This is another completely new ski from Dynastar. The Contact 9 has the aggressive shape and heavily tapered tail of the big brother Contact 11 but in a lighter and softer package. The 9 has a quick, springy feel that you might expect from a light ski, but it also is smoother and has more grip than you would think. This is enough ski for an expert most of the time and is a great game improvement tool for the advanced skier. When I skied the test 172 I felt that a light nudge against the side of my boot would start the turn and an easy roll of my ankles would finish it. I don't much like moguls but I ski them during test season and this ski made them pretty darned easy. (as easy as they get for me anyway) The transitions between turn shapes on a pretty steep groomed pitch were seamless and even a little cut up crud and wind blown crust was smooth and easy. Only when I pushed the light 172 up to GS speeds did I feel anything resembling a wobble. The Contact 9 skis well above its price and will help the typical 90/10 skier in all phases of his skiing including a light dose of powder. The Contact 9 skis best from edge to edge and I don't suggest this model for a skier with a narrow stance or an old school style.

Dynastar Binding system:
Dynastar is using a new fully integrated rail called the "Fluid Drive" on the Contact models. The rail distributes pressure directly into the core and along the ski length while avoiding the additional weight of some systems. The plate feature allows the ski to flex freely without compromising edge grip or energy return. Each model of ski has a rail that is tailored to the characteristics of that model. The PX-12 is used with all the fluid drive plates.