DNA Pro review

Overview

The DNA Pro is the hardest-edged ski in Dynafit's race line: a 64 mm skimo competition ski that Dynafit describes as its "hardcore pro race ski", light and extremely robust at 690 g per ski in 162 cm. Compared with the regular DNA, Dynafit gives the Pro variant an even stiffer flex and a sidecut radius that is 3 m longer — 24 m at 162 cm. It comes in a single length, 162 cm, which is the usual men's race length in skimo, and it is listed as unisex, race- and uphill-oriented, for expert skiers. Bindings are not included.

On-snow performance

This is a ski built for race courses, not for powder days. On the way up, 690 g per ski is what matters, and it puts the DNA Pro at the light end of the race category. On the way down, the stiffer flex and the long 24 m single radius point to a ski that wants to run straight and stay calm at speed on hard, icy race descents, rather than one that turns tightly on its own. The 230 mm tip rocker helps the shovel ride over crust and uneven snow and makes kick turns and skin-track transitions less grabby, while the flat tail without rocker gives a solid finish to the turn. With only 64 mm underfoot and a stiff build, deep or heavy snow will feel demanding; strong technique keeps it in line.

Construction & specs explained

Core: Paulownia Race Core — Dynafit's race wood core made entirely of Paulownia. Top and bottom layers are UD (unidirectional) carbon, part of what Dynafit calls Race Carbon Technology. The construction is Sidewall – Cap: a sidewall underfoot that merges into a cap construction at the tip and tail. Other features listed by Dynafit: Single Radius, Race Finish, made in Austria. Dimensions at 162 cm are 94-64-79 mm with a 24 m radius; profile is a 230 mm tip rocker with no tail rocker; weight is 690 g per ski.

Who it's for & comparisons

Racers and very fit skimo athletes who compete and want the stiffest, most stable descent in Dynafit's lightest weight class. The Dynafit DNA weighs the same at 162 cm but has a shorter radius and softer flex, so it turns more easily in tight race sections. The Dynafit Mezzalama is the heavier training and race ski with a similar shape. Outside Dynafit, the Blizzard Zero g race and the Atomic Backland 65 ul are comparable race skis around 65 mm underfoot.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Very light: 690 g per ski at 162 cm.
• Stiffer flex and 24 m radius for stability on fast race descents.
• Paulownia race core with UD carbon layers.
• Tip rocker helps over crust and in transitions.

Cons

• Only one length, 162 cm.
• Stiff, long-radius ski that is demanding for anyone but strong racers.
• 64 mm waist gives very little float in deep snow.
• A specialist race tool, not a ski for everyday touring.

Verdict: A stiff, stable, ultralight race ski for competitive skimo athletes who want more speed stability than the regular DNA offers; everyone else will be better served by a softer or wider ski.