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 In the last few years, D3 has made skis at opposite ends of the spectrum: so called “fast skis” like the Z7 and then deeper riding skis like the X5 and X7. The fast skis are known for requiring less physical effort, gaining width with ease and turning aggressively .The deeper riding skis are known for carving smooth arcs around the ball and a more tactual feel.
General Feel:
With the Fusion, D3 set out to combine the best attributes of the Z7 and the X7. From the Z, they wanted the speed and width. Form the X, they wanted the carving turns and stability. The result is brilliant.
Toe Side (Off Side) Turn
Approaching and exiting the off side, the Fusion draws a continuous arc out and around the ball. The ski is very tolerant of skier mistakes and finds the right path with minimum drama. Unless pushed aggressively, the ski blends the finish of the turn and the start of the acceleration stage better than most skis.
Heel Side (On Side) Turn
On Side turns have a tighter radius with more front foot pressure, but the Fusion is reasonably tolerant to extra back foot pressure. With weight centered and head up, this ski turns symmetrically on both sides.
From Second Wake to Ball
The Fusion consistently draws a path wide of the ball line. Width is simply not an issue on the Fusion. This is remarkable for a ski that turns with such a smooth arc.
Stability is something you notice mostly when you do not have it. Some skis make skiers feel stressed or unsteady between the wakes and the ball. The Fusion is calm and predictable, so much so that I found that I was controlling the handle (rope tension) far better on the Fusion than on other skis. In other words, I am so comfortable on this ski that I am able to ski more technically.
From Ball to Second Wake
If the skier is reasonably calm and patient at the ball, the Fusion will continue to generate angle all the way to the wake. In the case of a ball line error, the Fusion is easy to redirect across course. This ski delivers ample angle at the exit of every turn.
Quirks & Notes
If the skier is centered (stacked – hips up) across the wakes and approaching the ball, the Fusion is one of the very best high end skis available today. The one downside of this ski is that it has a small performance envelope. Outside that envelope, performance drops off quickly, and the ski is suddenly a lot of work to ride and unruly at the ball.
The Fusion is not tolerant to incorrect fin settings. In addition, skiers who do not consistently get their hips forward crossing the wakes will not do well on this ski.
 Conclusion:
There is no such thing as the perfect slalom ski, but for many skiers, the Fusion is the closest thing available today. If you are still and centered through the wakes, calm at the ball and do not insist on tweaking your fin settings every week, I strongly recommend this ski.
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