Since we tested these sticks, Dynastar has dropped the “X” and now just refers to them as the Legend 96. Barring that and some new topsheet graphics (shown above), there are no other revisions to the ski.
October 2019While our testers were a little disappointed that Dynastar decided to discontinue their Cham line, the Dynastar Legend X96, and they delivered.
When skiing Mach 5 down our favorite early morning groomer, the Legend X96 reminded our testers of the ORIGINAL Cham. Dynastar brought back the metal in a titanal layer that adds an element of power at any speed that was missing in the Cham 2.0.
While not as stable as the burliest skis we tested, our testers were still confident in pushing the Legend X to high speeds in almost any condition. The tip chatter we saw from past years' Dynastar Cham is gone, and the Legend X feels much more consistent throughout the ski. Who doesn't like a little metal in their life?
The Legend X prefer short, fast carving turns over long, arcing ones. The 18m turn radius is relatively small, which is comparable to most of the other skis we tested. Not that the Legend X can't lay down longer turns and hold an edge throughout, but they are more fun when using the sidecut to your advantage and making quick turns.
The Legend X 96 is slightly more reliable in the crud than its predecessor was, and you can thank the return of the metal laminate (again) for that.
The large tip absorbs the initial impact, and even though the Paulownia wood core is lightweight, the unique core construction makes the ski feel damp when plowing through cruddy conditions. Legend X resists tip deflection and stays true in all but the worst of the worst snow conditions.
The Legend Xperformed just as our testers expected in the powder — excellent. The tip rocker and the large shovel upfront provide enough float to keep the rest of the ski from bottoming out, even on a smaller pow day. While the shape looks similar to a more pow oriented ski, the Legend X lacks the width underfoot to match the effortless surfing feel of others.
The Legend X96 has a pretty nimble and playful feel in the powder. The Legend X is a great ski for your average (4-8 inches) resort pow day and will have you feeling like a legend by the end of it.
This is probably the Legend Xs worst performing category, but it still earned a very respectable score. The ski has a bit of pop coming off of jumps, and it feels lightweight while in the air. Our testers found it to be a bit stiff and unforgiving in the landings, but that shouldn't stop you from sending it off your favorite rock drop.
Don't let the moderate score in this category fool you — the Legend X 96 are quick and nimble when mashing your way down the moguls. Though the flex is a bit stiff to be a perfect mogul ski, the Legend X is fully capable of handling any bump line, no matter how steep or big.
The rocker up front helps the Legend X ski a little bit shorter in the moguls. This ski is fun in the bumps, despite its stiff overall nature.
The Legend X is right in the middle of the pack concerning price. At $699 retail, it is a fair price for a great ski. When the end of season sales come around, these are a true value.
