Last tested
2024
Status:ongoing
2025

TX 88

New for season 2024–25, lightweight and versatile with a short turn radius, it's lots of fun for skiers with good technique, but not difficult to master
In brief
Suitable for
lightweight versatility
Not suitable for
big mountain style
Also suitable for
technical terrain, narrow gullies
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
  • Buyer’s Guide reviews
  • Gallery
  • In words
  • Technical specifications

Buyer’s Guide reviews

Positioning
Handling
Traditional ski-tourer
Suggested curve arc
Short radius
Used by
Mike Arnold
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
On-snow performance
Hard / packed
Powder
Wind-blown / crust
Damp / wet
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
The charts show our impressions from testing
Product info
Category average
Trip purpose
Height difference / Engagement
Performance / Line
Skiing / Slope
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Recommended use
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Recommended level
Technical Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
High level
Weight
lightmedianheavy
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in

In words

Intro
TX is Kästle's lightweight touring collection, which also includes the race model. The 88 is the narrowest non-race ski, sitting alongside the 94 and 99. The cap sandwich construction wraps lightweight paulownia in carbon and fiberglass laminate, for a weight of no more than 1,365 g (3 lbs.) in the longest length, and one of the shortest turn radiuses in the category. It's had a radical overhaul this season, though as ever the focus is on lightweight skiability.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
On the snow
You only need to think about turning and it does it. With that 15 m turning radius it couldn't be any other way, and if we were trying to find its target market, it could well be skiers who love short, tight turns. It's easy to handle, playful and versatile, though to get the best from it, you need to get to know it, which good skiers will have no problem doing. With its low weight and agility you can take it anywhere, even on more committing lines, maybe a narrow couloir. The sidecut would suggest it's not suited to steep descents or couloirs, but it doesn't get in the way, and it's particularly nimble on tight terrain and mogul fields. It offers plenty of contact with the terrain, so you could even go for a slightly shorter length. TL;DR: the UP models from the TX line with their poplar cores are more pliant and playful, suitable for all; this model requires a certain amount of skill and technique, but if that's you, you won't be disappointed.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Lab
Slightly concave at the tip, almost completely flat after 10 passes on the base grinder. Structure applied with smooth borders, needs redoing; waxed. Good edges 1.9 x 1.6 mm at 90.6° (too much), base edge 0.75°. Very coarse finish, rust in places, edges need checking. Tuning essential.
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in

Technical specifications

Construction
cap-sidewall
Materials
paulownia, glass fiber, carbon fiber
Base
sintered UHMWPE with graphite and carbon
Available sizes
151, 159, 167, 175, 183
Released in
2024
Made in
Czech Republic
Price
899 €
Declared specsMeasured by us
We measured the length 175 to get all the details
175 cm
Length
XXXXX
125 cm
Tip width
XXXXX
112 cm
Tail width
XXXXX
88 cm
Waist width
XXXXX
N/A
Edge contact
XXXXX
N/A
Camber
XXXXX
N/A
Tip rocker
XXXXX
N/A
Tail rocker
XXXXX
1.300 g
Individual weight
XXXXX
N/A
Left weight
XXXXX
N/A
Right weight
XXXXX
15,5 m
Sidecut radius
XXXXX
N/A
Load-bearing surface
XXXXX
N/A
Tip torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Center torsion
XXXXX
N/A
Tail torsion
XXXXX
Subscribe to unlock all the Buyer’s Guide reviews Subscribe
Already subscribed?
Log in
Top stories
Tutorial
Emergency Repairs on Ski Bases

The Skialper tutorials

Tutorial
Maintenance and complete check-up of ski mountaineering bindings

The Skialper tutorials

2025
Thoughts
At the heart of every ski

Editorial

2025
Intro
Test center

Where the snow is always present

2025
Intro
Skimo skins

It's not all about grip

2025
Instruction
Boot lab: Boots under the microscope

The laboratory analysis of flex, walkability, and thermal insulation of ski mountaineering boots

2025
Intro
Skimo poles
2025
Intro
Safety, a culture of doubt

Beyond the basic definition, there’s nothing as variable as snow conditions and the human psyche when under emotional stress. That's why, after purchasing the right self-rescue kit and airbag backpack, it’s paramount you do your research, train, scrutinize your decisions and, if necessary, opt for plan B. And, at least for now, don’t rely on artificial intelligence. 

2025
Race
Light
Tour
Free
Awards
Best bindings 2025

Skiaklper's Awards

2025
Intro
Products for mountaineers

Once you’ve chosen your skis, boots and bindings, your thoughts then turn to harnesses, crampons, ice axe and helmet, though perhaps not everyone, and not straight away. While it’s true that when starting out, especially for those transitioning from resort skiing who just want to start surfing some pow, the important thing is to get self-rescue equipment. It’s equally true, however, that the sport we love is a combination of two words: skiing and mountaineering.

