2027 Kastle Transcend 114

The 2027 Kastle Transcend 114 is the widest of this new grouping of freeride skis and is certianly the most soft-snow oriented. From the 98 through the 104 and into this 114, the Transcend line is a fun, well-built series of skis that thrive in creative and playful conditions and terrain. With a strong and sturdy build to complement a fun and shapely profile, these skis blend hard charging with surfy flotation with relative ease. Additionally, the 114 is a sharp-looking ski with fun graphics and a unique style.

Built with a blend of poplar and beech, the Transcend 114 uses Kastle’s Twin Core technology to power the ski. With more of a macro block formation, these wider stringers allow for increased flex and a more playful feel. Kastle’s Powerzone Titanal laminate is found underfoot and extends a bit outwards from the binding zone. While not a full layer of titanal, the Powerzone acts as a damping portion underfoot as well as an increase in edge grip, although the hope is that you never need to use these skis on firmer snow. They’re stiffer underfoot and have more of a progressive flex in the shovels and the tails. In the 185 cm length, these skis sit on the scale at a stated weight of 2285 g/ski. While that’s on the heavy side, it’s important to note that they are also meant to be used aggressively in an off-piste and big mountain scenario.

At 114 mm underfoot, these skis are perfectly aligned with deep and fresh snow. Whether you’re seeking out dramatic mountain peaks or soft pillow lines, the Transcend 114 is a pure freeride weapon for mashing through powder, crud, chop, or other multi-dimensional snow types. There’s not much of an all-mountain application here—that's saved more for the narrower 98’s and 104’s, while this 114 is considerably more dedicated in a freeride fashion. There’s a 20-meter turn radius in the 185, but it’s capable of a lot more than just that. The flex, combined with the ample rocker profile and taper shape, allows skiers to vary turn shape and style with different levels of pressure. The ski does not complain when it comes to this type of manipulation, as the Transcend is capable of easing into turns and letting it run depending on conditions and terrain. There’s quite a bit of shovel taper here, and that gives the ski a poppy feel in deeper snow and does not let the ski sink no matter what.

We think these will find a good home in their first year of existence. The 98 and 104 are very intuitive and easy to like, and the 114 will accomplish the same types of feelings for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for a powder-specific ski. These aren’t terribly versatile, but within the realm in which they exceed, we’ve been very impressed so far with the Transcend 114.