2022 Kastle FX96 Ti Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com

This week, Jeff and Bob talk about the new 2022 Kastle FX96 Ti, the similarities and differences between it and the ski it's replacing, metal vs no metal, a little bit on the ZX100, and more!
www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...

[@stewartperry7797]

106*F outside and I’m watching my favorite ski essentials to keep coooool. 😎

[@randyabbonizio6216]

Excellent detailed discussion guys -- very informative.

[@SkiEssentials]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dbquek]

Great review guys....much better graphics too....clean and understated.

[@SkiEssentials]

I agree! Love the new graphics.

[@geneticadam]

Great content as always. What are the major differences between the Fx96 TI vs. Mantra M6?

[@SkiEssentials]

In my opinion, the M6 Mantra is one of the most precise skis in its category. Feels a little stiffer and I think it carves a little better, but not as versatile as the FX 96 Ti. Kind of feels right in between the M6 and the previous version of the FX 96. More precise than the ski it's replacing, but more versatile and easier maneuverability than the M6.

[@loiselleyanick]

Hi guys, I’ve been watching many of your videos and truly appreciate your reviews. Just tried a Stöckli SR 95 this week and really loved it. Playful and easy to ski in all conditions AND very stable and quick from edge to edge. Question: would the Kastle FX96 ti offer a very similar feel and performance? I’m 53 years, 6’0 and 215 lb, advanced skier who likes to go fast. Looking to add an all around ski for most conditions. Thanks in advance Yanick

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Yanick! I find the Kastle to be a bit stiffer and heavier than the Stockli. This gives it a bit more of a front side feel while the Stockli is very quiet and quick. If speed and on-trail performance is a priority, I'd certainly give a stronger look to the Kastle, but the Stockli will likely do just fine.

[@niccolombo2247]

What is the mount point? Did you guys test multiple?

[@andreii.6094]

Watched your reviews of FX96 Ti and MX88, thank you! I wonder, how would you compare these two skis? The difference in width is only 8 mm, not that much, and there are much wider skis these days available for deep powder days, so, if you had these two skis, which would you chose and what type of day or snow conditions would make you chose one over the other? Thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

If I choose the 96, that's my only ski. If I get the 88, I'm going to want a wider ski to complement it in softer snow and powder. The shape and build are a bit different, with the FX 96 having softer wood and wider stringers. The tight grouping of the dense wood in the MX's stringer composition makes it quite a bit more stable and solid on firmer snow. The 88 is a considerably stronger carver with better grip, so I'd take that on days when I'm going to be confined mainly to the groomed terrain, but if the snow gets deep or chunky, I'm going to want the 96. That said, the 96 has a very solid and confident feel on hard pack as well, just not quite as secure or powerful as the 88.

[@gregor1]

Great review as usual. What would be the difference between them and a Stöckli Stormrider 95?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Stormrider 95 has more of a preference to finish each carving turn, or in other words, a little more focused on carving and a little less versatile than the FX96 Ti. Stormrider 95 actually kind of feels like it leans more towards the MX side of things, although it's not as demanding as those skis.

[@matt02468]

@@SkiEssentials mx84 is an incredible ski. my go to east coast hard charging carving ski. i had the old fx95 hp but actually replaced it with a rossi blackops 98 and have never looked back. much more playful than the kastle fx series skis and they don't beat me up in the trees or bumps.

[@chrisgravel7157]

Hey guys I have an MX99 and owned a FX106HP both in 184. Loved both skis, didn't miss the metal in the FX106hp, I just wished it was a few cm longer for a touch more float and top end but it was a hero ski both on and off piste. How much frontside performance do you think I will loose if I go from MX99 to FX96ti? I love the power of the MX99 and find as I did the MX98 the flex and design is uber predictable everywhere it just doesn't make skiing 'easy' or isn't terrible forgiving in tight bumps, trees etc. Heard great things about the new FX96ti's balance of skills but its a big $ commitment so feedback welcome!

[@SkiEssentials]

I don't think it's a big downgrade at all--I found the new FX 96 Ti to be a fanastically strong performer on the groomers and firm snow. I think you may lose just a bit of stability in the shovel and the tail, but the mid-body of the ski feels very similar and powerful. Yes, the money is a thing for sure, but we've been justifying it by saying that it's one or two dinners out with a date and that's the difference. SE

[@darinsmith2458]

I have to comment on this since I just bought some 2021 Kastle FX 96. What length did you guys ski? Did it matter if they were TI or not for the length?

[@SkiEssentials]

180 was our test length. Good for me at 6/2 225 and another tester at 6/4, but we would both likely choose the 188 to purchase.

[@darinsmith2458]

@@SkiEssentials I am 5.9 210 and I really want to be around 180 so I am guessing this will be a good length for me.

[@jeffs8525]

Love and the sound of this new model. But sure wish they kept last year‘s graphic. Lol

[@ericeustace9662]

How does the FX96 Ski the bumps compared to the FX86? I’m torn between the two. I stay in the bumps 80-90% so was leaning towards the 86 but the 96 has a lot of pros too

[@SkiEssentials]

Hi Eric! The 86 was almost universally lauded in our 2022 ski test as being a fantastic mogul ski. The shovel is just a bit more flexible than that of the 96, and it has the narrower waist to make turning quicker, grippier, and more efficient. If you're in the bumps that much, I'd go with the 86. Have fun! SE

[@jeffs8525]

I have the FX 96 @172 and the MX88 @168. like them both in the bumps equally well but they are different. From my experience, I can assure you the FX 86 would be a superior Bumpski to both. Especially if you get it between eyebrow and forehead in length. 88’s tail is punishing and 96 is getting wide for the bumps. FX 86 would rock in the bumps and everywhere else. Let’s be honest… 86 in width will put a smile on your face any day less the ultra rare super Pow day.