Ski Reviews

2023-2024 DPS KaiZen, 163 cm

Reviewer Username: EmMeszaros

Reviewer Height: 5’4″

Reviewer Weight: 155 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 2 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Crested Butte

TEST TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees

TEST CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 9/10

FORGIVENESS: 8/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 9/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 9/10

STABILITY: 7/10

SUSPENSION: 9/10

EDGE HOLD: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS: 9/10

SKI LENGTH: It felt a bit too short (163 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer moguls | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Skiers who love to adventure to all sides of the mountain, in the trees, moguls, and up the headwall.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

Salomon Stella 106 was similar feel but felt a bit more solid in the chopped fresh snow. When a bit heavier snow, the KaiZen is so light and take a little more leg power to push through the chop.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!