Dynastar CHAM 97 review 2014
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 |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2013