In the early 90’s Kastle Skis were the bomb. They dominated both the World Cup downhill and freestyle circuits with the famous RX-15 series. I had a pair of Kastle RX-15 Action’s in high school. They were a bump-lovers dream (back when I thought I wanted to ski moguls more than powder) and were even a sweet purple color. Mounted with a set of Look turntable’s I was hoping to be the next Glen Plake.
Fast-forward to 2007. Kastle skis have been off the market for several years, but are now making a comeback as a top-shelf, no-nonsense skier’s ski. The lineup consists of four skis: Kastle RX (The frontside performer), Kastle MX78 (all-mountain), Kastle MX88 (freeride) and Kastle MX98 (fat powder ski). The graphics are understated and clean and the construction is as traditional as it comes, but with some proprietary technology and Austrian love.
If you’re looking for a hard-charging pair of frontside and backside or backcountry-specific skis, the MX88 (88mm underfoot) and the MX98 (98mm underfoot) are the best options. For those of us in the Rockies, an 88mm waist is about as narrow as I’d go these days. Both of these skis should be solid performers in powder, crud and even groomers. The only hangup is he pricetag… these badboys don’t come on the cheap.
Kastle MX88 Details
The MX88 looks to be an all-mountain, all-day performer in any condition. I’m sure it will be perfect for anyone looking for that one ski to do it all in the Rockies. Mounted with either standard alpine bindings or alpine touring bindings, the MX88 offers the most versatility in the Kastle 08 lineup.
Dimensions: 128mm (tip) 88mm (waist) 113mm (tail)
Lengths: 168 cm, 178 cm and 188 cm
Price: $1550 with Marker Duke / $1450 with Marker Jester
More Info: Kastle MX88 Ski Page
Kastle MX98 Details
The MX 98 is just the right width to surf the deep powder in the backcountry, or on deep days at Snowbird. Even though it’s nearly a century underfoot, it still has ample sidecut to carve up the frontside groomers on your way back to the tram. Mounted with the Marker Duke, they would be a hard-charging backcountry ski like no other.
Dimensions: 132mm (tip) 98mm (waist) 117mm (tail)
Lengths: 174 cm, 184 cm and 194 cm
Price: $1550 with Marker Duke / $1450 with Marker Jester
More Info: Kastle MX98 Ski Page
Hopefully we’ll get on a pair of these this season and report back our thoughts. I’m stoked Kastle is back in the fray and look forward to great things from this strong Austrian brand.
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foot of April flake just buried the 'Bird, the Crack House is warming
up and the Rollercoaster's drying out. Epic spring lines are calling
and you better be dialed. From 
My shop had us demo ski’s yesterday, and I had the chance to ride Kastle’s MX88 (168cm). And I have to say, holy crap! For an 88 girth I was surprised at the agility of the beast, almost felt like a slalom ski underfoot.
This one is definitely pro-form worthy.
That’s awesome man! I’m supposed to get my hands on a pair, but they have been hard to come by. Nice to see that the MX88 is solid even at that short of a length. These are Austrian boards at their finest.
Where are you located?
The shop is in Rochester, NY, it’s called Snow Ski & Board. Drop in sometime if you’re nearby, we open in August.
The next time I’m in Rochester, I’ll look you up.
I used to live in NYC, but I never made it up to Rochester… nice area though.