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.”