The 2027 Dynastar M-Cross 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings meets on-trail carving with all-mountain capability, built around a poplar and PU hybrid core, an H-shaped titanal reinforcement underfoot, and a distinctive pin-tailed shape. It is a frontside-leaning ski that stays genuinely useful when the snow softens, with a short radius that is easy to get into and out of a carve and a rockered profile that keeps it maneuverable as terrain tightens. We paired the M-Cross 88 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

The pin-tailed shape gives the M-Cross a personality that is hard to find in this category. Load it up and it hooks into a clean carve, but it still lets you break the tail free and pivot when the terrain or the snow calls for it, which is rare in a midwidth ski with this much edge grip.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert skiers who want a versatile carver that can also take on bumps, trees, and softer snow when the chance comes. It suits East Coast and Midwest skiers whose days are mostly groomed but who would rather not carry a separate freeride ski for the odd storm.

Highlights:

What really defines the M-Cross is the H-shaped titanal frame underfoot, the source of the edge grip and torsional stability that lock it into a carve. The pin-tailed shape is the other signature: a wide shovel narrowing to a pinned tail gives it a relatively short radius and a smooth release at the end of the turn. A Hybrid Core 2.0 of tri-directional poplar and PU fills in the rest, damp but lively. An 88 mm waist keeps it sharp on groomers while leaving room to wander off them. At the core is the three-part heel, which delivers the secure boot retention the Strive line is known for while keeping weight reasonable. Salomon's elastic travel keeps the binding planted through chatter and cut-up snow, so it does not get knocked offline easily. The LDN toe spreads lateral input across an extra-wide pedal for crisp edge-to-edge power transfer, and a sliding toe pedal lets the ski bend underfoot for a more natural flex. The whole assembly rides on a low-profile chassis that drops the stance and centers the skier over the ski. It accepts both standard alpine and GripWalk boot soles, and the binding is TUV certified.

Things to consider:

The pin-tailed shape rewards skiers who pressure the front of the boot and let their turns finish naturally; if you like to drive the back of the ski, it may feel a touch loose. For a more dedicated frontside experience, Dynastar's Speed series leans all the way into trail-only carving.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Stick with your usual carving or all-mountain length, and step up a size if you spend a lot of time at higher speeds and want longer-radius edge hold.