The only problem with Kästle’s MX series of Frontside-focused models is it’s proven to be a tough act to follow. Kästle’s initial foil to the MX’s preeminent position in the line was the Chris Davenport signature fleet of FX models, built with the same, premium components as the MX’s, but with a double-rockered baseline and a tapered tip and tail, both essential features of any off-trail collection. In a word, they ripped.

The original FX clan was ultimately deemed to be too similar to MX, so it was retired in favor of a FX family that was massively rockered and available both with and without metal. Their only drawback was the new FX’s didn’t ski nearly as well as the old ones, so the search continued for an off-trail alternative to MX.  The final version of FX didn’t fare much better, despite an expensive construction that still couldn’t hold a candle to the MX’s mastery of its domain.

So, bid a fond farewell to FX and say hello to Paragon, a definite step in the right direction. If the new Paragons bear a striking resemblance to the returning ZX clan, it’s because they borrow the ZX molds, but swap out the wood core and add two sheets of Titanal.  The Paragon core is one of the few that uses three woods –  poplar, beech and Paulownia – to create just the right snow feel for a wide ski.

Considering that it’s made to ski in chopped-up, off-trail conditions, the Paragon 101 handles hard snow surfaces with the stability and response you’d expect from a wood-and-metal laminate.  Its rockered and tapered tip isn’t going to initiate as early as a Frontside carver, but wherever the edge meets the snow, the grip is secure and unwavering. The Hollowtech 2.0 housed in the shovel lacks the shock-damping power of the Hollowtech Evo on the MX’s, but the Paragon’s amply rockered forebody doesn’t collide with the snow surface at the same angle as, say, the fully cambered MX84’s. For the terrain it’s meant to plunder, the Paragon 101 has all the damping power it needs.

Given how securely it handles whatever conditions it encounters, the Paragon 101’s little brother, the Paragon 93, is another adept all-terrain vehicle that doesn’t get nervous in the face of adversity.  Whether you’re making your first forays off-piste or are already a master of all domains, the Paragon 93 is up to the challenge.

My wingman the day we tested a quartet of new Kästles was Palisades habitué Steve “Izzy” Isbell, whose regular ride happens to be a vintage MX88, a good measuring stick for the rest of the line. After running the gamut of test skis, Izzy and I agreed that the Paragons weren’t as quick to the edge – no surprise, given their extra girth and extended rocker – and didn’t have the overall solidity and connection of the MX’s. But the Paragons were nonetheless remarkably competent on hardpack, despite being predisposed to skiing off trail, where they have more snow to push against. The one thing the MX’s can’t do as well as the Paragons is smear sideways over crud piles, nor can they float when freshies are up over your knees.  On deep snow days, it would pay to have a Paragon 101 – or perhaps a Paragon 107 – in your quiver.