If you look closely at the new Legend X106, you’ll recognize a strong family resemblance to the Cham 2.0 107 it supplants in the Dynastar line. Both use a 5-point sidecut, tip and tail rocker and similar dimensions. Yet on the snow the Legend X106 feels quicker and more responsive, a jump in agility that can’t be explained by such a minor tweak in sidecut.

The key to the Legend X106’s unique snow feel is a feature Dynastar has dubbed Powerdrive. It consists of a 3-piece sidewall, which in the case of the Legend X series is made from vertical layers of TPU, Paulownia and ABS on the outside. Its principal purposes are to provide a dampening element and to liberate the laminates in the core from their bond with the outer sidewall. Free to shear in response to shocks delivered to the forebody, the ski is better able to stay on the snow. And the Legend X106 does it without using a drop of Titanal.

Powerdrive is the reason the Legend X106 can be accurately described as “snaky,” able to slither along uneven terrain without ever losing contact with the snow. Its preferred medium-radius turns never feel forced because the forebody is always adapting to the terrain. Its light weight accentuates its maneuverability in tight quarters.

Leave it to Bob Gleason of Boot Doctors to encapsulate the strengths of the Legend X106: “The dampness of this ski is nicely blended with a quick edge engagement. The turn shape is round with a strong finish. When flattened it scrubs smoothly. The forebody absorbs variation in snow like Flubber.”

For the way it sinks into a mellow, fluid, medium-radius turn no matter how manky the conditions, we are pleased to award the Legend X106 a Silver Skier Selection.