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.

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.