Comparison Review 2018 Blizzard Brahma v 2018 Kastle FX85 HP

[karlo]

Hi. Has anyone compared these two skis, if not 2018, at least current generation? The matter of specific interest is quickness of tip engagement. I spoke to a salesman on the phone to get a sense of the design. He told me the rise location is about the same, but that the HP's tip rise is greater than that of the Brahma. Not actually being there, hard to judge how significant. Hoping that someone has actually compared.

What do I want to do? I want to be able to crank out short radius turns. I will do it by bending the ski. I don't care that the HP has a bigger radius, as the ski bend will be dominant. But, for sure I want to get quick, early tip engagement high in the turn.

Not that it makes a difference, but I would be going with the 180 Brahma or the 181 HP. And, if you haven't skied the 2018 Brahma, comparison of 2017 Brahma with current HP would also be helpful.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Mike Thomas]

The Kastle has a significant amount of tip taper to go along with rocker splay, the Brahma does not. Early tip engagement for the Kastle just isn't a 'thing' it will do... early "mid-shovel"? Sure, but not the tip. Not on firm snow.

 

[KingGrump]

Like Mike said, tip engagement and FX85 HP should not be included in the same sentence.
Short turns - Hmmmm, NO.
Good soft snow ski, but definitely leave it home when the snow gets heavy and firm.

 

[Tony S]

But, for sure I want to get quick, early tip engagement high in the turn.

So ... ... why these two skis, then?

 

[Drahtguy Kevin]

Like Mike said, tip engagement and FX85 HP should not be included in the same sentence.
Short turns - Hmmmm, NO.
Good soft snow ski, but definitely leave it home when the snow gets heavy and firm.

Grump nails it. The tip on the FX is maddeningly slow to engage. If patience isn’t your thing, stay away from the FX. I found the newest Brahma a nice ride all over the mountain.

 

[karlo]

So ... ... why these two skis, then?

Looking for lowest weight Ti ski that can be skied as described. HP and Brahma are 1950g and 2000g respectively. For weight, willing to go as low as mid-80's. For stability, not willing to go below 180's.