2022 Dynastar Speed 4×4 82

In the world of utilitarian front side skis, the Dynastar Speed 4x4 82 stands out for a couple of reasons. The hybrid core construction that they use is unique in that they apply more polyurethane (PU) material to the core, and this gives the ski a smooth and stable feeling no matter the conditions or terrain. This core is found in most all of Dynastar’s freeride skis as well, so when they package the construction in a more front-side friendly shape, it makes for an interesting combination. In addition, Dynastar uses a thicker core in the central portions of the ski, leaving the shovels and tails unencumbered by this extra weight, keeping the skis light and maneuverable in the extremities. For a front side ski that’s masking itself as more of an all-mountain ski, this type of build makes a lot of sense. It’s not terribly difficult to get up on edge, but when it’s there, it’s all there. At 82 mm in the waist, these skis do have a good balance point to them, allowing them to bust through crud and chunky snow no matter the conditions or terrain. Equally at home in the bumps and trees as they are on groomers, the Speed 4x4 82 is like the Jeep of the ski world, only a little less clunky.

Ryan Daniel skied the 179 and noted that it was a good length for him. He scored the ski 5’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. I think that if we had a column for 6’s on our sheet, stability would have ended up there due to the amount of exclamation points he put at the end. 4’s were given for versatility and overall impression, while some of the more deserving scores of 2 out of 5 found their way into quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. Ryan calls the 4x4 82 a “full-on short-radius GS ski. It wants to take everything you want to give it and likes it. I found that it does not like slalom-style turns but rather prefers to go fast. I tested the ski on wide-open groomers and I loved all of it. Recommended for the skier that lies a stiff GS radius ski and that likes to go fast.” Marcus Shakun agrees with the speed and aggressiveness required to pilot the Speed 4x4 82. He skied the appropriately sized 185 and scored it 4’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. Quickness, like Ryan, was not a strong-suit for the ski, with that category earning a 3 out of 5. Marcus notes that the Speed 4x4 82 is great for “advanced and expert skiers that are strong and aggressive. This ski needs a strong skier to appreciate it, otherwise it’s just a burly ski.” Due to the construction, Marcus realizes that the ski is “stiffer in the tail with a softer shovel, and that results in a smooth entry into the turn and snaps you out of the turn into the next.”

Also on the 185, Phil McGrory scored the ski a 5 out of 5 for overall impression, with 4’s following suit in stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. Like the others, flotation wasn’t a huge plus for the ski, but that’s what powder skis are for. Phil notes that these Speed 4x4’s have “endless grip and are quite versatile.” Unlike Ryan, Phil found that the turn shaping of the skis was “very versatile—makes short and long radius turns very well.” That might have something to do with the length or the flex of the shovel in the 185, but either way, it’s nice to have differing opinions, as these are different skiers.

If you’re looking for a strong ski that blurs the line between front side and all-mountain, the 2022 Dynastar Speed 4x4 82 is here for your needs. Simply roll these things on edge and hold on for the ride, the strength and power of these skis create an unbelievable amount of stability, allowing skiers to really get the best of all worlds when they click into the bindings.