2012-2013 Dynastar Cham 107
Sans Nom
Once the snow was sufficiently warm, I ventured out of bounds to Sans Nom, a steep, narrow chute with many subtle variations on the Northern side of the resort.
In the entrance, I encountered grippy, windblown chalk, and the Cham 107 navigated it well with solid, direct response to the input I delivered. Lower down on the soft, Northeast facing walls, the Cham was perfect for making slow, short-radius slide turns, and I navigated the narrow, corned flanks with ease.
Ryan Caspar, Sans Nom, Las Leñas
Staying in the soft snow was tricky; as the sun set on our gully while we were skiing, I was happy to find that the Cham 107 danced through the narrow, corned mini chutes on the northeast side. Halfway down the run while dancing between the corned Northeast facing snow and the firm set up Southwest side of the gully, I realized that this ski was perfect for this type of skiing. I did not have to work any harder than I wanted to at the end of the day for a chute that would have been downright tiring on the Fischer Watea 106, yet the Cham offered enough in terms of predictability and maneuverability to deftly navigate the tasty corn.
Day 3: Casco
On our third day, Jason Hutchins and I decided to return to Cerro Martin to find out if the soft snow we had found earlier in the week was still there. After the 25-minute hike from the Iris poma to the summit, we opted for the Casco chute where the snow had been softest on our last trek up the ridge.
Upon dropping into Casco we found that the wind and cold had affected the snow more than we had expected. Throughout the chute, the snow was firm, and as I tried to ski hard and maintain a moderate speed, the 107 skidded and slid predictably but chattered quite a bit. This chattering left me wishing for a more damp and stable ski for these conditions and terrain.
Below the chute, the snow was soft but densely wind affected. I watched Jason rip through this snow with ease on the Salomon Rocker 2 108. When I attempted to attack the apron with the same speed and turn size, the tips of the Cham 107 started hooking up like crazy and I almost biffed it several times while trying to figure out how to adjust to the way this ski wants to maneuver through the dense snow. This was my only opportunity to shred wind affected, soft snow, and in my short experience, I was not able to find a way to effectively address this snow type on the Cham 107. Based on my experience with how it slides so predictably and precisely at slower speeds in soft corn, I believe that it may also perform better through set up snow when skied at a lower, more deliberate speed.
Some Speculation Based on What I’ve Found So Far
Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to ski the Cham 107 in blower pow, true crud, bumps, or trees. But, based on the way the tail releases while sliding turns in corn, it seems that the Cham 107 will do well at lower speeds in powder, especially while making medium- to shorter-radius turns. But if your thing is to attack powder aggressively, at speed and with larger-radius turns, the Cham 107 in the 184cm length is certainly not the answer.
I am looking forward to skiing the Cham 107 in the 190cm length. I anticipate that the 190 can be pushed harder, and will match up better to the way I prefer to ski. It will also be interesting to see whether the 190 maintains that subtle instability I found on the 184 while railing groomers, and the less damp, chattery feel while maching through variable, heavy snow.
Bottom Line
The 184 Cham 107 is a ski that is predictable at lower speeds and responsive to solid, direct input. And while it can stand up to more aggressive shredding, it isn’t a ski that comes to life or shines when being driven at high speeds. So far, its strength is its versatility: it’s a multi-tool that does a lot of things well rather than absolutely stand out in a specific condition or application.
All in all, this seems like the a very good ski for advanced to expert skiers who like to make slower, short-radius, controlled turns across the fall line in powder, groomed and variable snow. This ski will also be a maneuverable tool for intermediate skiers, easy to ski at lower speeds in most conditions (think narrower, flat tailed Rossignol S7).
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October 5, 2012 at 4:18 am
Thanks Ryan for this (and other very good reviews – this is the best review site).
Just one question, have you skied on High Mountain version of Cham 107 and if you have how did you find that ski (in general or in comparison to regual Cham 107)?
Many thanks in advance!
VK
October 5, 2012 at 3:15 pm
VK,
We only had the regular Cham 107 with us in Las Lenas. The High Mountain version shares the same sidecut and rocker profiles as the regular Cham 107, but has a lighter, softer wood core for touring.
We will be sure to let you know if we have a chance to compare the two this season.
February 7, 2013 at 2:32 am
Hey,
Thanks for another great and honest review! Do you know what the running length for the Cham107 190 please?
And if you were to have to choose between the Cochise 185 and the Cham107 190, what would you go for as a one ski quiver? (You’re going to tell me to grab the Bonafide and line up some super fat alongside these is my guess).
Big thanks,
Rup
February 16, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Ryan, spot on review of the Cham 107 in the 184. I skied them last spring at Crystal Mountain in Washington. Bluebird spring day starting with firm groomers and turning into nice corn both on and off piste as it warmed up. I agree with everything you wrote. One week ago I had the opportunity to ski the 190 version-loved it – much better than the 184. Stevens Pass Washington. Soft grippy groomers, variable soft (boot deep) off piste. On groomers I felt as if I was on a GS race ski, I could turn them short, medium and long, they were stable and confidence inspiring. In the 184 I could get the tail to wash out, the 190 no way, solid and I felt no tip deflection no speed limit,I was laughing it was so much fun. In variable soft chop they were solid and just killed it-crud killer like last years Pro Rider 105. I did get them into some big soft bumps on 7th Heaven and they took some work to get through them, beat me up a bit, they are stiff. Later in the day on Tye Mill I took them into some medium size firm bumps, I was getting knocked around until I assumed a centered stance and Slarved/Pivoted them at slow to moderate speed, it became easy and fun-lesson learned. I really like this ski and am considering replacing my almost new Atomic Rituals for them but; I want to ski the 107 in some fresh pow, then ski the Cochise and lastly move my bindings to the team line on my Rituals before I decide.
March 20, 2013 at 9:22 pm
This review makes no sense, this ski is nothing if not damp. At your weight, I think you need to size down to 178.