Like a benevolent despot, the new Kästle LX85 has power in its bloodlines but mercy in its heart. A look at its components suggests a ski with all the rigor of a race ski, with a vertically laminated wood core encased in glass and twin sheets of Titanal. The cap construction of the earlier LX’s has been replaced with the square sidewalls associated with more powerful skis. But its tip and tail are tapered to take the edge off their reactions and the forebody has the slight elevation that is considered essential on an off-trail ski.

But despite a baseline and sidecut that have been tweaked for soft-snow shenanigans, the LX85 seems happiest on prepared slopes. Margit from The Sport Loft comments were typical: “A real nice carving ski, sweet on groomers, corduroy and ice.” While its detuned extremities haven’t dulled its appetite for accurate edging, they have made the ski easier to maneuver for those of less than perfect skills. A lightweight ski for such a rich construction, the LX85 is tractable enough for intermediates, and its edging instincts are a boon to the less aggressive skier’s confidence. Note the short lengths available for the petite.

A strong ski that serves the needs of Finesse skiers, we bestow on the LX85 a Silver Skier Selection.