Looking for my first BC setup. I am a 58 year old solid intermediate skier at 6’ and 170 lbs. I ski mostly in CO and would start off doing resort laps. I ski a 180cm Ripstick 96 in the resort for the last few seasons and have been very happy.
I am looking for something for for quick easy turns. The Free 97 177cm with a Ski Trab TR1 looks to be a good place to start.
Can you confirm or provide any other options?
Thanks Chris
Dynafit Free 97 Ski
In designing the Free 97, Dynafit set out to create a balanced ski that isn’t too laborious on the up yet has the confidence to excel no matter the snow conditions. To achieve this, they started with a poplar wood core lined with carbon fiber stringers, which helps to provide a damp yet playful ride. They added more tip and tail rocker compared to their Beast series. This simultaneously increases maneuverability for those tight spaces as well as helps with float when it's nuking powder. All of this was done with you, the backcountry skier, in mind and a desire to elevate your ski experience every time you step onto these planks. As a "Thank You" we should probably all buy a set of these fun, damp, and ready-for-action Dynafit Free 97 skis. Just sayin'.
- Rocker profile in both the tip and tail lends itself to flotation and turn initiation to keep you happy with face shots or fresh corn.
- Full ABS sidewall construction helps increases durability and power transfer so you can rip around shark teeth with confidence.
- Poplar Wood core and carbon stringers provide a lively yet smooth ride down that sweet, sweet ski line.
- Notched tips for use with Speedskins or you can use any trim-to-fit kit with standard bails.
Update 2023/24: This model was replaced by Dynafit Radical 97 Ski.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 170, 177, 184 |
|
Weight |
1460g [170] 1560g [177] 1630g [184] |
| Weight (pair) | 2920g [170] 3120g [177] 3260g [184] |
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124-96-114 [170] 126-97-116 [177] 128-98-118 [184] |
|
Turn |
18m [170] 19m [177] 20m [184] |
|
Skin |
Race-notched tips, rockered notched tail |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Generous tip rocker, camber underfoot, ample tail rocker |
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Spoon tip, medium radius, tapered tail |
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Full sidewall |
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Poplar wood core with carbon stringers |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | All around fun in a wide range of conditions |
| Notes | Ample tail rocker helps to scrub speed when needed |
| Bottom Line | A solid, versatile ski with that "quiver of one" potential |
| Compare to other High-fat Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
9/26/2024
9/26/2024
Chris, Many people doing Resort laps look for a lightweight package.
But if you want a ski to rip on the down, and use for some backcountry powder, the Free 97 would be a good choice. Reply to this and we can discuss further.
But if you want a ski to rip on the down, and use for some backcountry powder, the Free 97 would be a good choice. Reply to this and we can discuss further.
9/26/2024
Jeff, I am not so concerned about ripping on the down as with have a setup that can fill many situations. I live in TX, so lighter equipment would be a big help as I acclimate on my trips to CO.
My main goals are to get as far into the back country as I can, learn the sport, and have equipment that is flexible enough to handle as many situations as possible.
Thanks for your help, Chris
My main goals are to get as far into the back country as I can, learn the sport, and have equipment that is flexible enough to handle as many situations as possible.
Thanks for your help, Chris
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8/2/2024
Hi Team! I am looking at these skiis to get into backcountry. I live in the northeast and will have lots of tight trees and not a ton of powder. Occasionally we'll have 8-10" days. We'll also have a lot of crud... I am 6'1" and 185lbs and not looking to go super fast, (trees and narrow gullies) but want to be able skin up steepish runs and have good control on the downs. Will the 177cm be recommended?
8/2/2024
Hi Jarrett,
I think you could go for either the 177cm or the 184cm length. The Free 97 is a pretty easy ski to handle with its tip and tail rocker - it's not hard to turn. The 177cm will turn easier than the 184cm and it'll be a little easier to whip around in the trees, but the 184cm will float better and be more stable at speed. It sounds like your priorities align a little more with the shorter ski.
I think you could go for either the 177cm or the 184cm length. The Free 97 is a pretty easy ski to handle with its tip and tail rocker - it's not hard to turn. The 177cm will turn easier than the 184cm and it'll be a little easier to whip around in the trees, but the 184cm will float better and be more stable at speed. It sounds like your priorities align a little more with the shorter ski.
