KÄSTLERX11

These skis, also familiar from previous seasons, tend either to be loved or to resist every attempt at understanding. That is exactly how our testers split – fifty-fifty. Such a result clearly suggests a ski with real character. Comments included: “You either like these skis or you do not. I like them. They grip very well on hard snow, feel lively and react quickly to commands. Highly effective in short turns on a steep pitch. Great fun.” Another tester wrote: “For skiers who enjoy long carved arcs, although medium-radius turns are possible too. Secure and stable through the turn, and quick from arc to arc. I was surprised by how much enjoyment they delivered.” We also heard: “The tips flap and the tails hop, yet they still run with stability and confidence. They demand a centred stance, and from there they hold the chosen arc extremely well. Changing rhythm is childishly easy. An all-day ski, although probably for more powerfully built skiers.” This was followed by: “Among the more dynamic skis in the category. The long 17-metre radius opens the door to real speed, while the narrow waist permits lightning-fast edge changes. They accelerate well out of the turn. An excellent balance of aggression and smoothness.” The other half of the test team replied: “We did not get along. The relatively long radius suggests competence in longer arcs, but that is precisely where the tips chatter badly. Edge grip is not fully convincing. Easy and friendly in short turns. A positive is the low overall weight.” And: “Very light, easy and agile. Their rebound surprised me – perhaps it is even too strong, because in combination with their lightness it becomes difficult to keep them fully under control. I never found a sufficiently secure platform or enough stability through the turn.”