FX85
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Kästle’s reputation for otherworldly edge grip was established by its MX models, fully cambered assault vehicles that tore groomed terrain to tatters. The FX series, here represented by the FX85 HP, despite using all but identical materials used in the MX mix, could not be more different.
Where the MX89 tries hard to adhere to terrain, the FX85 HP works overtime to keep the connection loose. Its pivot-friendly attitude begins with the baseline, a double rockered affair dubbed Dual Rise by Kästle. On a 173cm, the forward contact point is pulled back 361mm and the tail begins to elevate 217mm before it’s done. (We know these numbers because Kästle helpfully prints them on the topskin.)
CPM82
That the CPM82 is so well mannered exposes the current craze over tip rocker as so much hyperventilation. The CPM’s ultra-modern carbon construction is built on an über-traditional cambered baseline, with a tip and tail designed to engage with the snow. It earns its crazy good scores for carving capacity the old-fashioned way: it remains connected to its round trajectory with every centimeter of edge at its disposal.
FulLUVit 95
Its focus on ease and maneuverability in the rough and tumble of off-trail conditions disguises the power the FulLUVit holds in reserve. Kelli Gleason, who tears up Telluride when not taking care of business at Boot Doctors, assures us, “it still holds at Mach 9.” For its kindness to women who aren’t looking to crack the Mach scale ceiling, we award the FulLUVit 95 a Silver Skier Selection.