Kastle’s products seem to get better and better these days. They’ve done a fantastic job designing and constructing really high-end skis recently, and the LX 85 is no exception. Even though it sits on the lower end of Kastle’s spectrum, it’s a pretty nice spectrum to even be on. By utilizing a Fir and Beech wood core and dual layers of Titanal, the LX 85 is a groomer eater that is capable of leaving some sweet trenches. With a 16.5 meter turn radius at 168 cm long, the LX 85 likes to be on edge. If you ride it flat, its instinct is to get back up and start carving some turns. The main difference between the LX and the other series’ from Kastle is the hook-free tail and the early rise profile. The rounded tail allows the skier to release the turn easier, and as a result, the skis become quicker from edge to edge. Testers loved the short turning ability and stability of the LX 85.
Bob St.Pierre skied the 176 and gave the highest marks for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. He took two runs on the skis and decided that the more you ski them, the better they get. He certainly noticed the rounded tail and how it released the turns easily. He commented that the Kastle LX 85 “has benefits such as easy turns, quick edge to edge control, and low swing-weight.” Out of the couple of Kastle skis that Bob tested, he did note that this one had the “most plasticky feel,” but that didn’t diminish the fact that the skis felt like a top-end model.
Charlie Roy also skied the 176 and his top marks were for stability and torsional stiffness. He calls it a “beefy ski constructed for experts, but the shape makes it accessible to anyone. This ski rips on the hard pack but can still make a nice smeared turn. The little bit of early taper in the tip and rounded tail make it work in the bumps, crud, and trees.” That’s some high praise from Charlie!
Also skiing the 176, Dave Marryat echoes Charlie Roy’s favorite qualities of stability and edge hold. His overall impression was 4 out of 5 as was his score for quickness and maneuverability. “The LX 85 likes to be on edge and arcing turns. Easier turning and slightly more relaxed when compared to its MX siblings. An excellent groomer ski, but struggled in heavy spring corn. Perfect for the solid intermediate that wants to carve blue groomers all day long.” At 85 mm underfoot, the ski will lack some soft snow performance, as Dave mentions, but for that skier looking to carve, look no further.
Michael Rooney loved the stability and forgiveness of the 176 cm LX 85. All other scores, including for overall impression, were 4’s out of 5. “The LX 85 supports an intermediate skier all the way to expert. When they are relaxing and cruising, they need almost no effort. When you need to make that turn and the ski is on edge, its short turning radius comes in to play to finish the turn for you. The LX 85 will never surprise you, it is always there supporting you.” It sounds to us like Michael is describing a very dependable friend, and we like that analogy.
If you haven’t been on a Kastle ski lately, or if you’re that upper level intermediate to advanced carver who wants a fantastically constructed ski to take their skiing to the next level, the LX 85 is an awesome choice. We’d hesitate to call it a “starter” Kastle, but it is a lot less intimidating than some of the beefier models in the brand’s line.
