Kastle MX83: holy cow! - Page 2

Well the Nordica FireArrow84 EDT carves magnificently but if you want a true scalpel from Kastle, the RX12 is fantastique. 

[=http://www.epicski.com/t/111892/hello-again][/]

I'm not sure the bumps Dawg is talking about in the PNW are the same as you'd see in CO such as in the vid in the link above. Important to distinguish that in terms of these reviews, because I have the same question as you do when I see bump capability reviews for certain skis.

Which is better in the bumps MX83 or MX88. Or are they the same? I'm 6'4" and 225 lbs and was set on getting the mx88 in 188cm until I read this review

I demoed the MX88 and, if you are an aggressive skier, you might want a stiffer ski at your height and weight.  I am 165lbs and demoed the 178.  It was super smooth but lacked the pop I like from a ski with more metal.  There was 6" of new over rain soaked hard stuff below the day I demoed. 

 

I switched to my Bonafides mid day and they killed the MX88 in everything but high speed groomer/moderately chopped up snow.  They felt quicker in untracked and crud, livelier on turn exit and just more confidence inspiring in more challenging terrain or snow.  The MX88 is extremely quiet and stable on the smooth snow.  The faster you go the smoother they seem to get.  The can give a false sense of size/weight as I was surprised a few times at speed with a few deflections that a burlier ski would have hardly noticed.

They are VERY easy to ski and a lower level advanced skier would look and feel like a better skier on these.

 

If you have a number of skis, I'm having trouble figuring out when one would choose this width.   On the 2"-12" day a 98 seems about right and in less than a few inches a narrower, true carver seems best.  As a one-ski does all ski it would be on my short list though.

 

YMMV of course.

So what's the construction layup of the MX83?  Relative stiffness, flex pattern?

Perfect. It is layer up with unicorn laughs and angel wings. Stiffness and flex pattern is the stuff legendary fables come from. 

Thanks for the replies dawgcatching and nwjg. I guess I am asking too much but I want the length of the mx88 for speed and the shorter mx83 for bumps all in one ski. I did demo the 88 and liked it, but it did feel more damp than I am used to. I guess it did lack the "pop" like nwjg mentioned. Owning multiple skies is not a problem. Airline travel with them is

Me want. 183 please!

http://www.sportube.com/pages/skis_two_pair.php

 

If I carried two I don't think it would be an 83 AND an 88 though.

 

How about something like an RX12 for going fast and the shorter MX for everything else?  If you get a big snow dump, be glad and shell out some money to demo a powder ski.

 

For full disclosure, the MX88's I demoed were freshly tuned to 1 degree base/2 degree side but the tech said he gave them the "factory recommended de-tune tip and tail".

 

Thanks, Scott;  another well stated, great review!!

However, I am suprised that you feel the RTM 84 is too stiff. I am about the same weight and skier level as you(a little taller) and I feel my Volkl RTM84s meet all of your requirements for your dream ski. In addition to all of the above, the RTM84sells for $200-$300 less. (However, with a "dream ski," price is no object!!)

I also find the Kendo to be too stiff; that is, it throws too much energy back at me, for my tastes.

I skied the Steadfast in the 178cmlast weekend and found it to be a great ski as well, but had no problem in the bumps(soft,spring bumps.)

 

 

Was thinking of 83 OR 88. Not both. Maybe rx12 and 98 or 108

Dawg, I know you've skied the MX78 in the 178 length, but do you know how those skis in 168 would compare to he MX83s in the 173 length.

+1 Just say no to de-tuning.

I had a chance to try the mx83 this weekend in Whistler. Every April during the Telus ski and snowboard festival most of the manufacturers are out withntheir demo fleet. Was hoping for the Blizzard tent, but alas they were not around (must have sold every ski they had) so Imtried the mx83 after reading this review.

I am 6'2", 220-225, solid intermediate advanced skier, and train for ski season, mountain bike all summer on the north shore. My regular ski is the stockli vxl.

