AWARD
Kästle RX12 GS review 2020
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
The comments we made last year about the Kästle RX12 GS can be also be said about this year’s model.
Overall performance is good. The testers were especially impressed by the turn entry, which is intuitive and precise.
The ski is versatile and at ease in all types of turns. It can go slowly and even make skidded turns. Its medium radius, its sidecut, and its flexibility make it very proficient in carved turns and a lot of fun as well.
The Kästle RX12 GS, is a soft ski for this category with a shorter radius (16 m), and it is not a true giant slalom ski despite its “GS” label. Performance at high speed is weaker than the Dynastar or the Völkl.
However, the ski offers a great balance of fun and accessibility. Although the professional testers were disappointed by the mediocre performance of the ski, the non-professional “expert” testers all said that they “loved” the ski. The capacity to create big edge angles, the awesome edge grip at moderate speeds, the versatility, and the liveliness of this ski make it a total blast.
We recommend the Kästle RX12 GS for advanced to expert skiers who want to have fun on a lively, smooth, and “very enjoyable” ski. Fans of long GS-style turns should try a more specialized ski.
Review: Pros
- Overall performance
- Turn initiation and turn entry
- Playful
- Edge grip and hold
- Versatile
- Super fun
- Great at carving
Review: Cons
- Weaker performance than the best in the category
- Edge breaks away and the ski washes out at high speed
- The end of the turn is less dynamic
- The radius is too short for a GS ski
The ski review scores
| Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
| Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.8 |
| Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.0 |
| Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.2 |
| Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
| Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.5 |
| Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 16.0 |
| Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 14.7 |
| Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 15.5 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
You'll love the RX12 GS with its race-inspired sidecuts and lively character. The trusted sandwich construction combined with the Hollowtech 2.0 technology offers a smoother ride and better edge hold at high speeds. Experienced skiers will love the RX12 GS for its awesome edge grip when carving long turns. Perfect for aggressive skiers who love the groomers.
Features of the RX12 GS
| Brand : | Kästle |
| Model : | RX12 GS |
| Year : | 2020 |
| Family : | Giant slalom |
| Size tested : | 175 cm |
| Tip size : | 112 mm |
| Waist size : | 68 mm |
| Tail size : | 100 mm |
| Radius for the size reviewed : | 16 m |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2019