What To Look For
Dynastar has been making finely crafted skis since 1963 at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix, which provides the big-mountain testing ground that produces high performing gear for extreme free-ride skiing. Look to Dynastar to produce skis with wood cores of varying thicknesses and stacked fiber layers of varying lengths providing great flexibility and shock absorption. Dynastar's 6th Sense Slicer with tip and tail rocker will float on powder while slicing through crude. The 6th Sense Huge is good for skiing powder while the Legend Pro 115, which is made of wood and Titanal, an aluminum wrought alloy, will float on powder while cutting narrow turns in the trees. The Sultan 94 will perform in powder, trees and crude while also providing increased shock absorption to preserve your knees as you ski bumps.
Common Pitfalls
Dynastar provides high-performance skis for intermediate to expert skiers. Beginners and other who are perfecting their skills may want to look for skis with camber designs that compensate and provide balancing support. Dynastar's skis are really designed to float on deep powder, carve turns in icy crude and ski through trees as well as down groomed trails.
Where To Buy
REI and Christy Sports both have a wide selection of Dynastar skis. Christy Sports is a good place to look for last season's models when they have their pre-season tent sales in the fall. Previous-season styles are available from Amazon at significant markdowns. You can also find used Dynastar skis on eBay. Because Dynastar skis are of superior craftsmanship, used eBay deals may be a good way to break into skis for more difficult skiing. Any of the deals mentioned are a good way to buy a pair of specialty Dynastar skis as a second pair, perhaps to use only on powder days.
Cost
According to Powder Magazine, the 2011 ski season retail prices for Dynastar's 6th Sense Huge is $820. During the same season, retail prices for the Slicer are $720; the Legend Pro 115 retails for $940; and the Legend Sultan retails for $820. At the same time you can buy a new pair of 2010 6th Sense skis on eBay for about $500.
Comparison Shopping
A comparable, but slightly less expensive, brand of skis is Atomic, which offers wood core construction with underfoot camber with rocker tip and tails similar to Dynastar but made without Titanal. Atomic skis can be found at REI, Christy's Sports, Amazon and eBay.
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