Dynastar - M Tour 99 (178cm) (AT)

 While the ski is loosely based on the M-Pro 99 in terms of footprint, the overall character of the ski is different enough to make it its own thing. While some other companies like Blizzard and Nordica are moving to the hybrid side of the touring spectrum with Hustle and Enforcer Unlimited, the M-Tour 99 falls more to the side of touring rather than a mix of resort and backcountry. Since the Dynastar company and factory is found in the Chamonix valley, it makes sense that they build skis that are appropriate for those applications. This includes, but is not limited to, an adventurous spirit, a strong build, and a mix of soft snow versatility with uphill efficiency.

The build of the ski is very light in nature. Constructed with a hybrid core with paulownia wood, we get a mix of light weight, smooth feel, and a relatively stiff flex. Their hybrid core uses polyurethane material, not dissimilar to the material you’ll find in a 120-flex ski boot. This PU extends into the ski from the sides, providing a unique blend of silence, stability, and agility. This complements the energy from the paulownia quite well, creating a poppy and light core that’s built for both uphill and downhill. In addition, we’re getting basalt fiber in the ski that offers a lighter version of fiberglass, creating good energy without all the weight. In the 178, this ski hits the scale at 1300 grams which is pretty darn light, especially for a ski that’s 99 mm underfoot.