He was skeptical at first, especially on flat ground, but after climbing a relatively steep hill, he admitted, “I would normally have to stop halfway here and be more out of breath than I am now.” He also noticed that walking on flat ground “changes my natural stride length and makes me feel like I’m a disabled person being supported while walking.”
But when I asked him if he would spend $1,200 on it, my dad laughed.
The Dnsys X1 has been heavily discounted as part of the brand’s crowdfunding campaign, with prices starting at $750, which is a slightly more palatable price than its MSRP if it were to hit the market, but considering it’s north of $1.2 million, that’s what we would expect it to do when it does hit the market.
My final prototype sample certainly had its issues: Without the benefit of the Dnsys app, the X1’s controls are clunky and confusing, with different tones and little lights indicating power mode and battery level.
The app makes everything easier, but it’s not great. There was no guidance, so I had to ask the brand what each power level actually represents. For example, levels 1 and 2 are designed for “normal weight” women; levels 2 to 4 are for long distance walking and hill climbing, and levels 5 and 6 are for trail running and intense sports activities. I hope this basic information is added to the app before the official release.
During testing, the unit malfunctioned a few times. Engineers said this was a safety feature that kicked in if the straps weren’t in the right position. That’s a good thing, but I couldn’t tighten the straps any more and the unit wouldn’t reset. Hopefully, these are just starter issues for Kickstarter backers.
The power of pensioners
I can’t deny that the Dnsys X1 Exoskeleton works, it really gives me power and takes the strain off my legs when walking uphill, but it’s too heavy and the waist strap needs to be more comfortable.
Judging the Dnsys X1 as is, that’s the score we give it. It’s a late-stage prototype, but we should stress that Dnsys was adamant about giving us a full review of this model. It’ll be interesting to see how different the product is when it’s due to ship in September once the kinks we found are ironed out.
But I can’t help but think that the brand is currently targeting the wrong demographic: None of the people featured in their marketing materials look like they actually need help hiking/walking/running.
I’m fortunate to be relatively healthy and fit, but it’s good to know that as I get older and my body weakens there will be ways to get out and explore. Admittedly, my dad balked at the price at first, but I’m sure he’ll spend a lot of money to continue doing what he loves. I, too, would love to get more Mighty Morphing Power Pensioners on the trails.
