Considering the reputation of Kästle’s formidable MX84, one might expect the LX85 to be likewise endowed with near-nuclear power. Yet this beauty is no beast, but a gracious cruiser that orders groomers for its main course with off-trail conditions on the side. Its slalomesque turn radius suggests a quick stick, but the slight tip taper and early rise on the LX85 don’t naturally dip into a short turn, allowing the skier to find a languid, GS arc that holds with minimal edge angle. “Stable at speed,” confirms one of the Footloose crew. “It does well with longer radius turns vs. short.”

While a couple of Realskiers testers prefer the LX85’s performance in crud, most peg it as a cruiser-class carver. “These skis want to carve and charge,” says Janice from the Squaw Valley Ski School. “Lots of fun on open terrain. They would not be my preferred skis in bumps or tight trees – once you set your turn they want to finish it.” This on-rails style of turn finish is typical of carving skis and explains why the LX85’s lowest aggregate score is for its Off-Piste Performance.

Set it loose on the open boulevards that prevail on all mountains, large and small, and the LX85 responds with smooth, gentle energy that can be poured into many turn shapes. Another Squaw instructor calls this Kästle “damp, with great hold, heavy but worthwhile weight, easy to engage edge.” “Great edge to edge,” concurs one of Stacey Cook’s Chix on Stix. “Great cruiser and a good one-ski quiver.” Steph Humes from Jans joins the chorus of praise, citing the LX85 as “Powerful yet playful, yet for how powerful it was there’s forgiveness.”

For its fluid style and unruffled composure that disguises a power reserve it’s too well-mannered to flaunt, we award the Kästle LX85 a Silver Skier Selection.