All-mountain skis are the SUV’s of the ski world. They’re burly, sometimes heavy, and are supposed to do a bit of everything. The 2020 Dynastar Legend X 88 is the perfect example of one of these skis. Built on a beefy platform of Poplar wood and with two Titanal layers, the Legend X 88 is a stiff ski, but the shape makes it nimble and maneuverable. This way, you get the best of both worlds, with the strength and the quickness necessary to take on a vast variety of snow conditions and terrain. The 88 mm underfoot width is highly versatile, as it’s wide enough to generate some good float and narrow enough for strong edge hold and carving prowess. Dynastar’s 5-point sidecut makes the most out of the ski by slightly shortening the turn radius due to a longer tip and tail taper shape. By bringing the widest points of the ski closer to the waist, it decreases turn radius and increases maneuverability. At the 180 cm length, the skis have an 18-meter turn radius, so these things like to turn on a dime. Our testers loved the stiffness and maneuverability, with many of them remarking how fun and smooth they are on all terrain.
Michael Rooney skied the 180 and thought that was a good length for him. His top marks were 4’s out of 5 for flotation and stability. It’s pretty amazing what a couple of sheets of metal can do for the dampness of the ski, and it looks like Michael is picking up on this fact. “The Legend X 88 is great on soft snow and groomers. It is good at absorbing bumps.” In terms of a target audience, Michael notes that the Legend 88 is suitable for intermediate and above skiers.
Rick Randall was also on the appropriately sized 180 and had some high scores to boot. All 4’s for Rick, with a lone 3 for torsional stiffness and edge hold. His overall impression score of 4 is quite high, and the versatility score is not surprising given the shape and build of the skis. “Really playful with good energy from turn to turn. Versatile ski can change turn shape with relative ease. Not an overly demanding ski. Torsionally, I wanted a little more out of it at speed for edge hold, but most skiers will have fun on this ski.” Good point by Rick, noting that the shorter turn radius does put a bit of a damper on the upper ends of the speed limit, but that the skis have a huge target audience that will love the maneuverability and stability at most speeds.
Dave Marryat skied the 173 and, unlike Rick, was a big fan of the torsional stiffness and edge hold as well as the quickness and maneuverability. Each of those categories received top marks of 5, with stability earning a well-deserved 4. David calls the Legend 88 “a great ski for the ‘traditional skier.’ An 88-waist width, but a trail carver at heart. Skiers with a narrow stance and who are in the front of their boot will love this Dynastar offering.” Smart analysis from David, that a lot of skiers who don’t want a huge, wide ski will love the ease of use and balanced stance of the Legend 88.
Parker Herlihy would have preferred the 186, but still found the 180 that he tested to have ample power and stability. “Slick and stiff. Stiff tail, and pretty short in the tip lead to quick engagement. A very solid ski.” They’re definitely on the maneuverable side of things, and that tip taper does make the ski look a bit shorter in the front, but most of the power is found underfoot and through the tail.
If you’re looking for one of the most maneuverable and well-rounded skis out there on the market, the Dynastar Legend X 88 is an ideal choice. Any conditions, any terrain, any time.