Whistler has had quite a bit of warm sunny whether, and the snow base while still good has declined about 25%, is hard in the morning and softer and slushy in the afternoon. I used the mx83 in the morning on a few runs hoping to use my wider ski as the snow softened up.

This is a fun ski. Super light feeling to me. Like you aren't even wearing a ski. Edge hold is excellent and not unlikenthe feeling you get on the mx88, and flicks around with ease. I skied the 183 and like the mx78 I tried last year, it almost seems shorter than it is. Due to conditions, I can't comment on softer snow, bumps would be ok depending on skill level.

Personally, and I think because I am on a vxl, I prefer a more substantial ski, especially considering my weight and strength. At my size, I liked the mx88 better than the 83, however, for a lighter skilled skier, this would be an excellent alternative for someone looking for a versatile light ski.

For the guy wondering about mx88 and 83 who is my size, try both. And I recommend the longer size in the 88 (188) which I liked alot even though the vxl would still be my choice personally for an all mountain steed.

tw

He spent about 15 minutes tuning it before I went out and after he told me that I said "I tend to like them sharp tip to tail".  He offered to re-tune it but there was fresh powder out there so I took it as is.  I may not have given it a fair shake.

 

 

Sorry Dawg I'm still trying to come up to speed with these terms, what did you mean by the above when comparing bumps for the 168cm mx78 vs 173cm mx83?

 

Many thanks 

Tried both the 83 and 88 (and other stuff) last weekend.

 

This is what I'm driving now -

 

 

Yummee.

 

 

I don't think she got to try the MX83, but my gf LOVED the LX82 at the Mt. Rose ESG demo day.

 

She was a little less in love when she saw the sticker price.  I told her we could keep an eye out for a used pair...

 

 

If your S.O.'s shopping problem is centered on Kaestles, you have a good thing going. Hold on tight.  :)  

Read ,trust the reviewers and buy it,if you can find it,best thing I ever did,I will be hard pressed to pull any ski from the rack ever again,now help needed to shut up my wife,The problem in these cases is she shuts up and kicks seven bells of shit out of my mastercard,note the word "MY"Thaks for the reviews and the forum.Now someone get me into a pair of boots to replace my Speed 140's with new ZipFits,Tried the F1,HeadRS 130 pro and the Lange RX 130 Pro and they didn't come close.Still in my tiny little mind the Best Boot of the Decade that any boot company has made.Suggestions boys and girls Dawg,Philpug,Teckchick chime in please.

Since I was late to the party on this one I am sure there are many others out there as well wondering of this ski is really that good and worth a demo so I'll add my experience as someone who owns an MX78, BMX108 and has skied much of the Kastle line (fx94,104, lx82,92, MX 78 RX12, BMX98, 108, 128)

Me 6'1" 185lbs, level 8, Level 1 Coach. Age 42.

Conditions / location skied - Courchevel France, 2 days, variable firm snow, soft pack, 6-8 of new over crusty base. Ski MX83 size 183

First off I have been meaning to get on this ski since it came out based on the rep recommendation that it was as good as the 88 and more fun. I own a 176 MX78 and didn't want or feel the need so I waited focusing on other areas of my quiver. In short - MY LOSS

Length - I was worried that with no rocker and a square tail these would be less agile and more of a handful than my MX78's and immediately questioned if I should go 178 MX88 or for a 173. I knew after the first run that this concern was unfounded

Observations - this ski has an even bigger sweet spot that the MX78 and is softer and less demanding to ski even in the longer length. It rewarded good skiing and offers excellent feedback but you can really enjoy this ski without having to be on it as much as the MX78 or RX12. Edge hold was similar to the MX78 but a bit less aggressive in release and engagement. Much of this I suspect is not just the width and ABS sidewall but fact that it didn't have a race or kti plate. As I now have a dedicated SL ski and would use this for off piste as much as on I doubt I would opt for a plate, at least on a full on race plate anyway.

Crud - the extra length and width made a noticeable improvement in chopped snow and I have never railed those they of conditions faster or more confidently. 

