All mountain skis
Product 2019
Man
We know these famous FX 95 well because we have skied with them for three seasons. The HP (839-euros without bindings) have not lost their charm or quality. We will test the FX 95 (739-euros without bindings), without the HP sign.
These skis are a little lighter than their brother, about 100g lighter in each size. Largely due to the absence of Titanal, which raises two questions: are the “standard” FX95 as efficient as the HP version? And will they hold out as well as after several seasons’ use? We can answer the first question, the second, we would need to put in the miles before coming to a judgement.
From the outset, on groomed snow, not even very hard, you enjoy the characteristic noise from the FX95. A matt noise, present but not at all annoying. A sound that is recognizable amongst thousands of skis, the Kästle have a signature tune!
The second characteristic concerns their pivoting ease. The rocker most notably at the tip, works extremely well. The skis initiate quickly and effortlessly into the turn. All skidding turns are the same, very easy, which is really pleasant, especially if you are teaching skiing or if you have to do an emergency stop.
The FX95 turns easily and doesn’t object to skidding turns, they remain docile and don’t need much influence from the rider. Carving needs more concentration and action from the skier.
The Kästle bites easily onto the edges, you just need to use a bit of angulation and its done! Sequencing takes a bit of pressure, start deforming the skis’ flex, even more so if you have a lightweight build (70kg). You just need to be relaxed in your technique and lean forward on the skis. The major bonus is their tail action, no matter if you lose balance the tail continues in the turn without pulling you straight ahead. This is without doubt the major difference between the more demanding HP version and the “standard” FX.
We didn’t notice any skids due to the torsional rigidity with our weight (70kg). In the turn, the skis are solid underfoot. On compact snow they bite well, obviously not as well as a 100% piste ski.
You can change the radius of the turn quite easily, just put more pressure on the skis to evolve the carve, or to manage the skidding turns if you want really short turns. But, the skis never block the skier.
The 95mm waist is versatile: not handicapped on compact snow and agile in powder. These skis go anywhere.
Having tested and appreciated the top sheet of the FX 95 HP over long winters we can certify that the FW95 has the same durability: tough. The skis, like a good wine, age well. Kästle thought it would be a good idea to add a metal protection on the tips, are they really necessary? We have seen better integrated metallic tips, eg: at Head, whose exemplary finishing is due to digitally machined pieces. Kästle, like Dynastar, with their visible screws has a less stylish look.
We thoroughly enjoyed these versatile, tough skis, that are at home in any conditions. They pivot easily, are reactive off piste (except in very deep powder) thanks to the ski tips’ lift and the wide waist. Carving connoisseurs will no doubt find better (in the All Mountain range at Fischer?): but the overall outcome is very well designed skis and beautifully made. A product that you can have full confidence in.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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