2027 Kastle MX74

The 2027 Kastle MX 74 is a carryover model, bringing the same build, shape, and graphics as last year. Complete with a broad range of length options and a shorter turning mentality, this ski is quick and accessible for sporty and advanced skiers who spend most of their time on groomed surfaces. That said, if you wish to be more adventurous, or for degrading conditions throughout the day, this is a great place to create a confident and composed flow through and over all adverse conditions and terrain. The Kastle MX 74 is a strong yet sophisticated ski that can handle any type of firm and smooth snow. There aren’t too many all-mountain focused skis at this width anywhere.

Kastle’s build quality has been very good over the past ten years or so. They still use a blend of poplar and beech, but they vary the width and densities of the stringers to create a particular effect. In a ski like the MX 74, the core uses a bit more poplar along the outsides to create a lighter feel while the underfoot zone has more beech to make a solid mid-section. On top and bottom, we see two layers of titanal to smooth out the ride and reduce chatter, but that’s not the only vibration reduction system we get in the MX 74. By relying on the HollowTech in the tips, the EVO tech makes for simpler and easier turn initiation while keeping the ski stable and high performing. We get a hefty ski this year, weighing in at 1730 g/ski in the 171 so be prepared to move the ski around. Tester Devon Laidman calls it a “fun ski that holds a turn nicely and can respond very quickly. These were great for the groomers today, but I do feel like that would handle some more snow well too. Good floatability!”

The shape and style of this ski puts it in a rare category. There aren’t many skis this narrow that still fit into an “all-mountain” category. We get measurements of 123/74/103 that generate a 15.4-meter turn radius in the 171 cm length. What we can say about the shape of the MX 74 is that it makes some of the cleanest, roundest, and most confident turns on the planet. For an all-mountain ski, this MX 74 is very square and angular. There’s not a whole lot of freeride or playful influence here—it falls more in line with a front side profile than anything else. Minimal rocker, tiny taper, and nice positive camber underfoot all create this amazing effective edge that just rips carved turns. Taylor Rosenbloom notes that her “first impression was that I was on a slightly longer slalom ski. It was super stable and great on our firm VT ice. I would bring this ski on any groomer from a green to a double black, just as long at it was groomed.”

It does feel like a ski that wants to be on smooth terrain. As a result, this is a specific ski for a specific audience. While advanced skiers will get the most out of the MX 74, there are openings here for progressing intermediates looking for stability and quality. Additionally, for those simply looking for a high-end carving ski that can be used in a multitude of situations, this is a great place to be. If you stick to mainly groomers and want the top end of the top end, look no further than the Kastle MX 74. With legendary build quality and precision, these skis are a must-ski for any carving enthusiast.