While the ZX 108 was the original, personally I’ve had a lot more success and love for the 100. For 2024, the Kastle ZX 100 returns with a graphics change but remains the same great freeride ski that’s it’s been since inception. By following the same overall footprint and blueprint as the wider 108, but in a narrower format, the ZX 100 is quicker, more agile, and more maneuverable than its fatter brother. The ZX line came about as more of a gateway set of models, ushering in a new generation of Kastle customers. By starting them with a lower-priced ski, but still offering high-quality construction and engineering. For skiers mainly in the advanced and expert groups, the ZX 100 also serves as a stepping stone for progressing intermediates who are looking for a ski around 100 mm that’s easier to turn and floaty for the fresh. It’s this type of application that makes a lot of sense here, and Kastle does a great job at harnessing that demographic and making a ski that appeals to this audience.

With a blend of poplar and beech in the wood core, the ski has a good mix of power and pop to propel skiers down the mountain. As opposed to the FX or MX lines, ZX uses wider stringers in more of a macroblock format. This is one of the main differences in terms of quality and precision. The more the stringers, the stiffer the ski will likely be, and a big part of that is the amount of epoxy used. With ZX, the wider strips of wood require less milling and less pressing—two things that can cost more time and money when building skis. On top and bottom of the wood core, we get two fiberglass laminates that create more energy and snap to the mix. Like all of Kastle’s skis, we still get their Hollowtech vibration damping technology, and this works by reducing mass in the shovel to keep the unwanted chatter to a minimum. In the 184, we’re seeing a weight of 2160 grams per ski, so while it’s not a particularly light ski, it’s got the shape to make it more agile and maneuverable.

At 108 mm underfoot, this ski is right in the sweet spot for being able to float through endlessly deep snow as well as being agile enough for shorter and quicker turns in more technical terrain. The tip rocker is a lot longer than the tail rocker, making this more of a directional shape and style of a ski than something with more splay or a ski that’s more twin tipped. The lightness of the Hollowtech pairs well with the rocker and taper, as this ski simply stays on top of the snow and surfs right along with minimal hooking or catching. The tail is more business-like, with less relative taper and rocker. This allows the ski to cut through cleanly and more directly than something with more rocker. The ski boasts a turn radius of 19.2-meters, so while it’s capable of longer arcs, it’s also got the lighter swing weight in the shovel to make it appropriate for tighter turns and skids. The current style of straight/slash/straight/slash is very much in play here, as this ski falls more to the drifty side of the spectrum in terms of flex.

We’ve loved this shape and overall concept for a few years now, and those emotions do not wane for 2024. We’re hopeful for these skis and their ability to handle soft snow, crud, and chop in a variety of formats. By opening up the ZX line to a new generation of skier, Kastle is hoping to reel in a younger group with this gateway ski. The appeal is to the youth, but that doesn’t mean aging and more reserved skiers won’t enjoy this ski as well. We all like to think that we’re young, but each year it just gets one step further away.