Post by gary on Jan 27, 2014 16:49:06 GMT -7
Hey gang...been away with some fun skiing...Ron started the season for me at Steamboat and Alice and I just returned from Jackson...so...lot's of great terrain and wow, does skiing consecutive days really up our game.
This past few years, my "go to" work horse has been my Kastle FX84....bumps, boot high pow, western groomers, eastern crud, side country stuff...just a wonderful versatile ski.
3 weeks ago in Steamboat, Ron MADE ME try his brandy new FX94, 176 length. I made one run on a groomed trail and was very impressed with how easy the skis went edge to edge AND will hook up and fly....holds well, and just keep saying to you..."is that all ya got"? After my carving experience I thanked and cursed Ron >:Dfor the pleasure of THAT demo.
Last week while at Jackson I figured I'd demo a pair myself..the 166 is the correct size for me. In the meantime, my wife's 6 season old MX78's were due for replacement and on her test plate was the Head Mya 8 and the Kastle LX82. The conditions where cold, very sunny, and great EASTERN conditions. Perfect for testing skis we wanted for our all mountain drivers. We had hard pack, granular, steep pitches, some soft bumps...great all around testing conditions except for that elusive powder
For Alice the LX 82 hit a huge homerun...both the Head and Kastle were quick turning and responsive but the LX82 just absorbed way better the firm and crunch terrain..much better on the hardpack with much less chatter. As the ski she wanted had to be good east and west conditions, she elected to go with the LX82. She for sure found the LX82 a more versatile all mountain ski...primarily due to the "constant arc" the LX and FX series design into those skis.
My ride on the FX94 really impressed me. Very quick edge to edge....once I got the mounting point correct...VERY critical for me. Once dialed in, we hit some 39 degree pitch that was firm eastern type snow and the edges dug in and the torsional stability (traditionally Kastle) became apparent. I never really felt like I had 94 underfoot. The 166 has a 17.5 meter turning radius but it felt like it turned quicker. The ski is HUGELY easy to drift, scarve or float, very cooperative and light feeling underfoot. It was fun in the bumps, easy, absorbing and playful. I had it paired up with my Marker Scizo from my FX84's. I wanted to let the 94 run and got going so fast my ear pieces on my helmet opened....hmmmm.....after this short turbo boost..I backed off and again...it has "one click" more on the speed dial than I would use on average. What's interesting...the ski has some tip rocker but traditional tail...and this tail is solid...I mean if you get in the back, it says, "excuse me sir, do you really want to be here?"...if you stay back...the skis WILL shoot out from under you...certainly a useable tool if the rider is driving.
I had to laugh cause I"m thinking my every day driver is 94 underfoot and my pow ski (Head Rev 105) well is 105....whowuddathunk?!?!?!?
I'm sure I'll have more to report once I find some pow, crud days and some glades to be entertained by...but in the meantime....IF ya get the chance....I'd highly recomend demoing the FX94 or the LX82..they are real treats to ride.
Best, G
This past few years, my "go to" work horse has been my Kastle FX84....bumps, boot high pow, western groomers, eastern crud, side country stuff...just a wonderful versatile ski.
3 weeks ago in Steamboat, Ron MADE ME try his brandy new FX94, 176 length. I made one run on a groomed trail and was very impressed with how easy the skis went edge to edge AND will hook up and fly....holds well, and just keep saying to you..."is that all ya got"? After my carving experience I thanked and cursed Ron >:Dfor the pleasure of THAT demo.
Last week while at Jackson I figured I'd demo a pair myself..the 166 is the correct size for me. In the meantime, my wife's 6 season old MX78's were due for replacement and on her test plate was the Head Mya 8 and the Kastle LX82. The conditions where cold, very sunny, and great EASTERN conditions. Perfect for testing skis we wanted for our all mountain drivers. We had hard pack, granular, steep pitches, some soft bumps...great all around testing conditions except for that elusive powder
For Alice the LX 82 hit a huge homerun...both the Head and Kastle were quick turning and responsive but the LX82 just absorbed way better the firm and crunch terrain..much better on the hardpack with much less chatter. As the ski she wanted had to be good east and west conditions, she elected to go with the LX82. She for sure found the LX82 a more versatile all mountain ski...primarily due to the "constant arc" the LX and FX series design into those skis.
My ride on the FX94 really impressed me. Very quick edge to edge....once I got the mounting point correct...VERY critical for me. Once dialed in, we hit some 39 degree pitch that was firm eastern type snow and the edges dug in and the torsional stability (traditionally Kastle) became apparent. I never really felt like I had 94 underfoot. The 166 has a 17.5 meter turning radius but it felt like it turned quicker. The ski is HUGELY easy to drift, scarve or float, very cooperative and light feeling underfoot. It was fun in the bumps, easy, absorbing and playful. I had it paired up with my Marker Scizo from my FX84's. I wanted to let the 94 run and got going so fast my ear pieces on my helmet opened....hmmmm.....after this short turbo boost..I backed off and again...it has "one click" more on the speed dial than I would use on average. What's interesting...the ski has some tip rocker but traditional tail...and this tail is solid...I mean if you get in the back, it says, "excuse me sir, do you really want to be here?"...if you stay back...the skis WILL shoot out from under you...certainly a useable tool if the rider is driving.
I had to laugh cause I"m thinking my every day driver is 94 underfoot and my pow ski (Head Rev 105) well is 105....whowuddathunk?!?!?!?
I'm sure I'll have more to report once I find some pow, crud days and some glades to be entertained by...but in the meantime....IF ya get the chance....I'd highly recomend demoing the FX94 or the LX82..they are real treats to ride.
Best, G