2027 Dynastar M-Cross 82 W

The 2027 Dynastar M-Cross 82 W gets a graphic update for this year but returns otherwise unchanged. Blending a smooth ride with a fun-loving shape, this highly useful ski appeals to both progressing intermediates who want predictability, as well as more advanced skiers who want to push it harder. Excelling in a shorter radius format, M-Cross 82 W fans love the wider shovel, narrower tail and grippy waist for on-trail performance. Quick and agile with plenty of power, those who want versatility are certainly not limited to off-piste terrain. This is an awesome all-mountain ski with strong front side characteristics. Great in the bumps and packed-out trees, this ski is more versatile than the width lets on. That said, it's fair to note that energy and edge grip in a carved turn are huge highlights here.

Dynastar places a lot of emphasis on sophistication and engineering into the build of thise skis. Construction-wise, the M-Cross 82 W starts with Dynastar’s Hybrid Core 2.0. Using poplar wood in a multi-dimensional format, the specific placement throughout the length of the ski delivers great energy and pop. The amazing thing about this technology is that Dynastar mills and joins their wood laminates together using friction and pressure rather than adhesive. This not only utilizes a sustainable approach but also delivers exceptional feedback. There is a metal section in the binding zone for retention and increased edge grip, but it doesn't extend further than that. Weighing in at 1500 grams per ski, this is nice and light despite the impressive use of materials. Tester Fiona Reed notes that "I was really impressed with these as my first experience with Dynastar. They had great edge hold and could handle being pushed pretty hard on the frozen granular/hardpack conditions today, with a little bit of chatter but not bad for an all-mountain ski. They felt rock solid in a carve and had a good amount of energy return when transitioning between edges. Did what I wanted them to do exactly how I wanted them to do it. Overall, a similar ski to the Santa Ana which is probably why I liked them - wish I could have tried a longer length for that added stability but even in a 158 I wasn’t over skiing them except for one or two turns."

The short radius is a big part of this ski's identity when it comes to the footprint. For the shape, the shovel really attracts the majority of the attention as it is significantly wider than the tail, and for the waist width. For dimensions, the 167 cm length measures 129/82/111 mm and generates a 13-meter turn radius. With so much surface area in the forebody, the M-Cross 82 W delivers strong initiation while maintaining enough torsional stiffness to get up on edge with ease. Smooth and agile, the ease-of-use trickles down through the tail, with the performance smooth and complying rather than punishing. Tester Deb Dennison notes: "I liked the ski, although considerably shorter than I usually ski. It was playful and versatile, yet stable at higher speeds. Moguls, trees, short turns on groomers. The ski was quick to engage and rolled onto edge easily."

If you get on this ski, chances are you're going to be impressed with the smoothness and energy. With quickness underfoot and powerful stability along the long effective edge, carving enthusiasts will value the full scope of performance. This is a very well-rounded ski for those who spend most of their time in an on-trail and carving format but still want a wider and more rockered shovel for easy steering in more adventurous conditions and terrain.