2027 Dynastar M-Cross 88 W

For 2027, the Dynastar M-Cross 88 W gets a graphic change but returns otherwise unchanged. These skis do a fantastic job of walking a fine line between front side and all-mountain. With more of a carving mentality and strong rebound, the M-Cross 88 W is a really fun and engaging on-piste ski but the rocker and taper in the shovel allow for off-trail adventures and softer snow capabilities. We find that advanced and expert skiers will love the mix of versatility and solid precision.

Dynastar puts a lot of engineering into this ski's construction. The big thing that we see here as far as sophistication in the build is Dynastar’s Hybrid Core 2.0 technology. It incorporates poplar wood but in a multi-dimensional format. Through this layering process, two layers of the core are fused together through friction, eliminating the need for adhesive. This not only increases the sustainability of the ski but it greatly enhances instant rebound and feedback. Combining polyurethane along the sides provides an impressive level of damping and smoothness from tip to tail, absorbing any unwanted vibrations. On top of the core, Dynastar uses an H-shaped metal laminate which places emphasis along the edges of the ski, enhancing edge grip and power to allow for exceptionally clean, sharp carving capabilities. With a silent nature and lively pep, groomer performance is off the charts while still leaving plenty of room for off-piste exploration. Tester Alli Ruschp notes: " I was surprised how versatile and fun this ski was, I think just about anyone could get on this ski and have fun and feel confident skiing. The tips were soft and forgiving but under the foot was all serious, with excellent edge grip. It was easy to turn, playful in the softer snow but could hold an edge when powered. I do think it has a limit to speed and power with its short turn radius."

These skis certainly have a different and unique look from both the top and from the side angles. From a shaping perspective, the most noticeable characteristic that separates this ski from the rest is the tip width. In the 167 cm length, the width of the shovel is 134 mm, which pairs with a 116 mm tail width and 87 mm waist width. This is a significant size for the front of a ski of this width and has a lot to do with performance. Contributing to easy turn initiation and good flotation, it also boasts decent torsional stiffness which allows you to get up on edge and pulls you into a turn with ease. Combined with a long camber profile and minimal tip and tail rocker, which accentuates a long effective edge and impeccable edge grip, the overall shape is ideal for all-mountain carving purposes with enough agility to experience the bumps and trees as well. Ashley Maxfield states that "This is a fun ski to carve. Very responsive and loves to make turns. I would recommend this ski for Intermediate to Advanced skiers. This ski is great for those who love to put a ski over on edge and rip some carves."

Most of our testers thoroughly enjoyed the precision and versatility of these sweet all-mountain skis. The 2027 Dynastar M-Cross 88 W is an awesome all-mountain ski that can carve it up with the best of them. While the tail is on the stiffer side and can be a bit disconcerting for intermediate skiers, the easy initiation of the shovel and the shorter arc make it totally accessible as long as you’re aware of the tail stiffness. When you consider the rocker and taper involved here, it's more than reasonable to use this ski on most days, especially around here in Vermont.