2015 Kastle FX94, 176cm
Dimensions: 128/94/117
Skier details: 5’8”, 160 lbs, Type III+
Sizing: You don’t need to size up due to rocker.
Test location: Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Conditions: Packed Powder, Dust on Crust, 1” overnight, 3-4 days since last decent snowfall
I had the day off to ski with friends, even though we hadn’t had any new snow, and from what I’d heard, the Kastle FX94 was the perfect tool for variable snow conditions. Subtle tip rocker, mid-fat waist, Kastle’s signature construction and attention to detail, multiple awards from just about every magazine ski test, etc., etc., etc. Sure, there was plenty of hype, but could the FX94 deliver?
Short answer: Heck yes!
Long answer: The Kastle FX94 was a great tool for the day. These skis want to go fast.
First run: Gotta get that one inch of fresh! I headed through some lightly dusted bumps, in which the skis were remarkably agile and in the Goldilocks range of stiffness for charging bumps – not too stiff, not too soft – and when they got down into the harder underlayer of snow, the skis held an edge and kept me feeling solidly in control. First impression: this could be a great day.
Mid-morning runs: Once that dusty new snow was tracked up and blown around, we decided to hit some high-speed groomers. The FX94 had an amazing edge grip on long, GS turns, but were ready to switch gears and make some quick, short-radius turns on edge as well. I kept increasing the throttle, looking for them to chatter, and even at top speed, wide open, pedal to the metal speeds, they held their edge beautifully with minimal, if any, chatter in the tip. The FX94 loves high speed.
What next?: Icy, crusty, gnarly steeps with bumps on Montezuma Bowl’s west side. Dropping off the Zuma Cornice at speed, I had at least enough time to wonder if the landing was sun-warmed and soft or still icy chunks. I was rudely welcomed to Chunk Town. Expecting to hook an edge and tumble, I braced for impact and … the FX94 bit in and begged for a couple quick turns. They pushed the warmer, softer snow out of the way while holding its edge on the harder snow in the troughs. Part of me wanted to stop, but the skis wanted to take it top to bottom without stopping, and I was happy to oblige. Was there anything on the mountain these skis wouldn’t do? I was at a loss, and instead of worrying about it, I spent the afternoon enjoying the ride.
Last run: My legs were starting to feel it, and I had to lay off the accelerator a bit on the last run down to the bar. We started hopping off a cornice and skiing through crud to get to some wide open groomed turns, then ducked into the trees before finishing on a mellow, groomed trail leading to the bar. I noticed that the FX94 wanted to ski faster than I could handle on my final turns of the day. I don’t blame the ski though, it’s more that I need to hit the gym and do some squats.
The Verdict: The FX94 rewards those who ski aggressively and stay over the ski. It likes to go fast and power through variable conditions, and it has phenomenal edge hold. Capable carving both long and short turns, as well as ripping through bumps and steeps, the FX94 was a great ride for the day. I can imagine these skis shredding powder as well as they did everything else, although I wouldn’t call our inch of fresh much of a powder test.
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