2023 Dynastar Speed 963

This short-turning and narrow waisted ski from Dynastar is a ripping good time. Front side skis these days are so adept at making some of the cleanest and roundest turns on the planet, and the Dynastar Speed 963 is one of the best. At 68 mm underfoot, the shaping of the ski is getting into the range of a real-deal race ski, offering up edge grip for days and an insanely narrow balance point. As a result, we see the best results on this ski coming from advanced and expert skiers who know how to carve a ski. The narrow waist is very reactive, and that can be considered a good or a bad thing depending on what you’re trying to do out there on the hill. That 68 mm waist generates a 14-meter turn radius in the 168 cm length, so these skis are in that mid-radius range between a slalom and a GS cut. Whenever we see skis shaped like this, it makes us think of our beer league race series, and how this style and type of ski really excels in a citizen's race course.

Quenten Jones skied the 168 and noted it was true to length. He calls it “Very quick turning. Wants to be in edge and once it is, it’s super fun. Basically, a user-friendly slalom ski.” Ryan Daniel is just the type of skier who should be on, testing, and evaluating these 963’s and he noted that his 168 cm test length felt “good for this style of ski—quick.” The shorter cut of the ski does make it feel like it’s on the shorter side, and I think that’s what Ryan is picking up here. As a result, his high score of 5 out of 5 was given for quickness and maneuverability. He gave the ski 4’s for playfulness, torsional stiffness, edge hold, versatility, and overall impression. The low score of 1 was appropriately given for flotation, as nobody should be mistaking this for a powder ski. Regardless, it’s great to see these higher scores for a variety of categories, as it shows that this ski is slightly more than just a race ski. “This is for the person that likes the quick turn. Slide or carve this will like it. This ski does not like the longer GS turn.” We bet, as that shorter radius in such a stiff ski is more difficult to manipulate.

Jamie O’Brien brings his racing background to the fold, noting that for his 168, “The Speed 963 is the ski you want in hard and fast conditions. Not a multitool, this ski likes to turn short quick turns all the time.” Also on the 168, Dana Allen notes that it “felt short for him at 5’10”.” Similar to Ryan, that experience led him to give his top score of 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability, with another 5 for torsional stiffness and edge grip. Again, like Ryan, a lowly 1 for flotation is to be expected. Dana also scored the ski 4’s for forgiveness, stability, and overall impression, so even as a more one-dimensional ski, Dana had a favorable experience on these skis. Dana notes that the 963 is a “Super fun ski designed specifically for slalom turns on hard ground snow. The more you lean into this key, the more reactive and snappier it becomes. Lean over hard, and it’s like it’s on rails. Get in the backseat and this key is a nightmare even in a short length. Stiff both torsionally and longitudinally, there isn’t a ton of forgiveness. So, you really have to drive it. Not a playful ski or a versatile ski for soft snow or bumps in my mind - but a great ski for groomers or amateur race leagues. Fun. But specific.” I think that’s a great way to describe this ski, as it certainly has a pretty narrow focus to go along with its narrow waist.

Front-side carvers, former racers, and expert skiers looking to create some clean and round turns on the groomers will love the precision and power of the Dynastar Speed 963. These shorter-turn specialists will hold tight to any firmness of snow, allowing you the confidence and grip to tackle any carved turn.