Kästle FX86 Ti – 23/24

Kästle FX 86 TI (Model 23/24)

The Kästle FX 86 Ti is a relatively narrow freeride and all-mountain ski that is happiest on groomers and in softer or more broken snow just beyond them. With an 86 mm waist, short turning radius and strong edge hold, however, it has considerably more in common with a precise piste ski than with a typical wide freerider. It makes sense for someone who wants one ski for the resort without giving up quick edge-to-edge handling and confidence on hard snow.

The construction is based around a Powerzone Sandwich Sidewall design and Kästle's TRI-Ti concept. The triple wood core combines poplar, beech and paulownia with titanal reinforcement, giving the ski a solid, damp feel and strong power transmission to the edges. Combined with low camber and Dual Rise, it remains manageable off piste without becoming vague or soft when the snow gets firm.

Its real strength is edge performance. Depending on length, the radius runs from just 10.6 to 17.6 metres, so the FX 86 Ti is very willing to turn and particularly well suited to short, precise arcs. On groomers it feels quick and accurate, holds an edge well and stays composed when you start pushing the pace. HOLLOWTECH 3.0 also helps keep the weight under control.

Off piste, the ski works well in softer snow, through bumps and trees, and in the sort of mixed resort terrain where you are constantly moving between groomed and ungroomed snow. At 86 mm underfoot, though, it is not a secret powder ski. In genuinely deep snow it will require more effort than a proper freeride ski, and spending an entire day in powder is not really what it was designed for. Its short radius and precise character also won't be everyone's choice for long, high-speed freeride turns.

The FX 86 Ti therefore makes the most sense as a more performance-oriented resort ski with enough off-piste ability to keep things interesting. It is quick, precise and solid enough to venture away from the piste, but its strongest suit is fairly obvious: edge grip, short turns and firmer snow, rather than deep powder.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 123/86/114 mm

• Radius: 10.6 m / 12.2 m / 13.9 m / 15.7 m / 17.6 m depending on length

• Construction: Powerzone Sandwich Sidewall

• Core: TRI-Ti — Poplar / Beech / Paulownia

• Reinforcement: Titanal

• Construction technology: TRI-Ti / HOLLOWTECH 3.0

• Profile: Low Camber / Progressive Rise / Dual Rise

• Tip: Hook Free

• Tail: Hook Free

• Base: Graphite Sinter UHM

• Side edge bevel: 88°

• Base bevel: 1.3°

• Skiing level: Intermediate / Advanced / Expert

• Intended use: All-Mountain / Piste / Light Freeride

Summary:

A sporty resort ski with a clear preference for groomers and firmer snow. The Kästle FX 86 Ti combines an 86 mm waist, short radius, titanal reinforcement and strong edge hold with enough rise to venture off piste when conditions soften. It is not a deep-powder ski, nor is it trying to be. If you want a precise, quick ski for short turns on piste that can also handle softer and more variable terrain when you leave the groomer, this is where the FX 86 Ti makes its case.