These are some fun ones from Kastle. The ZX108 is looking to introduce a new generation to the quality, precision, and performance of Kastle skis. With a fat, fun, freeride-y shape, the ZX108 is more casually known as the “Drifter.” The name really does say what it does, implying that you can ski as well sideways on these things as you can frontwards. It’s this type of playful personality that has in high-demand lately, as most of the focus on ski companies has been made to increase the amount of skiers in soft, fresh, and deep snow. At least, that’s what the marketing would have you think. In that light, the Drifter loves to be found in soft snow, and if you’re looking for a high-end ski that has a lot of playfulness and precision, the ZX108 is a fantastic and unique choice.
Thanks to the shape, profile, and construction, the ZX108 is an ideal ski for the deep stuff. Built with a poplar and beech wood core, the skis have a nice blend of light weight and high strength. The dense beech plays well with the lighter poplar, allowing skiers to easily change the shape and direction of the turn without thinking too hard about it. It’s this type of predictability that makes the quality of the Kastle skis really jump off the page. Skiers who want to float through the pow will love the tapered tips with the Hollowtech 2.0 makes for a lighter front portion of the ski and better flotation. The rocker in the tail combined with that taper allows for that drifty feeling that’s easy to release.