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I bought these as my first backcountry ski for the Tahoe area. Only been on them a few times so far, but couldn’t be happier. Damp and stable, light enough, with enough rocker to make them super versatile.
Definitely was a great choice to get out and start discovering the backcountry without feeling worried about my gear.
Definitely was a great choice to get out and start discovering the backcountry without feeling worried about my gear.
Comment on this review:
For those wondering, yes, these really are 10/10 skis at a consistently superb price and you should absolutely get them. Dynafit created a relatively simple ski construction, but executed it extremely well. The ski profile is essentially a modern freeride "banana" with an easy-to-pivot, early-rise tip, but with admittedly a more traditional tail so we're kind of in that Dynastar M-tour or Rossignol Nano territory which are themselves very popular skis.
The most noteworthy feature of the Dynafit Free 97 is that they're among the lightest skis on the market with a full Poplar wood core construction: I've weighed my pair of 177cm's at 1,570g & 1,560g which is Goldilocks territory. Core construction is still the most important feature when choosing a ski: there's a reason why we're still putting grandma's rocking chair inside of a Lamborghini-esque chassis and calling them "skis". You're also getting full sidewalls that basically are full tip-to-tail unlike the majority of "full" sidewall constructions out there... The ski also has a medium-high turn radius of 19m in the 177cm which gives the ski more power and turn-customization (try carving a 19m turn radius with a 15m turn radius ski; much easier to slarve-out of your 19m turn radius to cause a 10m turn radius.)
The result is a remarkably damp ski that absolutely crushes it on variable snow conditions. This is a downright paradoxical fact for a slarvy, banana-profile freeride ski with their lessened effective edge lengths and subsequent lack of "full contact" with the slopes. I'm consistently amazed at how well these skis perform on heinous, icy nonsense when compared to the direct competition (which is based on ski profile & weight class.)
The fact that these skis have been consistently the most well-priced skis all year, but seemingly without sellout risk means that we're a ski community making purchasing decisions without the protections provided by serious independent ski reviews. Sellers are advertising fairweather, objective-only backcountry tools like 100% Paulownia wood cores with a simple carbon weave at a mere 100-200g weight savings and at a $900 price point as anything other than seriously compromised products and we're all paying the price as the market lurches in uncomfortable directions.
The most noteworthy feature of the Dynafit Free 97 is that they're among the lightest skis on the market with a full Poplar wood core construction: I've weighed my pair of 177cm's at 1,570g & 1,560g which is Goldilocks territory. Core construction is still the most important feature when choosing a ski: there's a reason why we're still putting grandma's rocking chair inside of a Lamborghini-esque chassis and calling them "skis". You're also getting full sidewalls that basically are full tip-to-tail unlike the majority of "full" sidewall constructions out there... The ski also has a medium-high turn radius of 19m in the 177cm which gives the ski more power and turn-customization (try carving a 19m turn radius with a 15m turn radius ski; much easier to slarve-out of your 19m turn radius to cause a 10m turn radius.)
The result is a remarkably damp ski that absolutely crushes it on variable snow conditions. This is a downright paradoxical fact for a slarvy, banana-profile freeride ski with their lessened effective edge lengths and subsequent lack of "full contact" with the slopes. I'm consistently amazed at how well these skis perform on heinous, icy nonsense when compared to the direct competition (which is based on ski profile & weight class.)
The fact that these skis have been consistently the most well-priced skis all year, but seemingly without sellout risk means that we're a ski community making purchasing decisions without the protections provided by serious independent ski reviews. Sellers are advertising fairweather, objective-only backcountry tools like 100% Paulownia wood cores with a simple carbon weave at a mere 100-200g weight savings and at a $900 price point as anything other than seriously compromised products and we're all paying the price as the market lurches in uncomfortable directions.
8/5/2024
Hi Chris, how tall are you and how do you feel about the 177cm with regards to effective edge and stability at speed? I'm 6' and usually choose skis around 177cm but haven't had anything with this much rocker and am considering the 184. Cheers mate
8/5/2024
Hey Robert, I'm 6' as well. While I'm happy with the 177cm it's for 2 main reasons (1) kick turns are easier I injured myself on a pair of 183cm Factions mid-year being too absentminded on a steep slope; (2) even frontside I often slightly undersize because I gravitate towards steep black moguls fields no matter the ski setup.
