As far as fine-tuned pieces of ski gear are concerned, the Kastle MX88 should be right at the top of the list. There’s a lot going on here in terms of how Kastle is able to make such a high-end ski, and they do a really nice job of making it look easy while producing some of the nicest and most precise skis on the planet. We often talk about the 88’s and their ability to have a very broad range of abilities and appeal. For us here in Vermont, the 88’s are generally considered to be true all-mountain skis, and Kastle’s version is one of the best. Built with a wood core with dual-densities, the central chord of the core is stiffer and denser, making for an amazing carving ability while the outer portion of the ski is made with softer and more flexible wood that gives the ski a bit of playfulness. With two sheets of metal, one on either side of the core, the skis get a ton of strength and power to go along with the sophisticated core that’s wrapped in fiberglass. The other cool looking thing about these skis is the carbon Hollowtech tips. While the previous cut out shape was just milled out of the ski, they’ve put in a carbon frame around the opening to stiffen and bolster the strength and precision of that area. Since it’s meant to be light weight to reduce vibrations, the carbon doesn’t counter-act the process. Rather, the added material makes for a more exacting entry into the turn, and for an 88 underfoot ski that’s meant to be railed on hard groomers for much of the time, this is a very nice little touch.