We never thought we’d be writing a review of the Kästle MX Limited. It’s not even in the catalog. Nor is it made with the rest of the MX models, but is the first ski made in Kästle’s former plant in Hohenems, Austria since Benetton steered the brand into the ditch in the 1990’s. The MX Limited is the first ski made by Kästle at Kästle in 20 years.

In brief, it’s a beauty. Built on the bones of the MX84, it’s covered in carbon, enough to absorb shocks measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. The only other ski in its league in this department is the Stöckli Laser AX, our top Power pick. The power pumped out by the MX Limited is like that of a placid river: it seems to move calmly and effortlessly while it’s cutting its way through solid stone.

If the MX Limited has a speed limit, it’s outside of human reach, like sounds only dogs can hear. It’s so silky at speed it seems stupid to ski it slow; mindless ease at 50mph is why you pay the premium the MX Limited commands.

We’d advise taking the MX Limited’s inflated rating for Off-Piste Performance with a small block of salt. The MX Limited is the opposite of a swivel stick, so don’t expect it to pivot in powder, and it certainly isn’t going to float. It succeeds off trail by subjugating every irregularity, basically paving its path flat as it goes.