For years, Kästle acted as if the women-specific ski market didn’t exist. Even its two-model LX series wasn’t made for women, per se, just for lighter skiers. If women wanted a Kästle, all they had to do was buy a shorter length, which, in Kästle’s defense, they did offer in all key models. For 20/20, Kästle has at last anointed three models as made expressly for women, of which the DX73 W is the narrowest. (The others are the DX85 W and FX96 W.)

While the DX73 W inherits the shape of the LX73 it replaces, it isn’t a replica. Each of the new model’s deviations from the old is aimed to make it a better match for more women. First, the DX73 W has no metal in its lay-up, which results in a significant loss in weight and gain in flexibility. In another weight reducing move, the wood core of the new model uses poplar in place of silver fir. The changes to the core composition make the DX73 W more responsive to a lighter skier.

The DX73 W is a system ski, meaning it comes with its own binding, which is included in the price. We don’t make a habit about commenting on retail pricing, but in the case of the DX73 W it merits mention. The $799 retail tag on the DX73 W is right on par with other top Technical models for women, but it’s a Kästle, which normally retail at a substantial premium. Of all the features that make the DX73 W well-adapted for a broad range of skier abilities, perhaps the best is a lower cost that makes Kästle’s legendary quality more affordable.

For being particularly focused on a softer flex pattern that responds to a light touch, we award the new DX73 W a Silver Skier Selection.