2021 Kastle FX86

Light, fun, and fast are the three words that best describe the 2021 Kastle FX 86. It's always interesting skiing and comparing some of the more intermediate to advanced level skis as they are oftentimes some of the most surprising. The main difference between these 86's and some of the mid-80's competitors is the quality of ingredients and build. That's not to say the other skis are trash, but you can certainly feel the high-end quality and the way they go about their construction process is a good deal different from other skis. Kastle's big difference is that they fully wrap the wood core in fiberglass to get the power they need. When fiberglass is used in a three-dimensional application, it gets a lot more responsive. Additionally, the epoxy used is on the heavier side and contributes to the stability of the ski. In the tips, the Hollowtech design creates a large area that is lighter than the rest of the build. The less mass, the less vibration, so they're taking that out of the equation. The result is a smooth and stable ski with a lot less weight. While still not made for the heaviest or most aggressive skiers on the hill, the 86 still packs a good punch. Super-quick and awesome in bumps and trees and other quick-turn zones, these skis love to be on edge making all sorts of turn shapes and styles.

Dave Carter skied the 177 and loved the quickness, maneuverability, edge hold, and versatility of the skis, with those categories, as well as overall impression, earning 4's out of 5. These are some consistently high scores for a lighter weight and narrower all-mountain ski, but it's all about having fun, right? Dave notes that it's "overall a predictable ski. Best for shorter to mid-radius turns. Easy initiation and good in a variety of conditions." As a mid-range ski in terms of shape and flex, it should attract that mid-ranger skier, both in terms of ability and size.

Both Mike Thomas and Bob St.Pierre skied the 177 as well, but they're a bit bigger than Dave, so it's not surprising to hear them both want the longer lengths. Be that as it may, they still had a lot of positive things to say about the attributes of the FX 86, and it all starts with the build quality. "Feels like a return to the older FX line that I really loved. Very fun, versatile shape. Smooth, almost rubbery feel." The topsheet does have that slightly softer touch to it, so it does seem to make it more pliable, in a good way. Like Mike, Bob found the 177 to be too short for him, but fun was had nonetheless. Bob calls the 86 "amazingly light and quick, but the tail still likes to be engaged. Pretty snappy and a bit stiff, but has a high-quality and performance feel to it. It's really the perfect upper-end cruising ski due to the light and refined feel." Bob's high scores of 4's were given for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and edge hold. Consistently high scoring, the 86 is coming out looking like a winner for a lot of different skiers.

That high-end feel goes a long way with a lot of ski shoppers. They're making a great set of skis with a top-end quality, and a ton of skiers are going to appreciate the work that goes into it. While pretty much all skis are made of wood and plastic in some way or another, Kastle just does a really nice job with their materials and methodology, and it shows with the FX 86.