2022 Dynastar M-Free 99

New for 2022, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is the narrower sibling of last year’s popular M-Free 108. Replacing the Menace 98, the M-Free 99 is a bit more playful and lighter than the outgoing ski, meant to make it match the more soft-snow and smeariness that’s desired from the wider M-Free skis. At 99 mm underfoot, Dynastar is skirting the width between an all-mountain twin tip and a freeride ski that loves to be used in fresh powder and open terrain. Built with Dynastar’s Hybrid wood core, the M-Free 99 uses a poplar wood in the central chord of the ski with polyurethane (PU) material on the sides. Dynastar uses more PU in their skis than almost anyone, and it really has a unique and active feel to it. It’s almost akin to the plastic used in a 120-flex ski boot, so it definitely has some strength and stability to it, but also quite a bit of energy. In addition to that energy, you’re also getting a pretty good amount of rocker in the tips and tails, creating a fantastic amount of float. With the more pronounced splay in said tips and tails, this ski has that twin-tip feeling and shape to it, without being a total/true park ski. If you’re looking for a playful all-mountain ski with a freestyle and freeride flair, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is a phenomenal choice for the advanced and expert skier.

On the 185, Bob St.Pierre noted that it was a good overall length, but that “given the more flexible pattern, especially in the shovel, I would have liked to see a 188-190, but that’s just me being picky. I would like a little more material in my skis, mostly since these are a bit lighter than their predecessors, which I loved.” Bob scored the ski 5’s out of 5 for playfulness, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression. 3’s for flotation, stability, torsional stiffness, and edge grip are not too surprising. “I thought they would be a bit more stable, but I just had to temper my expectations and ski the ski more in the middle rather than driving the shovel. Once I figured that out, and was able to use the whole ski in a flexible and playful format, the M-Free 99 made a lot more sense. Great in the trees and bumps, and with a surprising amount of energy coming out of the turn, the M-Free 99 is going to be a fantastic choice for a wide variety of skiers, from intermediate park skiers to expert all-mountain skiers looking for a competitor to something like the Atomic Bent Chetler 100. I really liked these skis the more time I spent on them.” Also on the 185, David Wolfgang scored all 4’s and 5’s with 5’s for playfulness and overall impression. He noted that the size was right on and really appeared to have a favorable overall experience on these skis. Like Bob, David is also a fan of the outgoing Menace 98, so it does make sense that he’d gravitate to skis like this as well. He notes that “This ski loves to slice and dice the terrain. Exceptional turn initiation. Playful and lively.” I like the use of the word “exceptional” in this regard.

On the 179, Matt McGinnis found it to be a good length for him, “a touch long, maybe,” and his scores, like David’s were all 4’s and 5’s, with the lone exception of a 3 for forgiveness. My bet is that Matt was feeling the extra few cm’s of length keeping the ski from being as pliable as he’d like in this more freestyle-oriented capacity. The 5 for versatility is nice, and shows the well-rounded nature of these skis, as the build and the shape both contribute to the even-keeled personality that the M-Free 99 shows and possesses. Matt notes that the M-Free 99 is a bit burlier than he initially thought: “A few runs back, I tested the Head Oblivion 94, and suggested that it was for beginner or intermediate skiers looking for an all-mountain twin tip. If that ski was for intermediate skiers, let’s say the M-Free 99 is the choice for advanced intermediate and expert skiers. Much stiffer than the Oblivion, the M-Free 99 felt comfortable and stable at speed, able to lay hard carves and plow through slough like the best free ride skis. But, it’s also a twin tip, enabling it to ski switch with ease. In other words, it’s a great all mountain twin tip that skews towards faster, more serious skiers. It also feels like this ski could be quite at home in the park. With its stiffer flex, I could see it being capable on larger jumps where a stiffer ski helps prevent washed out landings. So, for recommendations, I’d say this ski is a great choice for anyone who boosts in the park, or someone who wants a twin tip with the power and stability of an all-mountain Freeride ski.”

All told, this is an exceptional new ski from Dynastar, poised and ready to take over from the well-loved but under-respected Menace 98. I think that with the heritage of last year’s M-Free 108, the 99 will get a lot of street credit to work with, allowing it to get a good head start on making waves in the deep-sea of versatile and playful 2022 skis.