Dynastar M-Pro 99

Skier: Andrew Miller

Skier Height: 5’8′′

Skier Weight: 160lbs

Ski Length: 178 cm

Ski Radius: 20 m

Ski Dimensions: 127-99-117

Side Edge: 2 degree

Base Edge: 1 degree

Being one of the ‘ski racers’ in the bunch, it’s natural for me to be critical of a ski’s carving performance. As soon as the Dynastar M-Pro 99s touch freshly groomed corduroy, I do what comes naturally to me: I lay them the hell over. My criticism begets high expectations, and I’ll say that the skis did NOT disappoint. One of my favorite stomping grounds for groomer skiing is at Deer Valley, in Park City Utah. My muscle memory kicks into gear as I remember laying edges into grippy, compact corduroy ridges while the strong structure of the ski shoots me out of turns. What is it about the ski that makes it carve so well, you’re probably asking? Dynastar has a few marketing terminologies that they use to explain this sensation—none of which an everyday consumer really understands— such as: “Hybrid Core Poplar Pu”, “Adaptiv Sidecuts”, and the “Full Sidewall Construction”. In layman’s terms, I posit the following: the Dynastar M-Pro 99 possesses the necessary formula to produce a great ski. This is done through the 99mm underfoot, which is wide enough for choppy conditions but narrow enough to be able to be tipped onto the side of its edge. This is also done by its “rockered” tips, allowing for the entirety of the ski’s flex to be accessed without aggressive for-aft body

movement. Finally, the wood structure bolstered by metal and plastic gives the ski the necessary flex for handling g forces and terrain.

I understand that much of this review has been related to the M-Pro’s carving abilities, but that isn’t to say that this ski does not kick-ass in general. That’s actually what I’m trying to suggest with my emphasis on its carving ability: this ski is a really strong ski. Something that this ski does really well is conjure confidence in its rider. In turn, this confidence reflects an ability, and more importantly a desire, to take the ski to the limits. I mean that in the sense of the ski itself, and also the boundaries of the snow playground that it is inhabiting. As many people are aware, Utah sports some incredible mountains. Taking the M-Pro 99s around resorts like Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and Snowbird have exposed them to all types of conditions. Just as this ski inspires confidence on the groomers, it encourages its rider to drop cliffs, take a snorkel in the powder, or straight-line through the chop. The M-Pro 99s are a great work of engineering wrapped up in a gorgeous, surreptitious decal that make the experience on the skis even more enjoyable.

I score the ski at an 8.5/10 because it does everything that you would want it to do in an exhilarating and rewarding fashion, warranting its high score. The dynamics are there, the confidence-inspiring feel is present, and the its design is captivating. 1.5 can be found not in its drawbacks, but in the fact that no ski can be perfect in every aspect of skiing. But every condition that this ski is “at home”, as highlighted in the review above, it’s extremely good at. If the ski was just as good in 4 feet of powder as it is at carving, then it would deserve a 10, but earth doesn’t entertain that reality just yet.”

What you need to know: Capable of being pushed to its limits in all facets of the skiing experience, I would have a hard time finding the scenarios in which this ski is bad at something. Memorable to ski on, memorable to look at, the M-Pro 99s deserve to be in any ski enthusiast’s quiver.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10