2023 Dynastar M-Free 99

While we miss the Dynastar Slicer/Menace around here (okay maybe it’s only me), the M-Free 99 is a really fun replacement. As a narrower version of the M-Free 108, the 99 gets slightly less taper and rocker, but retains all the fun-loving character of the wider ski in the line. Dynastar uses their hybrid wood core consisting of poplar wood running the central chord of the ski with polyurethane material along the sides. It’s a pretty expansive use of PU material in a ski, and serves well to increase the stability, energy, quietness, and dampness of the ski without adding metal. The central wood core is wrapped in their fiberglass laminate creating a torsion box, and this works great at keeping the stiffness, snap, and pop super high in the ski. Whenever you are using a fiberglass laminate in a 3-dimensional format like this, it increases the strength and makes it more effective versus a 2-dimensional laminate. This ski returns structurally unchanged from last year, making it a great option for advanced and expert skiers to use in the park, trees, bumps, groomers, powder, or whatever else you can find on the mountain. They’re super-versatile and a ton of fun.

Bob St.Pierre skied the 179, and noted that while that length felt short, the 185 did as well. “The lighter weight, combined with the more flexible tips and tails, make it ski shorter than the outgoing Slicer/Menace, and that’s really what I keep comparing this ski to, even though I know full well and good that it’s totally different. Bob scored it 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. He had a 4 for flotation, and 3’s for overall impression and versatility. On the lower end of the scoring spectrum, he gave 2’s for torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability. Bob states: “I really, really want to like this ski but haven't really found my home on it quite yet. When I get it in the woods, it makes a lot of sense, but for on-trail skiing, I feel like I'm about 30 pounds too heavy, even in the 185. That said, for lighter skiers looking for a playful and versatile ski that has a good amount of rocker and taper, this one is super-fun. You have to be centered on it on the trails, but when you get that same ski in the woods, it has a very high wiggle-factor that cannot be understated or ignored.” Dave Hatoff notes about his 179: “Turny and easy to initiate. Stable on the hard pack. One ski quiver for Northeast US.”

Brad Schauerman found his 179 to be good, scoring it top marks of 4 out of 5 for all categories except for 3’s in torsional stiffness and edge hold. This is a nice and high consistent spread of scores for a solid all-mountain ski. Brad states: “I really like these skis. They are super soft and playful and fun to ski in fresh snow or spring like conditions but definitely can hold their own on a groomer as well. They are super snappy and easy to maneuver. I would definitely take a pair of these. Not quite a one ski quiver as they aren't the best on the hardpack but still a fun ski that holds its own all over the mountain.” There are numerous limitations on any given ski, and it’s fair to say that hard pack groomer performance is up there for the M-Free 99. Nick Wright calls his 179 “THE SUPRISE OF THE DAY! I was shocked at just how much fun I had on this ski. Different turn shapes, quick changes, popping off side hits, you name it, it can do it! Although I feel like this ski might get knocked down a little under heavy and wet conditions it was an absolute blast to rip on cord and can certainly imagine it being quick and reliable in the bumps and the trees. ! SLEEPER SKI!” On the unsurprising side, Nick gave it 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability.

Whether you are using this ski in a terrain park format, all-mountain use, or just a kick-around ski, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is a fantastic choice for a huge range and variety of skiers. Great in bumps and trees, and it doesn’t stop there, this is as fun-loving of a one-ski quiver as we’ve seen in quite some time.