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Reviewers' score
15.9

Dynastar Speed Zone Ti 16 (R21 Racing) review 2017

PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments

A worthy successor to the Omeglass Pro that ranked top last year, the Speed Zone 16, with the group's famous R21 racing plate, got a good score again this year. The new model is stiffer and more athletic than its predecessor... but also far more demanding.
The level of overall performance is extremely high and the reviewers were particularly impressed with the precision and stability of turn performance, even in relatively longer turns. Once the turn has been initiated, the ski's a marvel... "a rail" as one reviewer put it. It has excellent grip is and is also very responsive, mainly because of the fast edge change and the lively kick.

On the other hand, the extra dose of stiffness added by Dynastar impacts on its accessibility and requires real engagement by the skier for to get the most out of it. "You have to be on top of it" one reviewer explained. Turn initiation is less intuitive and requires good positioning, while you need to get exactly the right dose of pressure coming out of a turn, otherwise you may find yourself taking a tumble.

The Zone 16 Ti is a true slalom ski, more performance-oriented than its predecessor. We recommend it for highly engaged, very good to competitive skiers with a relatively heavy frame. Skiers looking for a less demanding ski or with a lighter frame would probably do better with Rossignol's Hero Elite or Völkl's Racetiger.

Review: Pros

  • Good overall performance
  • Ski with grip, particularly efficient for turn performance
  • Very stable once it's anchored
  • An energetic, responsive ski
  • Versatile all rounder

Review: Cons

  • A bit less responsive in initiation than some other models in this category, requires the right positioning
  • A stiff ski that needs engagement for correct handling
  • Very lively kick so needs exactly the right dose of pressure

The ski review scores

Turn initiation
☆☆☆☆☆
15.2
Stability
☆☆☆☆☆
16.5
Stability/turning performance
☆☆☆☆☆
17.5
Grip
☆☆☆☆☆
17.5
Short turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
16.8
Long turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
15.0
Skid turn performance
☆☆☆☆☆
14.8
Handleability
☆☆☆☆☆
13.0
Comfort
☆☆☆☆☆
13.2
Snow contact
☆☆☆☆☆
14.8
Soft snow fluidity
☆☆☆☆☆
14.5

Who's it for?

Beginner → Beginner

Manufacturer's remarks

Benefiting from the 'racing' technologies "and designed for hard pack snow conditions, the newcomer SPEED ZONE 16 TI, inspired by slalom skis, delivers a new level of comfort, power and de precision.

The ski features the brand new active suspension principle: POWERDRIVE, which acts like the chassis of a sport's car, absorbing variations in the terrain and eliminating instability by placing the ski on the snow so as to maintain ski-snow contact before releasing a sudden, powerful and dynamic acceleration, while at the same time offering grip and control.

The ski tip rocker makes turn initiation easier, while retaining the ski's vivacity and power. The powerful kick and impulsion make this an enjoyable and high-performing ski.

100% piste - Sandwich construction, Wood core, PowerDrive Technology

Features of the Speed Zone Ti 16 (R21 Racing)

Brand : Dynastar
Model : Speed Zone Ti 16 (R21 Racing)
Year : 2017
Family : Slalom
Size tested : 168 cm
Tip size : 105 mm
Waist size : 67 mm
Tail size : 121 mm
Radius for the size reviewed : Not available

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Reviewed by PROSKILAB™

in La Clusaz, France, March 2016