2023 Dynastar M-Pro 85

For 2023, the good folks at Skis Dynastar made some nice upgrades to the outgoing M-Pro 84, which really was just a re-branded Legend X84. Now, we get the same shaping, and a similar construction as the higher-end M-Pro skis in Dynastar’s line, and the results are pretty darn impressive. With measurements of 120/84/110 mm, the skis generate a 16-meter turn radius in the 176, making the 85 a quick turner that loves to be on edge. Built with Dynastar’s hybrid wood core consisting of a central chord of poplar wood with Polyurethane along the sides, it’s an interesting blend of materials that makes for a smooth, quiet, energetic, and stable personality. Instead of a Ti Rocket Frame laminate on top, they use a fiberglass one, but it takes the same shape as the Rocket Frames found on the wider M-Pro skis, and makes sense given the intent for lighter weight and increased agility. The new rocker profile and taper shape are also borrowed from the wider M-Pro's, giving this ski more of a freeride feel to it, while it’s sectioned squarely in the all-mountain segment. For intermediate skiers mainly, but also with a higher-end ceiling, the Dynastar M-Pro 85 is a fantastic all-mountain ski with a few tricks and surprises.

On the 176, David Wolfgang called it true to size, but was a bit short for him. He scored it 4’s out of 5 for flotation, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. Overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability all got 3’s. David calls it a “Very playful ski with a quick turn initiation. Tip is a little floppy.” That increased rocker in the shovel, combined with the lighter weight, can certainly make it feel that way, especially if the ski is shorter than normal for a tester of David’s height. Dave Hatoff also found the 176 to ski true to size, and he gave the ski 4’s out of 5 for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, forgiveness, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. Stability and versatility got 3’s while flotation got a 2. Dave calls it “Approachable for a wide range of skiers, this ski would be ideal for the progressing intermediate or advanced skier. These skis love to make quick turns. Great edge grip, stable and precise. It would make for a great bump ski. A versatile, front side performer that would appeal to a wide range of skiers and styles.”

Also on the 176, Jeff Neagle loved the sharp-turning and high-fun factor of the M-Pro 85. He scored the ski top marks of 5 out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness, with 4’s for overall impression and versatility. “I wish skis like this were more popular because I think a lot of people would really end up having a better time on this than something like a Brahma or a Mantra. The marketing of these skis hasn’t quite caught up to the reality—they're fun, light, quick, and surprisingly high-end. There aren’t a whole lot of skiers out there who are going to max-out the performance of these, and since they have such a versatile shape to them, it makes the whole experience just that much better.”

In a world of stiff, heavy, and demanding skis, it’s great to see when a product like the M-Pro 85 comes around. They offer the majority of skiers on the planet something truly fun to hold on to, making the whole sport a lot easier and more approachable. That’s what it’s all about, and we’re stoked on the new changes for the 2023 Dynastar M-Pro 85.