Kästle TX87 UP

The Kästle TX87 UP offers easy accessibility and excellent edge hold on hard surfaces. It is also quite enjoyable in drifted turns and can be a valuable asset on steep slopes.

The ski provides a certain level of comfort, thanks to its absorption of irregularities in the terrain. The tip plays a crucial role by allowing the ski to pass over clumps and facilitating entry into turns. It remains effective in deep snow, and its rise is consistent. The ski immediately responds to the skier’s input at the beginning of a turn, providing a smooth and almost instant direction. Once engaged, you have the freedom to pivot or continue the turn. It is essential to ski the Kästle TX87 UP in a balanced manner rather than leaning too much forward or backward. Applying too much pressure on the front edge at high speeds may result in some loss of stability.

The ski handles curve elongation with ease, and its ability to take on more angle is quite interesting. When aiming to tighten the turn a bit, the Kästle TX87 UP proves helpful, offering excellent stability. It is not tiring to ski on due to its low weight. It strikes an excellent balance between weight and skiability, demonstrating efficiency during ascents. It allows for satisfactory skiing in various snow conditions, including on-piste.

In terms of pivoting/sliding, the effects are effortless, although there might be easier options available due to the substantial active edge length. The ski doesn’t feature an enormous rocker in the front and has a slightly lifted tail.

Once again, the Kästle brand’s quality of construction is evident. Minor improvements could include having the edges fully surround the tip, but this is a minor point of contention. The wide edges are durable and can be sharpened multiple times. The slightly brushed topsheet is of high quality.

The Kästle TX87 UP is suitable for a wide range of skiers, from those with less technical experience to more technically proficient backcountry enthusiasts. It doesn’t require extensive adaptation or understanding; its fluid skiability is appreciated, and it consistently performs well.

"The Kästle TX87 UP is suitable for a wide range of skiers, from those with less technical experience to more technically proficient backcountry enthusiasts. It doesn't require extensive adaptation or understanding; its fluid skiability is appreciated, and it consistently performs well."

Rating

Track skiing

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Initiation Ease
• Carving
• Skidding turns

Off-track skiing

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Overall stability
• Sequencing
• Floatability
• Bumpy terrain
• Difficult snow
• Climbing ease