Kästle FX 96 HP - 20/21

Kästle FX 96 HP (model 20/21)

The Kästle FX 96 HP is a strong, performance-oriented all-mountain ski for skiers who want one tool that can handle both the piste and off-piste terrain without paying for that versatility with a soft or vague feel. At 96 mm underfoot, it has enough width for softer snow and rougher terrain, while its relatively short radius and strong edge engagement keep it decidedly sporty. This is not the most relaxed ski in the range — it wants to be driven, and rewards you when you give it some speed and direction.

For 2020, the FX 96 HP received a completely new construction compared with the previous FX 95 HP. The metal was removed and replaced by Kästle's TRI construction, using a triple-layer wood core wrapped in fibreglass with carbon stringers. The result is lighter than a traditional metal laminate ski while still offering a surprising amount of strength and power transmission. It feels noticeably more substantial and performance-oriented than the lighter FX 86, but retains enough energy and liveliness to work across different terrain.

HOLLOWTECH 3.0 helps damp vibrations around the tip and contributes to the ski's composed feel. Combined with low camber, Dual Rise and hook-free construction at both ends, it gives the FX 96 HP a relatively loose and surfy character when you leave the piste. The 18.1-metre radius in the 180 cm is still fairly short for a 96 mm freeride ski, so you don't need to commit to enormous turns. The ski changes direction readily and works well when space gets tight.

On groomers, the FX 96 HP has enough backbone for confident edge work and feels considerably more precise than its width might suggest. In softer and broken snow, the 96 mm waist and freeride-oriented profile start to make more sense than the narrower FX 86. That combination of strength and maneuverability is really the point of the ski.

There is a trade-off, though: forgiveness is not its strongest suit. Testers repeatedly noted the relatively stiff character and lower level of forgiveness. If you are skiing slowly or making mistakes, the FX 96 HP is not going to quietly clean them up for you. And while it is stable, it doesn't have an unlimited speed ceiling either — pushed hard enough through rough snow, it can start to chatter. This is a ski for an active skier rather than someone looking for the ski to do most of the work.

The FX 96 HP therefore makes the most sense as a performance-oriented all-mountain/freeride ski for advanced and expert skiers. It is narrow enough to remain useful on piste, but wide and loose enough to be genuinely capable when the snow softens. If maximum forgiveness or deep-powder flotation is your priority, there are better choices. If you want a strong, quick and precise ski with real off-piste ability, however, the FX 96 HP still has plenty going for it.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 133/96/119 mm
• Radius: 18.1 m
• Construction: TRI Technology
• Core: Triple-layer wood core
• Reinforcement: Fibreglass / carbon stringers
• Technology: HOLLOWTECH 3.0
• Profile: Low Camber / Dual Rise
• Tip and tail shape: Hook Free
• Character: Strong, quick and precise
• Skiing level: Advanced / Expert
• Intended use: All-Mountain / Freeride

Summary:

A strong and sporty all-mountain ski that combines precise piste performance with genuine ability in softer and more broken terrain. The FX 96 HP's 96 mm waist and Dual Rise make it more relaxed off piste than the FX 86, while the stiff TRI construction keeps it firmly on the performance side of the spectrum. It is not the most forgiving ski in the category, and deep powder is not its main event. For an experienced skier looking for one high-performance ski for the resort that is equally happy leaving the groomer, though, it is a very convincing option.