He was skeptical at first, especially on the flat, but after climbing a relatively steep incline, he admitted, “I usually have to stop halfway here, and I would definitely be more eager than I am now.” He also noted that walking on the flat “changes my natural stride, and I feel like a person with a disability is being held while walking.”
When asked if he would spend $1,200 on it, Dad laughed.
The Dnsys
My prototype model definitely had issues. Without the benefit of the Dnsys app, the X1’s controls are vague and confusing, with different tones and little lights representing power modes and battery life.
The app makes everything easier, but it’s not great. I had to ask the brand what the different energy levels actually represented, as there was no guidance. For example, levels 1 and 2 are designed for women of “normal body weight”; Levels II through IV are for hiking and hill climbing. The fifth and sixth levels are dedicated to running and intense sports activities. We hope that this basic information will be added to the app before the launch proper.
During testing, the unit also failed several times. According to engineers, this was a safety feature that activated when the straps were not in the correct position. This in itself is a good thing, but I was unable to tighten the straps any further, and the unit was unable to reset itself. Hopefully these are just teething problems for Kickstarter backers.
The power of retirees
There’s no denying that the Dnsys X1 exoskeleton works. It really energizes you and takes the pressure off your legs when walking uphill. It’s quite heavy, and the waistband should be more comfortable.
Judging the Dnsys If the glitches we found can be resolved, it will be interesting to see how different the shipped product, which is supposed to be coming in September, is.
However, I can’t help but think that the brand is currently targeting the wrong audience. It doesn’t seem like anyone in the marketing literature actually needs help walking, walking, or running.
I’m lucky enough to be relatively fit and healthy, but as I get older and parts of my body start to break down, I like to know that there’s a way I can get out and explore. Yes, my dad initially scoffed at the price, but he’ll almost certainly spend big to keep doing what he loves – and I personally would love to welcome more Mighty Morphing Power Pensioners to the trails.