Kästle RX12 SL review 2019
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
When we tried the Kästle models in January 2018, we found them very promising, so we decided to include the brand in the 2019 reviews.
The RX12 SL selected for the "Slalom" category was a great surprise. The reviewers found the ski easy to handle for this category, giving it plenty of praise, with "I loved it", "perfect flex for me", "an easy slalom ski"...
The performance isn't quite as good as the Rossignol Hero Elite St Ti R22, but it's absolutely fine. The ski is lively, responsive and extremely enjoyable: "it's such fun riding with such an easy slalom ski!"
Heavier reviewers found the ski's tail had a bit too much flex which cramped turn exit and rebound. To get the best stiffness and grip, the RX12 SL requires careful forward positioning.
We recommend the RX12 SL for light to average good to very good riders for sport or leisure-style short drive turns.
Review: Pros
- Good fun
- Good overall performance
- Good short/long turn versatility
- Comfortable
- Easy-to-handle ski
- Little physical engagement needed
Review: Cons
- As the ski is stiffer at the front, it requires careful forward positioning.
- The flexible tail reduces turn exit and rebound performance
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.3 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.0 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.8 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.5 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.5 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 17.0 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.7 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.2 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
The RX12 SL is hard to beat with its race-inspired sidecuts and sporty character. The tried and tested sandwich construction combined with the Hollowtech 2.0 technology offers a smoother ride and better edge hold in fast turns. Fans of groomed runs will love the RX12 SL thanks to its perfect edge grip and literally explosive short turns. A must for keen riders looking for a piste tool that doesn't just perform well but is awesome in tight turns.
Features of the RX12 SL
| Brand : | Kästle |
| Model : | RX12 SL |
| Year : | 2019 |
| Family : | Slalom |
| Size tested : | 165 cm |
| Tip size : | 118 mm |
| Waist size : | 66 mm |
| Tail size : | 100 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | 12 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2018