother.
The MX98 returns in the vein of last year’s MX99. It, too, features early rise tips plus a slightly softer flex thanks to carbon hollowtech and a refined core.
The TX collection of touring skis gets a new member: the TX103. Widest in the line, this ski is built with a poplar core and profiles as a more skiable and freeride-oriented backcountry option.
The other TX skis (77, 87, 93) get glow-in-the-dark Hollowtech tips. We’ve been told they glow for 15 minutes. Someone please report back.
This year, Kastle returns to releasing just one limited edition ski: the Proto 83. It’s a snappy, lighterweight, even more plush version of the MX84.
Other Highlights
All FX and FX HP skis return unchanged from last year.
The women’s Vogue line also return unchanged.
Get the inside scoop on all the new 2021 skis and gear
