Well after my experience in Jackson Hole last week (attack of the gobulent snow fall), I wanted something a bit more than the MX78 to plow through the mush. I've had my eye on the Kastle FX84 for about 2 seasons but thought my western quiver fairly comfortable.
I found an ok deal on the 84 (last one in the country I could find) and it arrived yesterday with the Marker Jester adjustible binding. So...bases checked, bindings checked, edges checked, 3 hot waxes and a scrap, 1 coat of Swix red, it was off to our local mountain this afternoon. I don't know about you guys but anytime I get new gear, that first time on the mountain is always an anxious moment...yeah...lik e a first date.
First thing I noticed was the standard binding location was to far back for me...a quick turn of the screw and I'm on top of the world....crazy how 1 centimeter can make a ski go from stubborn to co-operative. AND I had the ideal conditions to test the sk in...as if I called Mother Nature and pleaded. It was 37 degrees, raining (she threw that in for giggles) and the snow was soft mashed pushed around spring snow. First thing I noticed was the ski arc's differently than the MX78. The spoon shape of the shovel allows it to push through the snow differently than the 78. I like it for the conditions, seemed more connected. It has the same turning radius as the 78 so I felt right at home there. So I let some long turns rip and the ski was very stable, I think more so than the 78 would have been in those conditions. Short and medium turns were easy as pie...the 84 builds confidence.
So after the first day in these condtions....I'm very happy....Figure I could take this and the DPS for western skiing and I think I'd have better coverage for western conditions...much more to come. But so far....rock stable, easy and quick turning and large on the fun factor.
G