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Reviewers' score
15.4
BEST SKI

BEST SKI

Dynastar CHAM 97 review 2014

BEST SKI
Best ski 2014

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

Our "Testers' Choice" in this category, the Dynastar Cham 97 is a well-balanced ski that is playful and pleasant underfoot, both on the slopes and in off-piste conditions. The model is suited to intermediate to good skiers looking for a versatile ski that is fun to ride.

Review: Pros

  • Like the 87, the Cham 97's most notable features are its ease-of-handling and its performance in off-piste conditions, where it displays excellent agility and a playful character. It has good flotation and is highly manoeuvrable in powder. The ski performs brilliantly in all conditions, including on irregular snow and crud.
  • Overall performance is good on the slopes, and the skiing experience is pleasant as long as the ski isn't pushed too hard.

Review: Cons

  • It's performance is relatively limited on the slopes, especially on hard snow, where its manoeuvrability and grip tend to flag. Like its younger sibling, the Cham 97 requires a forward-skiing position in off-piste conditions due to the small surface of its tail.

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
17.0
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
14.0
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
15.0
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
13.3
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.8
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
13.2
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
15.5
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
16.5
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
Freeride - Flotation quality
☆☆☆☆☆
16.4
Handling in powder
☆☆☆☆☆
17.8
Performance on hard snow
☆☆☆☆☆
13.8
Freeride - Performance on hard snow
☆☆☆☆☆
15.8
All-terrain comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
14.6

Who's it for?

Beginner → Excellent

Manufacturer's remarks

The Cham 97 is great for skiers with a good technical skill set, who are looking for a versatile, "precision" freeride ski that delivers good performance but is still easy to handle.
The Cham 97 is the most versatile ski in the range. Because of its extra-wide sidecut, it qualifies as a Freeride ski intended for off-piste skiing. As it possesses a small radius, it also performs very well on the slopes, regardless of snow type.

Features of the CHAM 97

Brand : Dynastar
Model : CHAM 97
Year : 2014
Family : All-mountain/Freeride
Size tested : 178 cm
Tip size : 133 mm
Waist size : 97 mm
Tail size : 113 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : Not available

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2013