2027 Kastle MX84

Each year, everyone wants to get on this ski. The 2027 Kastle MX84 returns unchanged for this year, bringing the same build, shape, and graphics now in year three. This slot for Kastle has always produced one of those skis that just makes the cleanest and roundest turns on the market. While you can certainly use this in an all-mountain format, the 84 is at its happiest in a groomed environment. In this realm, the skis hook to the turn instantly, hold throughout the carve, and release dynamically into the next arc. Kastle has been known for quality and precision over the years, and those characteristics flow seamlessly into the next season. While advanced and expert skiers will have the best success here, there is some wiggle room for progressing intermediates looking for a high-end product. The shovels are at least a bit light and flexible, keeping it out of the demanding side of the spectrum. But if you want to let it run and rip, it’ll stand up to that as well.

Build quality has always been a high point in these skis. In terms of construction, Kastle uses their InfiniCore construction to bring the MX84 into modernity. They’ve always done a great job by using thin stringers of different woods to create a specific character, and this is the most current iteration of that technology. In the MX84, Kastle uses a blend of poplar and beech stringers. There’s a bit more poplar on the outer portions and denser beech through the middle. This creates a slightly more accessible turn initiation while keeping the bulk and spine of the ski totally stable and secure. The strength is due to the addition of two metal laminates to the ski for stability and smoothness. We do get less swing weight in the tips due to Hollowtech Evo—the whole shovel is reduced in mass to dampen vibrations and keep the ski on its intended path. The 176 hits 1940 grams on the scale, an uptick of about 80 grams per ski over the previous iteration. Tester Bryce Zicarelli states that “This thing is wild, insanely planted and smooth. Definitely not something I would own, but would certainly ski it any chance I got. It felt like the MX84 but stiffer and more racey. Because of its stiffness and power, it does want to be driven and therefore requires a lot of consistent input. But those efforts are very much rewarded in every turn.”

Most skis in the mid-80's have some all-mountain qualities to them. While this can be true for the MX84, it’s still a bit happier in an on-trail format. In the 176, this ski generates a 16.3-meter turn radius, showing that they prefer to be on edge. Even in the 183, the 17.8-meter arc is capable of some shorter turns. There is minimal taper and rocker to speak of here, as these all-mountain skis hide a lot of front side tendencies. The wider shovel has slight taper, but the tail is quite square and angular. This works harmoniously with the Hollowtech Evo and the metal in the tail. Initiation is somewhat accessible, but the finish portion of the turn lights it up. Tester Bob St.Pierre notes that “The MX84 is a very sharp and precise ski that is not very forgiving of mistakes. You need to be on top of it and engaged--an active part in the skiing process--in order to get all of the performance. It's not a shy ski but it is very rewarding if you are able to deposit the proper input.”

Kastle’s precision and quality is reflected in the price and performance. Best when on the feet of experienced and skilled skiers, the 2027 Kastle MX84 is a pure carver that has extra width for choppy and challenging snow. While they fall into the all-mountain division within Kastle’s line, they sure seem more like front side skis to us. That’s fine, and when they come along with endless stability, smoothness, precision, and quality, we’re not going to complain about much here. We’ve loved the grip and roundness of the Kastle MX84 for years, and that’ll continue going forward.