These skis have plenty of carving power *especially* for a lightweight freeride rocker-profile ski, but in your specific case I would just send it and get the 184cm size especially if you're not used to freeride rocker profiles otherwise the 177cm will feel a little short for you and the 184cm will still turn on a dime like the 177cm i promise.
These skis have plenty of carving power *especially* for a lightweight freeride rocker-profile ski, but in your specific case I would just send it and get the 184cm size especially if you're not used to freeride rocker profiles otherwise the 177cm will feel a little short for you and the 184cm will still turn on a dime like the 177cm i promise.
Comment on this review:
I got these as a spring skiing/firm conditions complement to the Free 107s, which are some of my favorite skis ever. I'm super happy with the Free 97s.
Set up with Trab Titan Vario.2 bindings, these skis rip hard pack, play in the trees, and swivel through bumps. They are less forgiving, but more powerful. Edge power on steeper terrain is what I was looking for, so that's a win!
I'm skiing the shortest version of both Dynafit Free models--170cm in the 97, 173cm in the for 107, and this size is great for my 140 lb, 5' 8" build. The Free 97 has less rocker than the 107, especially in the tail. This results in almost identical edge length on snow between the two "small" versions and comparable stability at speed, but the 97 has a much stronger ability to finish turns without skidding--more than the waist difference would suggest.
In summary, the 97 is a little less playful, a lot more powerful, and a great late-season tool when Colorado conditions firm up. If you're on the fence, get it!
Set up with Trab Titan Vario.2 bindings, these skis rip hard pack, play in the trees, and swivel through bumps. They are less forgiving, but more powerful. Edge power on steeper terrain is what I was looking for, so that's a win!
I'm skiing the shortest version of both Dynafit Free models--170cm in the 97, 173cm in the for 107, and this size is great for my 140 lb, 5' 8" build. The Free 97 has less rocker than the 107, especially in the tail. This results in almost identical edge length on snow between the two "small" versions and comparable stability at speed, but the 97 has a much stronger ability to finish turns without skidding--more than the waist difference would suggest.
In summary, the 97 is a little less playful, a lot more powerful, and a great late-season tool when Colorado conditions firm up. If you're on the fence, get it!
6/29/2024
Thank you for this. I was specifically looking for a a looser ski, with an easier to release tail, so it’s very useful to know these are not (quite) that.
Comment on this review:
12/12/2023
Hi! I’m currently skiing BD Helio Carbon 104 in a 178 length with atomic backland bindings. I tour in the wasatch and while I like the ski in good conditions/powder I have a hard time skiing it in crust, chopped up snow and hardpack. I’m looking for something a little more forgiving that still skis powder well. Do you think the Free 97 would be a good option? Worth going wider?
12/12/2023
Matthew,
Shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can get you more personalized info!
I've skied both and prefer the Free 97 in variable snow and crud and such. In general, I'd say they'd be a good option for what you're looking for. Worth noting that breakable crust isn't going to be fun regardless of the ski. Also, if you're in the Wasatch, we have a few pairs of Free 97s in our rental fleet; might be worth renting for a day to try them.
Shoot us an email at help@skimo.co and we can get you more personalized info!
I've skied both and prefer the Free 97 in variable snow and crud and such. In general, I'd say they'd be a good option for what you're looking for. Worth noting that breakable crust isn't going to be fun regardless of the ski. Also, if you're in the Wasatch, we have a few pairs of Free 97s in our rental fleet; might be worth renting for a day to try them.
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11/17/2023
Hi Skimo, I'm looking for a ski that i'll mainly use for all conditions, resort and off-piste, probably mainly on-piste since i don't have a piste ski right now, does this ski stable on hardpack? i'm not a carver though, just want something a bit fun but still from time to time can take it out for backcountry use. I'm 172cm tall and 167lbs. I'm a intermediate level skier. Plus, what's the best binding for my needs? Kingpin? Thank you!
11/17/2023
Hey Ian! This ski would be a great option for what you are looking for. With an inherently stable shape and versatile nature, these skis would be both fun in the resort and in the backcountry, in a variety of conditions. They also benefit from a tougher construction that'll handle the abuse of resort skiing. Thanks!
11/17/2023
thank you! I think 170 length should fits me well? do you recommend any tech bindings for my purpose of use? downhill performance oriented but no hybrid bindings.
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11/9/2023
Thoughts on skiing these as telemark skis?
11/10/2023
Hi Brian, go for it! These have a metal mounting plate and a burlier wood core while not being overly stiff in the tips. Great telemark option.
