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Kastle MX 89 2017 Review
October 13, 2016The Good
- Powerful ski
- Stable
- The harder you push it the more it gives back
- Loves high speed
- Predictable feel
The Bad
- Needs to be driven
- Some testers thought it was too damp
- Does not perform at mid to slower speeds
- Smaller sweet spot
- Not as forgiving
Testers loved the MX89's powerful feel, unshakeable edge-hold, and its super damp, confidence building snow contact. Best at mid to high-speeds, and medium to long arcs, this ski can overpower less aggressive skiers, and feel a little planky for anyone who wants a lot of energy underfoot.
Kastle’s MX89 feels like an old school GS ski, with the stiffness and edge-hold to lock onto powerful mid-radius turns with ease. With an extra millimeter underfoot from the longstanding MX88, it also has that little extra bit of all-mountain capability, and can easily transfer into off-piste in-bounds terrain. The dampness of this ski provides a wonderfully predictable feel in all kinds of terrain, although it particularly excels once you reach higher speeds.
This is not a ski for intermediates and anyone in search of a more lively feel underfoot. It’s also not versatile enough for anyone looking for that one ski quiver on a budget. As on tester summed it up, “It’s for all mountain rippers who want a second ski for firm days, or for an East Coaster who wants a little extra waist width.”
Peter Kray
- PublisherPeter Kray is a co-founder of the Gear Institute, and a longtime specialist in the testing of skis, snowboards and outdoor equipment.