Ski Reviews

2022-2023 Dynastar M-Free 99, 185 cm

Reviewer Username: Dan

Reviewer Height: 5’8″

Reviewer Weight: 175 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Expert

DAYS USED: 15 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Whistler-Blackcomb, Cypress Mountajn

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 9/10

FORGIVENESS: 8/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 8/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 6/10

STABILITY: 6/10

SUSPENSION: 8/10

EDGE HOLD: 6/10

PLAYFULNESS: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

The ski is snappy when using the sidecut but the rocker/taper helps it slide in and out of turns. The moderate flex inspires confidence without being punishing.

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (185 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain | Very steep off-piste terrain | Trees

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

This ski is a good choice for a daily driver in a maritime snowpack. It holds a good edge and is fun to carve, but the shape helps with turn initiation and dumping speed in grabby snow. People who prefer very stiff, stable skis may find it a touch unsubstantial, but a good skier looking for a playful, versatile ski will enjoy them.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

This is my current preferred everyday ski. I also tried the 186 Dynastar M-Pro 99 and 182 Rossignol Black Ops 98 for this quiver slot and prefer the M-Free 99 due to its rocker/taper profile. The other skis were more locked in and stable, which is helpful when carving turns but makes them more demanding in challenging snow.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

I have also skied the 182 and 192 M-Free 108. Although the 185 M-Free 99 measures the same tip to tail as the 182 M-Free 108, the 99 feels like more ski, though much less substantial than the 192 M-Free 108.