MY FIRST POWDER DAY.AND MY EPIC FAIL

Let's be honest: choosing the right skis can feel like navigating a minefield of jargon and confusing tech specs. I know, because I've been there. My first foray into powder skiing involved a pair of skis that were, shall we say, less than ideal. I ended up face-planting spectacularly on a relatively easy slope—picture a cartoon-style tumble with snow everywhere. That's when I realized: gear matters. A lot.

So, in comparing the Kastle MX84 to the Elan Ripstick 96, I figured I'd share my experience with you so that perhaps I can save you from a similar face-plant. I will go over the main differences so you can find the perfect match for your all-mountain adventures.

Kastle MX84: All-Round Fun

Kastle MX84 says it without saying a word: this is the ski that whispers, 'I can do it all.' It's just so damned versatile—tame enough for those who enjoy spending all day ripping groomers but also like to get in a little off-piste adventure, not built for super deep powder. They'll make every day more variable conditions easier. I was surprised to see how playful and nimble they were. I've used these personally on a few trips out to Utah and always found them to be reliable and fun. The sidecut makes them quite comfortable on the groomers, and the lightness of the skis makes tree runs very enjoyable.

• Great for: All-mountain skiing with a focus on groomed runs and varied conditions.
• Not ideal for: Deep powder days or extreme off-piste terrain. It wouldn't be my first pick for tackling a serious backcountry adventure.

Elan Ripstick 96: The Powder-Hungry Beast

Well, now, talk about the Elan Ripstick 96. These are just a completely different animal. Where the MX84 is nimble and playful, the Ripstick 96 just feels like a beast of power. This is the ski to live your dream about deep, untouched powder. A wider waist will help keep you afloat and an incredibly stiff flex offers great stability. While these can handle crud or hardpack well, they are definitely more at home when the snow is waist-deep or more. Not as versatile as the MX84, so make sure this is what you're looking for before spending your money. * Great for: Powder days, navigating variable snow, and still having a fun time on the groomers.

• Not suited for: Purely groomed runs. These skis would be a bit clumsy if you're not skiing in fresh powder.

Head-to-Head: MX84 vs. Ripstick 96

It all boils down to prioritizing the purpose. Here is a quick comparison:

| Feature | Kastle MX84 | Elan Ripstick 96 |

#

| Waist Width | 84mm | 96mm |

| Terrain | All-mountain, groomed runs, light off-piste | Powder, variable snow, some groomed runs |

| Skill Level | Intermediate to advanced | Comfortable with powder and intermediate to advanced |

| Feel | Playful nimble responsive | Powerful, stable, buoyant |

Honestly, the skis are equally great. MX84 is an all-around excellent ski due to its versatility, and the Ripstick 96 is pretty nearly unbeatable in powder so what kind of skier are you?

Beyond the Skis: The Whole Package

Remember, the right skis are only half the equation. Don't forget about bindings, boots, and layers! The right gear for your skiing style is key to having fun on the slopes and prevents injury. Proper boots provide the correct support for comfortable skiing. Comfortable clothing ensures your time outside is as enjoyable as possible. Skiing is supposed to be fun, so go prepared! So, hit the slopes, and have a fantastic time. And hopefully, you'll avoid my first-day-powder-fail!