Last season's MX88 was an outstanding ski and perhaps wisely Kästle has opted for evolution rather than revolution with its successor, the MX89.
Sharp-eyed readers may have already worked out that an extra millimetre has been added to the width underfoot, while Kästle has also tinkered with the elliptical cut-out in the nose. That larger 'Hollowtech 2.0' insert in the tip is designed for an even lower swing weight and adds a damping effect at high speed.
The MX89 is the widest in the range, which is also available in 84 and 74 widths, while Kästle now offers five length options - up from four in previous seasons - so whatever your body shape, weight and style there should be an MX to suit you.
The MX89 has outstanding edge hold for the category and was surprisingly nimble for a ski 89mm underfoot and 180cm long - the length we tested.
The stiff tail has a nice 'racey' feel and whips you out of turns, while it is as stable as it gets thanks to both a Titanal base sheet and top sheet sandwiching an Ash/Silver Fir wood core. This ski needs to be driven hard to get the most from it, but it deserves to be - no passengers allowed.
Off-piste, the ski gains great float from the 129mm wide nose, while the MX89 eats crud and chopped up snow for breakfast.
That combination means the MX89 is quite a ski. It's expensive at £699 without bindings, but in this case you get what you pay for.
