Dynastar ski reviews 2011

Dynastar, storied, be-medalled and venerable, presents a balanced line with models ranging from "almost real" World Cup race skis to rockered big mountain guns. The new Sultan Legend 94, for example, sports a fully rockered tip and rides the rough stuff like a cadillac, in this skier's opinion. It is joined by the Legend Sultan 115. The 6th sense twin group adds the 23m rocker-tipped Slicer. Fortunately the Contact 4X4, one of the most versatile expert-level skis on the market, returns unchanged.

The female-specific Exclusive collection sees the addition of the Paradise 98mm ski and Idyll 78 which bumps the Legend.

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technical definitions

Contact Cross

Carver frenzy, dubbed "4x4 Lite" by one tester.

Suitable for skier cross, but versatile enough for an everyday ski on the frontside, for skilled technical skiers.

Contact Active

Companion to the 4X4, designed for women. Versatile, non-demanding but high performance.

"Easy turning ski, very forgiving, even late in the day in less than ideal conditions. Good edge hold in scraped off groomers, solid in all conditions."

Legend Sultan 80

Strong skiers will probably still prefer the 85; ours did. But, the majority of less than level 9 skiers will likely enjoy the 80 more than the more demanding 85. Well mannered, smooth and predictable.

Fast, aggressive skiers, definitely the Sultan 85.

Exclusive Eden

The Eden is the female-specific analog to the Sultan 85 and most of our female testers who skied it, loved it. One raved that "This great woman's ski is the perfect ski for all conditions at Mammoth."

Another had this story to tell: "Was told (by the rep) this ski would be too beefy for me. Not!! Turned easy and skied shorter than the stated length. Great edge hold yet forgiving on scraped off end of the day groomers."

Can't add much to that . . .

Legend Pro 115

This is certainly the better choice among Dynastar's biggest big mountain skis for most. More versatile than the Big Dump, yet solid and capable on the farthest of backside wilderness. Much better on the way home; in fact, one of the best ultra-wides on groomed and even hard snow.

"This is a confidence inspiring machine; a blast to ski!"

"A powder ski for those who want to make GS and Super G turns."

6th Sense Slicer

"I have to say," wrote one skier, "I love the improvements over the Big."

"This is a ski that lighter skiers may have difficulty skiing, but for the right skier, it has everything going for it"

for 2011: Confidence Score — Builds Confidence Lowers Confidence No effect either way