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10/16/2023
These are looking like they're gonna be my next ski but i'm held up on the price. Why are they so cheap?
10/16/2023
Hi Hayden, we have a bit of overstock on these. Great skis, but maybe they are a bit too heavy for most of our customers, hah!
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10/15/2023
Hi Skimo - These are the top contender for my next ski (also looking at Camox Freebird and Enforcer 94 unlimited) I like the lighter weight of the Dynafit, but hoping its a ski that will still hold up when pushed. I'm stuck trying to decide between the 177 and the 184. I'm hoping you can give me some insight... Im 6ft, 190lbs, type 3 skier. I will be skiing primarily in the northeast backcountry. I ski 177 in Volk Katana, 179 in Enforcer 88, 180 in the Armada Declivity 92, and 186 in the K2 Mindbender 108ti. I'm usually most comfortable right around 180cm unless there is decent tip/tail rocker then I've skied all the way up to 189's... I seem to be right between sizes on this one... Hoping you can give me some insight/guidance... Thank you!
10/16/2023
Hi Will,
This is definitely a ski that can stand up to being pushed. Based on the rest of your quiver, I would say you'd definitely be happier with a Free 97 than a Camox Freebird, they're a much more substantial ski. Offers a lot of performance for the weight. In terms of sizing, At 6 feet and 190lbs, I would go with the 184, especially for powder performance. The ski has a pretty deep tip rocker, and some tail rocker as well. It will be a strong ski on edge, but the effective edge is not particularly long.
This is definitely a ski that can stand up to being pushed. Based on the rest of your quiver, I would say you'd definitely be happier with a Free 97 than a Camox Freebird, they're a much more substantial ski. Offers a lot of performance for the weight. In terms of sizing, At 6 feet and 190lbs, I would go with the 184, especially for powder performance. The ski has a pretty deep tip rocker, and some tail rocker as well. It will be a strong ski on edge, but the effective edge is not particularly long.
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10/1/2023
I’m new to backcountry, I’m a 65yo guy, love skiing and want to experience backcountry. I will not be aggressive, or want to skin all day up steep slopes !! so want some advice on whether the free 97 plus seperate bindings and skins are a good entry level for me, or the dynafit backlight package . I’m 173cm tall and 165 lbs, which length should I select in these. Any advice on alternatives also appreciated… my initial ideas had been around black crow camox freebird.
10/2/2023
HI Paul,
Welcome to the Backcountry. First, you can email me at help@skimo.co and we can really get into this. PS, I am your age, not an aggressive twentysomething :)
With more information and where and what you hope to ski will help. This ski is a solid all around ski. And would be great for a mix of BC powder to some resort skiing.
For an inexpensive option in a more entry level package, the Seven Summits is a good choice. All mounted and includes skins.
Welcome to the Backcountry. First, you can email me at help@skimo.co and we can really get into this. PS, I am your age, not an aggressive twentysomething :)
With more information and where and what you hope to ski will help. This ski is a solid all around ski. And would be great for a mix of BC powder to some resort skiing.
For an inexpensive option in a more entry level package, the Seven Summits is a good choice. All mounted and includes skins.
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7/10/2023
I skied a G3 102 Findr in 174 cm the last 2 winters (Trab Vario 2.0 binding) and at 6'/170 lbs it felt a bit hard to control on firm, icy snow and chattery on the steeps (though i loved it in tight trees, chutes and soft snow). This ski looks to be similar in weight but is much more rockered. I've never skied a rockered ski before. Would I benefit from going up to 184 cm? Was also looking at the Elan ripstick tour 94, which doesn't look as rockered. Any suggestions?
7/10/2023
Earl, Lightweight Touring skis and ice don't always go together well.
I haven't any experience with the G3 Finders, so did lots of online searching. On paper, they are pretty similar to the Free 97, except for the rocker profile. The Free 97 are also 5mm narrower and a narrower ski will always be better on firm snow. Some reviews I read backed you up, not a favorite for firm and icy. The Dynafit Free 97 does do quite well when the snow gets hard or difficult, so definitely a better choice.
The Ripstick 94 may not be as well known, but is a great all around ski too. I haven't tested it on steep ice, but it rips groomers better then most any ski you will find here.
The Free has a more pronounced rocker, but the 177cm length should still be good for you.