Recommended pairing
BOOT OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
La Sportiva
Kilo
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.000 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Roxa
RX Scout
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.290 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Atomic
Backland Carbon
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.162 g
SMART CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Tecnica
Zero G Peak
Buckles: 2
Weight: 980 g
BOOT OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
Tecnica
Zero G Peak W
Buckles: 2
Weight: 900 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
La Sportiva
Kilo Woman
Buckles: 2
Weight: 915 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Scarpa
F1 GT
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.165 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Tecnica
Zero G Peak Carbon
Buckles: 2
Weight: 990 g
PRO'S CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Scarpa
F1 XT
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.145 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Scarpa
F1 LT
Buckles: 2
Weight: 990 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Scarpa
F1
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.260 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Dynafit
TLT X
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.030 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Dynafit
Blacklight
Buckles: 2
Weight: 990 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
La Sportiva
Skorpius CR II
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.190 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
Salomon
MTN Summit Pro W
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.020 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
Scarpa
F1 GT WMN
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.075 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
La Sportiva
Stellar II
Buckles: 1
Weight: 1.075 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
Atomic
Backland Pro UL W
Buckles: 2
Weight: 929 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Made for women
Atomic
Backland Pro W
Buckles: 3
Weight: 1.050 g
tested 2025
Boots
Light
Atomic
Backland Pro
Buckles: 2
Weight: 1.170 g
Recommended setup
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
Tour
Plum
Pika Stopper
Type: full pin
Weight: 265 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR TOUR
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
RT 11 Evo
Type: full pin
Weight: 295 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Plum
R170
Type: full pin
Weight: 170 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
Trofeo 10 Plus
Type: full pin
Weight: 170 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Tour
Ski Trab
Titan Vario.2 + Stopper
Type: full pin
Weight: 309 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Dynafit
Superlite 150 +
Type: full pin
Weight: 294 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Race
Light
Kreuzspitze
RS
Type: full pin
Weight: 169 g
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
Plum
Oazo 8
Type: full pin
Weight: 205 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Dynafit
Mezzalama+
Type: full pin
Weight: 165 g
BINDING OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
Haute Route 10 Plus
Type: full pin
Weight: 220 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Kreuzspitze
GT 2.0
Type: full pin
Weight: 223 g
preview 2025
Bindings
Light
Grizzly
GR Olympic Tour
Type: full pin
Weight: 148 g
preview 2024
Bindings
Light
Grizzly
Olympic II
Type: full pin
Weight: 120 g
tested 2024
Bindings
Light
Tour
Plum
Pika
Type: full pin
Weight: 265 g
preview 2024
Bindings
Light
Dynafit
Superlite 150
Type: full pin
Weight: 150 g
preview 2024
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
Trofeo 6 Plus
Type: full pin
Weight: 204 g
tested 2024
Bindings
Light
ATK Bindings
RT 10 Evo
Type: full pin
Weight: 280 g
Similar products
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
K2
Wayback 89 W
Width Center: 89 mm
Weight: 1.150 g
tested 2024
Skis
Light
Made for women
Salomon
MTN 86 W Carbon
Width Center: 86 mm
Weight: 980 g
preview 2024
Skis
Light
Made for women
Elan
Rispstick Tour 88 W
Width Center: 88 mm
Weight: 1.150 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Dynafit
Radical 88 W
Width Center: 87 mm
Weight: 1.210 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Salomon
MTN 86 W Pro
Width Center: 86 mm
Weight: 1.130 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Movement
Alp Tracks 85 W
Width Center: 85 mm
Weight: 1.010 g
SKI OF THE YEAR LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Blizzard
Zero G 85 W
Width Center: 85 mm
Weight: 1.110 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Scott
Superguide 88 Women's
Width Center: 84 mm
Weight: 1.250 g
preview 2024
Skis
Light
Made for women
Atomic
Backland 85 W
Width Center: 84.5 mm
Weight: 1.130 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
K2
Wayback 89
Width Center: 89 mm
Weight: 1.275 g
PEOPLE'S CHOICE LIGHT
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Wedze
Wilder 85
Width Center: 85 mm
Weight: 1.320 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Hagan
Ultra 84
Width Center: 84 mm
Weight: 1.050 g
preview 2025
Skis
Light
DPS
Carbon Pagoda Tour CFL 90
Width Center: 90 mm
Weight: 1.320 g
tested 2025
Skis
Light
Made for women
Armada
Locator 88
Width Center: 88 mm
Weight: 1.125 g
preview 2024
Skis
Light
Völkl
Rise Above 88
Width Center: 88 mm
Weight: 1.187 g
tested 2024
Skis
Light
Ski Trab
Magico.2
Width Center: 85 mm
Weight: 1.050 g
preview 2024
Skis
Light
Ski Trab
Bernina 90
Width Center: 90 mm
Weight: 1.170 g
tested 2024
Skis
Light
Ski Trab
Mistico.2
Width Center: 90 mm
Weight: 1.100 g
tested 2024
Skis
Light
Kästle
TX 87 Up
Width Center: 87 mm
Weight: 1.380 g