Ever since Dynastar introduced the Cham series what seems like several centuries ago, the brand has moved metal in and out its model matrix, trying to find the right fit for its 5-point sidecut design. It first offered a metal-laden option for the flagship Cham 97 and its bigger bros, the Cham 107 and even the Champ 117. It soon became apparent that all that massive material in a 117 was overkill, and gradually metal also disappeared from the 107mm-width and, in due course, the 97 as well.
When Dynastar resurrected a modified Cham baseline and sidecut in the form of the Legend X and Legend W series, to keep the wider skis’ weight down it cut the metal out of the 106 and reduced it to an insert in the 96. The 88 had the perfect dimensions to handle the weight of two sheets of Titanal without feeling like an oil tanker to turn. The added heft and unique damping qualities of this aluminum alloy keep the Legend W88 calm on both boilerplate groomers and bothersome crud.
“These are a great all-mountain ski,” confides tester Sarah Edlin. “Super fun on groomers and handles heavier snow really well,” which sums up the basic requirements of an all-terrain ski. Jolee from Footloose was on the same page, praising the Legend W88’s poise across the terrain spectrum: “This ski likes to go fast and charge the groomed runs. It handles well in choppy snow, as well. Quick to maneuver and fun to be on,” she concludes.
Assisting the Titanal layers in their dampening duties is Powerdrive, a 3-piece section of sidewall in the forebody that allows the core laminates to sheer as they encounter obstacles, taking the jolt out of off-terrain impacts. Powerdrive also allows the Legend W88 to bow under less pressure, an asset of particular value to the fairer – and lighter – sex.
The Legend W88 is a Power ski that accessible to Finesse skiers. It relatively short contact area makes it easy to foot-steer, it has sufficient width to float and drift in powder and it a technical skier should tip it on edge, she’ll have the support of Titanal to keep her carving on a clean trajectory.
For its combination of traits that fit a broad demographic, we again recognize the Legend W88 as a Silver Skier Selection.
