Dynafit Tigard 97 — Review

The Dynafit Tigard 97 sits in the heart of Dynafit's freeride-touring Tigard line at 94-98 mm underfoot (sliding waist per length), combining a Hybrid Core of poplar and paulownia with carbon stringers and full sidewall construction. It targets ski tourers who want a versatile daily driver that handles soft snow on the descent without giving up too much on the climb.

The Tigard 97's Rocker-Camber-Rocker profile with generous tip and tail rocker delivers playful soft-snow handling while the camber underfoot keeps it composed on hardpack. The 18.5 m radius at 172 cm holds medium-to-long arcs on firm snow and the generous tip rocker initiates short-radius turns naturally in soft or variable conditions. The 3°/1° edge bevels give a balanced grip-versus-release feel that suits mixed touring days. At 1380 g per ski at 172 cm, it's not the lightest in the Dynafit range but the weight buys downhill composure that lighter sport-tour skis lack on chopped-up afternoon snow.

The Tigard 97 uses Dynafit's Hybrid Core (poplar and paulownia laminated for damping with low weight — poplar adds the damping mass while paulownia keeps the swing weight in check), carbon stringers for torsional and longitudinal stiffness without adding much mass, and full sidewall construction for precise edge engagement and durability. Bevels are 3° base / 1° side — a balanced spec that grips on firm snow without being too aggressive in variable conditions. Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker with generous tip and tail rocker. Per-length specs: 158 cm (122/94/112, 16.5 m, 1260 g), 165 cm (123/95/113, 17.5 m, 1305 g), 172 cm (124/96/114, 18.5 m, 1380 g), 179 cm (125/97/115, 19.5 m, 1450 g), 186 cm (126/98/116, 20.5 m, 1575 g).

The Tigard 97 is for the ski tourer who wants one ski for the whole season — efficient enough for spring volume tours, capable enough for mid-winter powder approaches. Against the wider Dynafit Tigard 107 it gives up powder float for snappier hardpack edge hold and lower swing weight; against the lighter Dynafit Blacklight 95 it adds 200+ g of weight for noticeably more downhill composure on variable snow. The Atomic Backland 95 targets the same 95 mm freeride-tour niche with a slightly lighter, more carbon-heavy chassis. The Movement Sequence 92 goes narrower and lighter for tourers who prioritise uphill efficiency over soft-snow handling.

Pros

• Hybrid poplar/paulownia core balances damping and low swing weight.
• Full sidewall and carbon stringers deliver predictable edge engagement.
• Rocker-Camber-Rocker profile makes it forgiving in variable snow.
• 97 mm waist is the sweet spot for a one-ski touring quiver.

Cons

• At 1380 g/172 cm it's heavier than dedicated sport-tour skis.
• 94-98 mm sliding waist means the shorter lengths are narrower than the badge suggests.
• Generous rocker reduces effective edge on icy hardpack.
• Hybrid core lacks the snap of a full carbon layup for aggressive skiers.

Verdict: A versatile 97 mm freeride-tour daily driver for tourers who want one ski to cover spring corn to mid-winter powder approaches — choose it over the Tigard 107 if hardpack matters, or the Blacklight 95 if downhill composure outweighs uphill efficiency.