I haven't any experience with the G3 Finders, so did lots of online searching. On paper, they are pretty similar to the Free 97, except for the rocker profile. The Free 97 are also 5mm narrower and a narrower ski will always be better on firm snow. Some reviews I read backed you up, not a favorite for firm and icy. The Dynafit Free 97 does do quite well when the snow gets hard or difficult, so definitely a better choice.
The Ripstick 94 may not be as well known, but is a great all around ski too. I haven't tested it on steep ice, but it rips groomers better then most any ski you will find here.
The Free has a more pronounced rocker, but the 177cm length should still be good for you.
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3/31/2023
Hi Skimo - I am looking to replace some Navis Freebird 185s with something a bit lighter and slightly narrower, used 75% for touring primarily in the northeast. I currently have, and love, Transalp 90s and want something with a bit more beef on hard crud but without too much of a weight penalty. Lots of good choices out there for a ~95 UF ski that's light (like a Backland 95) but I feel those would be quite similar to my Transalp setup. Do you think the Free 97, with say a Blacklight binding, would be a good option for a light-ish setup? Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks. -PL
3/31/2023
Patrick,
The Free 97 would work great for you! It's damp so it handles crud well, but not so damp that it isn't fun and energetic. Another good option is the Dynastar M-Tour 99. It's similar to the Free 97, just a bit lighter and a bit stiffer. All depends on your skiing style! I personally have skied and love both.
The Free 97 would work great for you! It's damp so it handles crud well, but not so damp that it isn't fun and energetic. Another good option is the Dynastar M-Tour 99. It's similar to the Free 97, just a bit lighter and a bit stiffer. All depends on your skiing style! I personally have skied and love both.
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2/26/2023
Curious if you guys have seen, or if you know, what the new "Snow Leopard 97" is? Same ski as the current Dynafit Free 97? Price point is/was the same. Just a new top sheet? Thanks! Love to see a 110/115 Dynafit with the performance of the older Huascaran or Denali with similar Black Light build weight.
2/26/2023
Hi Dane, the Snow Leopard is a special topsheet for the 97, we should have it soon. They have a Tigard ski coming next year which is essentially a Free 114. Heavier build than the Blacklight series but similar to Huascaran. The Denali could be considered replaced by the BL95.
2/26/2023
Thanks Jason! Love the 95. It is a lot more ski than the Denali and no weight penalty. Hard one to beat. Looking forward to seeing the Tigard's specs. Huascaran was another great ski. Hopefully they'll put the Tigard on a serious diet by comparison ;)
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1/30/2023
Hello Skimo! The Dynafit website gives different weights for this ski. For example, they claim the 184cm comes in at 1540g per ski. Are your weights measured as opposed to claimed? Thanks!
1/30/2023
To explain the question, I'm actually looking for heavier/damper touring ski to handle all the wind hammered steep skiing that my local range offers. So I'm secretly hoping that your weights are correct!
1/30/2023
Hi Marshall, if you see "Specs Verified" and "Yes", that means this is our verified weights. Since skis are made of natural materials (wood), they can vary. Our weights are the average of many production pairs we receive. We'd be happy to send you our heaviest pair, most of our customers wouldn't want those anyhow!
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1/16/2023
This season I wanted a stable hard charging ski that can do frozen chop to fresh powder and everything in-between and at a reasonable weight. I'm torn between the free 97 and hustle 10. From what I can tell they are pretty similar except the Hustle 10 has a wider tail, a bit more weight and obviously slightly wider by 5mm all around.
What will be the main difference in their performance characteristics?
What will be the main difference in their performance characteristics?
1/16/2023
Hi Cian, you are on the right track! We skied the Hustle and it was decent, we just were expecting more for the extra weight. The Free 97 skis as well or better at less weigh in my opinion, especially when it comes to holding an edge on harder snow. It's also a bit quicker and easier to pivot and has a tip notch!
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5/3/2022
What's the word on mount point for these? The beast 98 was a bit more progressive and I'm hoping these are the same. Is this my rockered, progressive, ~1450g goldilocks? Any other skis meeting this description if not? (PS. A listing of mount points article would be so $$$$)
5/4/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Brad. The factory recommended mount position is -10 from true center, fitting between traditional and progressive. If you're after a maneuverable/rockered ski with a progressive mount point, you should check out the Voile Hyper Manti which has a mount point of -5.4cm in the 176cm length.
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