Kästle TX94 UP — Review

The TX94 UP pairs the standard 94 mm waist of the TX94 with the more durable twin-core / semi-cap construction of the UP tier. 1,490 g per ski at 179 cm (200 g more than the standard TX94), a slightly longer 15.1 m radius (vs 13.2 m), and a brushed protective Armoclad topsheet. Aimed at experienced skiers and tour-starters who want a confidence-building all-round tour 94 over outright uphill efficiency.

On the up the TX94 UP is 200 g heavier per ski than the TX94 — feels it on long ascents but stays well under the 1.5 kg threshold for a usable tour ski. On the descent the twin core poplar adds underfoot damping that the carbon-only TX94 lacks, and the longer 15.1 m sidecut runs cleaner medium-radius arcs on firm corn snow and side-piste. Hook Free shovel and tail forgive bad inputs as the legs go on long days. The brushed Armoclad topsheet survives rocky skin tracks better than the lighter standard finish. It is not a fast carver and 94 mm is not a powder ski, but as a confidence-focused all-rounder it does what the brand promises.

Armoclad Sidewall semi-cap sandwich construction with brushed protective topsheet. Ultra Light Twin Core (paulownia/poplar woodcore) — heavier and more damp than the pure paulownia of the standard TX94. Hollowtech Evo forebody. Low camber profile with Directional Touring Rocker; Hook Free shovel and tail. Factory bevels 88° side, 1° base. Lengths 163 / 171 / 179 / 187 cm. Measured 1,490 g per ski at 179 cm.

Closest internal sibling is the lighter Kästle TX94 — same shape, paulownia/carbon core, 200 g lighter, more demanding to drive but more efficient uphill. Narrower stablemate at the UP tier is the Kästle TX88 UP. Cross-shop, the Atomic Backland 95 is the directly comparable Austrian rival; the Movement Alp tracks 96 is the Swiss alternative; the Salomon Mtn 96 carbon is the French carbon-construction alternative (lighter).

Pros

• Twin core poplar adds underfoot damping that helps confidence on descents.
• Semi-cap sandwich and brushed topsheet survive rocky skin tracks better.
• 15.1 m radius runs cleaner medium arcs than the standard TX94’s 13.2 m.
• Forgiving build — confidence-focused tourers get a smoother downhill.
• Same length range as TX94 (163-187 cm) covers most adults.

Cons

• 200 g heavier per ski than the standard TX94 — felt on long ascents.
• 1,490 g is at the upper limit of practical tour-ski weight.
• Boutique pricing relative to mainstream 94-96 mm tour skis.
• Hook Free both ends caps the snap of a stiffer touring ski.
• Not as efficient on the up as a pure carbon-paulownia 94.

Verdict: For tourers starting out or prioritizing downhill confidence and ski durability over uphill efficiency, the TX94 UP is the right TX in the mid-width bracket. Performance-focused tourers will prefer the lighter standard TX94.