6-8 of new over crust - again so smooth and predictable in these conditions, maybe as good as the FX94 I demo'd in similar conditions which is saying a lot. Definitely less hooky and less demanding than my MX78. 

Wife's input - being how impressed I was and how forgiving I felt the MX83's were I decided to put my wife on a pair instead of the lx82/92 I had envisioned here trying or me buying for her next season. She's 5'3" 120lbs, athletic level 6, her other ski is a 158 BMX98 which she adores. We decided to try the 153. Conditions were mixed groomers, crud and 6-8 of new snow. She was immediately impressed and skiing confidently from the first run. She was having no issue with the stiffer MX patform and only commended how easy they were to maneuver, how stable they were and how fun. She was skiing these conditions better than I have ever seen her and faster than a few other higher level or more aggressive skiers we were out with that day. Any issue she took with me regarding her desire to try other brands or to have the shop pick her a ski was erased and I suspect a pair under the Christmas tree next season is in order. 

Summary - most versatile ski I have tried to date, worth a demo and potential replacement for my MX78's (if and when they ever die).

Like many others I also turn to this forum for advice on my next pair of skis.

 

I am 51 years old. 5'9" (175cm), 157lb. I ski mainly in Vermont. I enjoy skiing fast down the front of the mountain in a variety of conditions, and I will characterize myself as an advanced skier there. I am working on improving my technic on the bumps so I'll be able to enjoy more of what the mountain can offer. I have been avoiding bumps for years following a knee injury that left my scared of too much up and down work.

 

I currently ski a 2009 168cm Volkl Tigershark 12ft (no switch). I enjoy its velocity, stability, and its grip on hard surface, but it is hard work (at least for me) to ski these on bumps or softer snow.

 

Like many of us I have been reading the great reviews of the Kastle skis, especially the MX line. I am fortunate to be able to afford a pair at Spring Sale rates, but I am not sure I'll be able to demo one before the next season.

 

So, the inevitable question, which MX model, 78, 83, or 88, and what length?

 

From the reviews it seems to me that the MX 83 will be great, but the 163cm seems too short, and the 173cm I am afraid might be too long, though I am not sure. Before the Volkl I had a 175cm Atomic SX:10, and that one felt too long, but I was a less experience skier at the time. If indeed 168cm is the right length for me, which one should it be,  the MX 78 or the MX 88?

 

Thanks so much for any input.

So based on this thread and stellar reviews I was eager to demo the mx83 this past weekend. I am 5'4" 160lbs, my daily driver is a 177cm Cochise, but given the mx83 has no rocker I was looking at the head high 163. At my local shop there was a 163 on sale but the only demo was a 173. So I figured I would demo that and at least get a feel for the ski. Also the Kastle website product finder came up with a 173 recommendation. Well it was full on spring skiing on Mt Hood the conditions ranged from corn in the sun to firm in the shade. First lift up I decided to take an easy run and it was good that I did. Disaster! I couldn't get the edge of the ski to bite. I tried tip initiation, different amounts of angulation, it was like the ski was going to skid out from under me. I took 4 runs on mx83 trying all sorts of adjustment, nothing worked. So I went back to the car got out my Cochises and went back up determined to find out if it was me and mx83 or me and the snow. Sure enough once on the Cochise I was able to easily get an edge and had a great time the rest of the day. So it was me and the mx83. The ski was waxed before it went out and the edged seemed sharp to the touch. I tend to ski forward shins pressuring the tongue and legs tucked back ( hard to describe). Anyway any insights would be appreciated. Guess I saved myself a grand.

Had the exact same problem recently on a different ski. You can't go by absolute length, as you already seem to know. At five four, you don't belong on the second longest size they make, based on pure leverage. Try the 163 before deciding. I am taller but lighter. When a model comes in four sizes, I virtually always like the second shortest size best, regardless of its actual length.

A 108 mm waist ski with tip and tail rise, can out carve a race inspired 83mm waist ski that is fully cambered  ??  Who knew?