Dnsys · Hiking exoskeleton
Dnsys Z1
Our score
Our score breakdownAssist power9.0Real-world range7.5Weight and comfort10.0Value for money8.5Warranty and support7.0See our score breakdown
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Price checked
$1,299
at Dnsys · Official Dnsys store, ships from Los Angeles in 3 to 7 business days
- Both knees · Joints
- 900 W · Motor power
- 3.1 lb · Weight
- 9.3 to 18.6 mi · Battery range
- KERS · Energy recovery
- 88 to 269 lb · Fit range
Where to buy this product
Prices checked on October 1, 2026
Dnsys
We do not sell this product. Retailer links are affiliate links: a purchase earns us a commission, at no extra cost to you and without influencing our score.
Full specs
| Joints | Both knees, 1.5 lb (680 g) per knee |
|---|---|
| Motor power | 900 W peak |
| Weight | 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) for the pair |
| Battery range | 9.3 mi (15 km) per battery; 18.6 mi (30 km) on the Z1 Pro with two batteries |
| Energy recovery | KERS recovery on descents |
| Fit range | 4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 5 in, 88 to 269 lb (1.50 to 1.96 m, 40 to 122 kg) |
| Ships from a US warehouse (Los Angeles) | Yes |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Size range published by the maker | Yes |
Our review
Comparative analysis · updated October 2, 2026The most distinctive product in our comparison: where the others assist the hip, the Z1 assists the knee and recovers energy on descents. It is the only dedicated knee unit here, but the standard version has one battery and adds no push uphill.
Scores by criterion
Assist power9.0 Real-world range7.5 Weight and comfort10.0 Value for money8.5 Warranty and support7.0
Pros
- Built for the knee: it guides the joint and brakes it on descents
- Energy recovery on descents (kinetic energy recovery system, KERS), exactly where the knee takes the load
- Size range published in black and white: 4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 5 in and 88 to 269 lb, a rare level of transparency
- Ships from a Los Angeles warehouse in 3 to 7 business days
Cons
- One battery on the standard Z1: the two-battery Z1 Pro costs $700 more
- No push uphill: it guides and brakes the knee, so climbing power is a job for a hip model
Who it's for
Buyers whose descents are the hard part, with a size range published by the maker: 4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 5 in, 88 to 269 lb.
Who it's not for
Anyone who wants push uphill, which a hip model does better. With knee pain, see a doctor or physical therapist first.
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Published after moderation
Frequently asked questions
Hip or knee exoskeleton: which one do I need?
A hip model (Hypershell, Ascentiz) pushes the leg forward and shines uphill. A knee model like the Z1 guides and brakes the joint, so it shines on descents and under load.
If climbs wear you out, take a hip model; if descents make you grimace, the Z1 is made for that. For lasting pain, see a doctor or physical therapist before buying.
What does Dnsys claim about the Z1 and the knees?
Dnsys claims ‘200% relief of knee pressure’ and assist of up to 50% of the movement. These are the maker’s claims, measured under its own protocol, not independent clinical data.
The mechanism (guiding flexion, braking on descents, recovering energy) is coherent, but we cannot quantify the effect. It is a recreation product, not a medical device.
What does the Z1 Pro add?
A second battery, for up to 18.6 miles combined instead of 9.3, at $700 more: $1,999 against $1,299 (prices checked Oct 1, 2026).
Check the spec sheet for any other differences before choosing.
Alternatives
Hypershell Halo
The only consumer exoskeleton that motorizes both hip and knee: 1,490 W across four motors. Preorder, shipping late November 2026.
Hypershell X Ultra
Our top pick: 1,000 W, two 18.6-mile batteries and a carbon frame, for $600 less than the X Ultra S, which has the same power and range.
Dnsys X1
Hypershell's direct rival: 900 W and 40 N·m for $110 less than the X Carbon. In real use, range and strap comfort fall behind.
Tool · Comparison tool
How does it stack up against another model?
This product is already in place: add a competitor and everything is lined up row by row.
Add a third model
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- Hypershell X Max S Hypershell Add Hypershell X Max S to the comparison
- Ascentiz H Ultra Ascentiz Add Ascentiz H Ultra to the comparison
- Hypershell Halo Hypershell Add Hypershell Halo to the comparison
- AstroShell Alpha 1 AstroShell Add AstroShell Alpha 1 to the comparison
- Ascentiz H Pro Ascentiz Add Ascentiz H Pro to the comparison
- Hypershell X Pro S Hypershell Add Hypershell X Pro S to the comparison
- Dnsys X1 Dnsys Add Dnsys X1 to the comparison
- Hypershell X Go Hypershell Add Hypershell X Go to the comparison
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| Dnsys Z1 | Hypershell X Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Our scores | ||
| Our score | 8.5 | 9.1 (best value) |
| Assist power | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Real-world range | 7.5 | 8.5 (best value) |
| Weight and comfort | 10.0 (best value) | 9.0 |
| Value for money | 8.5 | 9.5 (best value) |
| Warranty and support | 7.0 | 9.5 (best value) |
| Reader score | — | — |
| Specs | ||
| Joints | Both knees | — |
| Motor power | 900 W | 800 W |
| Weight | 3.1 lb | 5.5 lb |
| Battery range | 9.3 to 18.6 mi | 10.9 mi |
| Energy recovery | KERS | — |
| Fit range | 88 to 269 lb | — |
| Batteries in the box | — | 2 batteries |
| Modes | — | 10 modes |
| App | — | App + AI |
| Water resistance | — | IP54 |
| Prices and deals | ||
| Best price | $1,299 | $899 (best value) |
| Links | Buy Read our review | Buy Read our review |
Manufacturer values are flagged as such, and prices are tracked regularly. Retailer links are affiliate links.
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8.5
$1,299 at Dnsys