The Kessler Cross Light
The Kessler Cross Light is a true boardercross board. This is a real snowboard with no shape gimmick (aka rocker) generally referred to as technology. Just keep in mind the KST revolutionized snowsports as we know it. Lifting the definition from the Kessler-Swiss website: “Lighter build, easier to control, easier to ride. For light riders who don’t want weak boards, but demand as much bite and the same performance as the heavy hitters. THE CROSS LIGHT combines the uncompromising champion properties of THE CROSS with additional effortless control and the best handling. For sheer driving pleasure at the highest level.”
We sort of agree with everything stated above. While lighter riders will find this board more joy to ride, the heavy weights and very strong riders will also enjoy it more. Its reduced weight translates into wings. You will fly on Cross Light. The Cross Light is a homing device for hits and jumps. One has to be careful as it launches further and higher and a sheer pleasure and joy to ride. Definitely the most playful boardercross board we have ridden. We cannot wait to take this champion machine into the pipe.
This board will be holy grail for those with freestyle background that have been possessed by the speed demon. Poppy, extremely stable at speed and yet quite damp without sacrificing feel. For those with alpine experience, we say “let the fun begin”.
This board reminds us of the Palmer Platinum but with a lot more umph. Everyone should know who Palmer is Sean Palmer; and the relative few that had the pleasure and privilege of riding the limited-edition Kessler-built 100% Carbon Platinum know what we are talking about. There you have it, look no more, it is reincarnated with much more. We ran this light-weight rocket ship on a course immediately after slalom training expecting to have our teeth rattled out of our mouth. Boy, we were very disappointed. The Cross Light chewed up the gnarly ruts as if they were not there. If we have one recommendation, it will be to make it in a 168 for the big guy that want to have some fun while crushing it at speed, as the 163 we tested did not give us enough platform. Haven gotten used to the custom Kessler Cross 170, we find this downsizing a bit too constricting for a real snowboard.