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The Scores (out of 10)
- Overall Score: 7.68/10
- Rank: #6
- Hard-Snow Integrity: 8.33
- Stability at Speed: 7.33
- Carving: 8.83
- Quickness: 8
- Responsiveness: 7
- Playfulness: 6.67
- Forgiveness: 6.33
- Crud Performance: 4.5
- Versatility: 6
The Specs
- Price: $1,050
- Lengths: 158, 166, 174, 182
- Dimensions: 124-75-109
- Radius: 15 (174cm)
- Level: Intermediate to Expert
In a Nutshell
- Pros: Carving (#2), Hard-Snow Integrity (#3)
- Cons: Crud Performance (#13), Versatility (#11)
Get excited, carving enthusiasts—the Dynastar Speed 763 is a category-defining groomer ski that can rip short-to-medium turns on hardpack all day long. “It’s a slalom race ski for the masses,” said tester Chad Jacob, a race coach from New York. And there’s no speed suit required for you to feel like a U.S. Ski Team athlete; just pick up a pair of these skis.
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describes Speed 763 as “race-inspired.” When we hear that, we immediately assume that ski will be damp, stiff, and likely have a mind of their own. But this ski is the opposite. Thanks to its hybrid poplar core with a layer of Titanal, the Speed 763 is light, agile, and energetic, with just enough dampness to absorb vibrations at speed.
While this ski’s quick edge-to-edge transfer is aimed at advanced and expert skiers, the Speed 763 isn’t too far beyond the skill of an intermediate. It’s actually most comfortable at mid-level speeds and shorter turns, making it ideal for the recreational skier who wants to cruise around the hill on the weekend. “If you wanted a ski to add to your quiver to work on technique or ski with the family, you can autopilot these around the frontside and lap for fun,” said tester Matt Schiller, a professional bootfitter from Utah.
Get Educated:Here’s How the Dynastar Speed 763 Compares to the Competition
With just a touch of rocker in the tip (no tail rocker), the ski looks for the fall line and doesn’t want to be pushed too hard. The major upside to the tip rocker is that turn initiation is a breeze and the ski’s sidecut will do the work for you—you just need to trust the ride. “Doesn’t take much effort or speed,” commented tester Tommy Flitton, a freeride coach who calls Snowbird home.
The biggest downside to this ski: its limited size range. Testers weren’t thrilled that the longest available length is 182cm. However, the shorter lengths made testers’ dial down their speed, since, like a slalom ski, the Speed 763 would get a little squirrely when pushed fast. And as long as you stay within its limits, this ski will put a smile on your face while you cruise the resort. “It’s so easy to roll it up and arc hard,” said Flitton. “Great ski for groomers.”
grew up ski racing, starting on the icy slopes of New England and finishing at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She now lives in Park City, Utah and works as the Director of Marketing & Communications at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. She also freelance writes and consults in the skiing and Olympic industry. When she’s not traveling with the team, her home mountain is Deer Valley Resort, where she loves to arc turns on groomers, but also knows all of the secret spots for days-old powder. Harkins has been testing skis since 2016 and has been a SKI gear tester for three seasons.