INNOVATIONS

Simply put, sandwich construction is the most effective and high-end method to build skis. The various options and combinations of core materials, upper and lower layers, and other components (sidewalls, edges, bases, etc.) allow the optimum construction for every imaginable target use and performance level.

The most important component in state of art in ski design is the appropriate combination of longitudinal flex and torsional rigidity, and the sidecut. Other important factors are tip and tail geometry, camber and last not least ski weight: Kästle’s proprietary Hollowtech technology is a unique feature that reduces the weight of each ski shovel (and in case of dual Hollowtech also the respective tails) by up to 15%.
 
This swing mass concept ensures a smooth ride and consistent edge tracking. A wood core is the central element in ski construction, still offering the best skiing performance with superior vibration damping. Furthermore, compared to polyurethane/foam core skis, the microstructure of wood breaks down much more slowly, increasing the lifespan of the ski, preserving the riding experience for years. Ash wood is perfectly suited for building on-piste models such as the RX line.

Ash combines an excellent performance – to – weight ration with superior hardness, flex, and impact strength. Silver fir is a softer wood. It is used in ski cores primarily because of its low weight and soft flex, as desired in the new LX line. Silver fir in combination with ash delivers performance, while shaving off weight, as used in the MX70, MX78 and MX88. The FX line of skis as well as the Freeride models MX98, MX108 and MX128 use different combinations of ash, silver fir and poplar, another lighter wood. Whereas the hardwood stringers ensure structural stability in these combinations, the lighter woods keep the ski weight low.

The supporting layers of the skis are made up of fiberglass and titanal layers called chords. The chords are glued to the top and bottom of the wood core. Additional layers of rubber are then added to enhance the vibration dampening characteristics of the skis.

SANDWICH SIDEWALL The sidewalls of the ski enhance power transmission to the edges and protect the wood core. Kästle offers two types of sidewalls: Phenol is a high-strength fiber material who’s properties direct power transmission on hard and icy groomers. ABS is a softer but more durable sidewall material that absorbs punctual shocks and reduces the risk of edge damage in the backcountry.

SANDWICH CAP
Trying to develop a ski with the appropriate marriage of torsional stiffness and flex that allows lower level skiers to rip cannot be achieved by simply making a sandwich sidewall construction softer. At a certain point, traditional sandwich sidewall construction lacks the torsional rigidity to achieve this marriage. In order to combine a softer and harmonic longitudinal flex with an appropriate level of torsional stability a conventional sandwich is enclosed with a multilayer fiberglass cap. The wood core and inner titanal layers allow for a perfect design of flex and dampening characteristics. The enclosing cap acts like a torsion box and adds high torsional rigidity. Sandwich cap construction can be extremely functional, as long internal quality is maintained, because of torsional rigidity benefits.