Dynafit Radical 97 — Review

The Dynafit Radical 97 is the wider sibling of the Radical 88, positioned as an agile 97 mm freeride-touring ski for backcountry skiers who prioritise efficient skinning and confident descents on mixed snow. It runs a poplar wood core with DYNAFIT Carbon Speed Stringers and full ABS sidewall in vertical lamination — a construction that targets the sport-tour to freeride-tour bridge. Uniquely, the Radical 97 uses a newly developed tip and tail rocker where the sidecut geometry varies per length, so each size is tuned rather than scaled.

Generous tip rocker plus ample tail rocker on either side of underfoot camber give the Radical 97 a forgiving turn initiation and easy pivot in tight terrain. At 1580 g per ski in 177 cm with full ABS sidewall, it is light enough for serious vertical days yet keeps a damp edge feel on hardpack. The 19 m radius at 177 cm is a balanced medium turn, while the per-length sidecut means the 170 cm runs a tighter 18 m radius for slow-speed control and the 184 cm opens to 20 m for stability at speed.

The Radical 97 uses a poplar wood core for predictable damping, DYNAFIT Carbon Speed Stringers for longitudinal stiffness without weight, and full ABS sidewall in vertical lamination for edge durability and direct power transfer. Profile: generous tip rocker, camber underfoot, ample tail rocker — newly developed and per-length tuned rather than scaled. Per-length specs: 170 cm (124/96/114, 18 m, 1510 g), 177 cm (126/97/116, 19 m, 1580 g), 184 cm (128/98/118, 20 m, 1670 g).

The Radical 97 fits the backcountry skier who wants one ski for most touring days — wide enough for soft snow, light enough for big climbs. Within Dynafit, the Dynafit Radical 88 is the narrower sibling for harder snow and faster transitions, while the Dynafit Tigard 97 is the heavier freeride-tour option with more chassis at the cost of weight. Stepping lighter, the Dynafit Blacklight 95 leans further into sport-tour. Outside Dynafit, the Atomic Backland 95 and K2 Wayback 92 mens are direct competitors in the 92-97 mm tour segment.

Pros

• Poplar core + Carbon Speed Stringers balance damping and low weight.
• Full ABS sidewall delivers edge precision on firm snow.
• Per-length sidecut and rocker tuning rather than scaled geometry.
• 1510-1670 g across three lengths suits both classic tour and bigger days.

Cons

• Only three lengths (170/177/184) — narrower size range than the Tigard 97.
• Generous tail rocker reduces grip on bullet-hard refrozen surfaces.
• 97 mm waist is mid-segment — not a powder specialist or skin-track racer.
• Limited independent verification of damping versus the heavier Tigard 97.

Verdict: A focused 97 mm freeride-tour ski for skiers who want a single light-but-damp chassis for mixed backcountry days — choose it over the Tigard 97 when climbing weight matters more than chassis mass.