Expert Review: Dynastar M-Pro 84 Skis · 2021
Published on 10/19/2022 · 4 min readThis review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in January of 2021.
All photos courtesy of Jarod Russell
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in January of 2021.
My take
The Dynastar M-Pro 84 skis are great for long uphills in the backcountry. They feel like nothing on my feet. The M-Pro 84s are ideal for an advanced rider in the backcountry.
Wear and tear on the ski
About the gear
- Model: 2021 Dynastar M-Pro 84 Skis
- Size: 178
About me
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Experience 2 years skiing and 12 years snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: January 2021
- Days tested: 10
- Mount position: Recommended
- Boots: 2021 Technica Cochise
- Boot Size: 27.5
- Bindings: Look RT 14
- Where I’ve used it: Lake Tahoe area
- Terrain: Backcountry trees, bowls, mountains, and groomers for training
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was looking for a lightweight carbon ski for the backcountry tours up large peaks.
Why I chose this gear
I chose the Dynastar skis because they are lightweight, and the local ski shop was running a deal. I considered another option, like the Head Kore 90, but these were a good weight and design for my price point.
What I love about them
- Speed: A longer ski handles speed better, and a skinny underfoot with a smaller tip and tail helps prevent drag. This ski fits that profile and can handle speed.
- Edge hold: The edge hold is great on this pair because of its full sidewall construction.
- Turns: This ski has been good at high-speed turns due to its shape of a full sidewall construction and reverse sidecut in the tip and tail with traditional sidecut underfoot.
- Backcountry: I find this ski lightweight and can get me anywhere. It’s exactly what I want in a long-distance mission ski.
- Durability: I have had no problems with durability. They have held up to everything I have put them through so far. They have handled it all when I have ridden them through trees and over all that debris or bumps/logs.
- Weight: I love how light they are.
- Ease of turn initiation: When I want to turn, especially in the trees, these skis start a turn exactly when I move them because of the reverse sidecut in the tip and tail with the traditional sidecut underfoot. This aids in increased maneuverability.
- Stability at high speeds: When I have used these on the groomers and started getting a fast speed, from experience, I have no worries that these will handle it. There is some chatter underfoot under hard-packed/icy snow.
- Carving: These skis have carved great every time I used them, no matter the speed. The rocker profile is very beneficial to carving as the tip/tail rocker initiates turns and has a good turn radius of 17M.
- Groomers: They are fast over the groomed runs almost like a race ski because of their rocker profile.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Powder: The skis are not wide enough to float. They create tracks and get stuck.
- Trees: They have trouble catching in deeper snow since the underfoot width is smaller, but they are light and fast between trees when no powder exists.
- Moguls: As a backcountry touring ski for long trips, this is not what the ski is designed for. It is light which makes it bouncy.
- Park: Not designed for riding conditions in the park.
- Floatation: These skis could do better at flotation but considering they are not wide skis underfoot, it is understandable.
- Versatility: Really only made for groomers. Their tip/foot/tail dimensions really don’t make it good off-piste as it won’t float or handle powder well.
Favorite moment with this gear
The first time I went backcountry on these, I was able to make it to a high peak around Tahoe. I saw the shimmering blue lake and the Sierras in their snowy glory. It was a sight not many get to see. It was a day with powder still on top but a good base underneath. I was keeping up with my friends, so I was not doing anything too crazy, but when they got ahead, I could catch up quickly.
Value for the money vs. other options
Due to the deal I got on the Dynastar M-Pros, I believe them to be a good value for the money versus a product like the Head Kore 90.
Final verdict
The M-Pro is a great ski for long tours in the backcountry. A little light on the icy snow and not good crud busters. Ideal for prime winter conditions, not the early or late season. Really good ski for a skier who is progressing and trying to improve their ability level and overall technique.
