As a new width in the ZX line for 2024, the Kastle ZX 92 takes a similar footprint and concept and puts it in a narrower bodied format. We’ve loved this trend to narrower skis in the ZX line, and maybe that’s because we ski in Vermont, but also because it’s just a great shape and profile to go along with the fun-loving build. The 108 and the 100 offer a lot of energy and pop to a wide range of skiers, and the 92 now takes it to the next level in terms of quickness and agility. By following the same theory as its wider brothers, the ZX 92 is built more as a gateway ski to the Kastle brand. While still very high quality and precise, it’s not quite as sophisticated as the MX or FX lines, and that does bring the price down to a more reasonable level. This makes the ZX 92 more affordable and accessible for a younger and less established generation of skiers. In the 92, this opens up all-mountain applications for skiers in the intermediate, advanced, and moderate expert ranges.

Like the other skis in the ZX range, the 92 consists of poplar and beech stringers in the wood core. These stringers are on the wider side when compared to the narrower, and therefore greater quantity of, stringers in the MX and FX lines. This is a big part of the difference in perceived quality between the lines, and while this may be true when you’re looking at it from a distance, the reality is that the macroblock stringers of the ZX make more sense for what the ski actually is. We also get two layers of fiberglass in the ski, making it energetic and poppy. To keep the unwanted vibrations to a minimum, Kastle employs their Hollowtech tip technology that reduces mass in the shovel to keep chatter down. Other than that, it’s a pretty simple build, with the 176 cm length registering 1700 grams per ski. That’s pretty light, and a big reason for the ski’s agility.

The other reason is the shape. We’re getting a relatively short turn radius in this ski, with the 176 generating a 16.4-meter arc. While the build and the shape won’t make this thing excel in long and fast GS style turns on steep and firm terrain, it definitely opens up the shorter arcs, skidded turns, and smeary slashes in softer snow and more varied terrain. When the longer tip rocker and taper is introduced to the mix, it makes the ski very agile and maneuverable, especially in the tip. The tail is slightly flatter and less rockered, making it quick and responsive. This is the blend of attributes that makes the ZX 92 a whole lot of fun for a range of skiers from intermediate through expert.

Given the light weight, surfy nature, and integrated skin notch in the tail, it’s acceptable to discuss this ski as having a touring application as well. While most skiers won’t see it as a daily tourer, those looking for a hybrid ski or an occasional skin ski will find a lot to like about the new 2024 Kastle ZX 92. It has a proven pedigree when it comes to surfy and drifty performance, and when you add in Kastle’s commitment to quality, precision, and poise in a freeride ski, the ZX 92 makes a whole lot of sense in a versatile format.