The Dynastar Thread

[Mofro261]

This fucking ski... the got damn Ron Popeil of skis. Just set it.................and forget it.
Firm, shin deep, knee deep, balls deep, don’t GAF. Carve, float, surf, charge, play, same shit. Mach Klammer? Why the fuck not. Kopi_red and I put these bishes through their paces the last three days and hot damn they delivered. I keep waiting to find something they suck at, can’t fucking find it. I could literally chop my quiver to three, maybe two skis and be just fine, but that’s fucking dumb.
Honestly if a person is looking for a one ski quiver, that’s a weird concept amirite, these can absolutely be it.

Man I really got to echo 2F here and was literally thinking the same just a couple days ago about this being maybe the closest quiver of 1 ski as I have sampled.

Most "quiver of one" skis end up pretty meh in some or all conditions, but I'm giving the M108 an above average to really f'en great across all conditions I've been in so far, groomed and charging/decent edge grip on ice and bumps/great float for me in deep pow. I kept grabbing the 108's throughout the storm cycles over the last few weeks and was never disappointed or felt outgunned. I like skiing fast and most skis I've gravitated towards really come to life once at 30+mph. The M108 is really lively and fun even at 15mph, yet and still rails hard at 50mph.


Zero regrets with grabbing this in the 182, but Dynabros if you are listening, the "cure cancer" model would be 186 +/- cm.

[chickenNugget]

Has anybody else thought m-free 108 but with core of m-tour 99....might be a fun touring ski?

[NW_SKIER]

Considering a 182 is barely 100 grams heavier than the steeple 108 I currently tour on, no, I haven't thought that. I have thoughts about putting pin binders on them the way they are though.

[Andyski]

The 108 has my extreme attention: how overlapped with a mantra 102 you think? The mfree sounds more playful and pivoty. Anyone been on both?

[CascadeLuke]

I’m looking for that cure- wishing 186/7 🤨

Mofro what size 108 would you rec for me in our area? Knee arthritis issues coming on. .

[2FUNKY]

Has anybody else thought m-free 108 but with core of m-tour 99....might be a fun touring ski?

At 2200ea for the 192, they’re not overly heavy. I could see a second pair with pin binders or CAST for next year, ‘cause I do so much touring...
A CAST set up would make a super sick travel ski tho.

[jackattack]

At 1880 for the pair, 192, they’re not overly heavy. I could see a second pair with pin binders or CAST for next year, ‘cause I do so much touring...
A CAST set up would make a super sick travel ski tho.

this is what I'm leaning towards.

CAST mfree 108 + Protest for ultimate travel capability

[waxman]

The 108 has my extreme attention: how overlapped with a mantra 102 you think? The mfree sounds more playful and pivoty. Anyone been on both?

yep, if i have a choice i'm taking the MFREE, for exactly those reasons, i don't think you give up anything on hardpack (not ice just regular lower mountain stuff) with the Mfree and it's more "fun" everywhere else

[Mofro261]

I’m looking for that cure- wishing 186/7 廊

Mofro what size 108 would you rec for me in our area? Knee arthritis issues coming on. .

Yup you are right at the tweener point where the 186/7 would be $$$. A few folks have said the 192 has some heft to it, and it might feel that way sizing up from a 18X something ski. Dunno if it is the downsizing, but my 182's feel downright "nimble" and light coming off the 188 X106, and other than looking short under my feets, I wouldn't hesitate to downsize for skiing Steven's/Alp type terrain, esp with knee issues lurking.

If most of the skis in your quiver are 189+ and you are 175+ lbs, or skiing where there is more wide open terrain, then the 192 is the way to go.

[Self Jupiter]

Dynastar went full 4frnt with the sizing on that ski

[chickenNugget]

At 1880 for the pair, 192, they’re not overly heavy. I could see a second pair with pin binders or CAST for next year, ‘cause I do so much touring...
A CAST set up would make a super sick travel ski tho.

I agree a CAST setup would make a sweet travel ski/ lift accessed/hybrid ski.

My 192’s are 2400+- grams each, which is about 6-700 grams heavier than I like my BC skis to be.

[Bandit Man]

The 108 has my extreme attention: how overlapped with a mantra 102 you think? The mfree sounds more playful and pivoty. Anyone been on both?

Own the 184 M102 and 192 MFree...Not sure you are going to get very objective info in this thread, but here it goes...

The M102 is a much more directional charger than the MF108. The M102 is far more damp and is better on hard pack. The M102 skis loose in deep snow, especially considering how little rocker it has. The M102 has virtually no speed limit (my kid clocked 60+ MPH on his at Park City last week and felt he could have pushed them faster). Oh yeah, they eat crud and float well for only being 102 in the waist. They are an all-mountain/big mountain ski that rules firm or variable conditions but also holds it own in deep snow.

Now to the MF108. There is a lot of hype in this thread about how “fun” this ski is...and it is not embellished. The MF108 is a powerful, energetic, and fun ski. It really wants to be off trail and in soft snow. It skis amazingly loose. I was a skeptic with all that camber, but it is so much fun in soft off trail conditions at a place like a Stevens Pass. I love it in the trees, where it rivals a Billy Goat for loose smeary turns. It probably floats better than any other 108 waist ski I have ever tried. Kills powder and more than holds its own in crud.

Now, let’s get to firm conditions. It is very capable on hard snow. It rails and is quite stable at speed, but you have to work a bit to not get the tails to wash out at the end of a turn. It took me a while to figure that piece out. Compared to the M102, the MF108 takes more work and concentration to stay in the turn. Also, it is not as damp and that camber can fight against you on roughed up groomers...the ski absorbs energy and wants to do something with it. The MF108 is not bad on firm snow, it just demands more from the skier. Also, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think the MF108 has a speed limit...albeit a very high one. It may be that I just suck, but I’m not as confident going Mach Schnell on the MF108 as I am on the M102.

Finally, the M102 is more forgiving (due to its dampness) than the MF108. I also think the difference in camber profile plays a role here, too.

So, both are great skis, but it really depends on what you want out of a ski. With our most recent ridiculously deep snow cycle in the PNW, you could ski the MF108 everyday and be stoked about it. If you are going to be skiing firmer or variable conditions, I think there are much better options.

I think the better comparison is the Katana K108 and MF108. And in that showdown, it would be nitpicking to choose a winner.

[Andyski]

I think the better comparison is the Katana K108 and MF108. And in that showdown, it would be nitpicking to choose a winner.

Awesome reply. Thank you. This last sentence sort of answers it. I already own the M102 (and an old metal Katana) and love it, but had demoed the wine-colored QST 106 (before it got heavier) I thought it was surprisingly fun as hell, just a different type of fun than the M102. I like both types of fun and the Mfree sounds even funner than the QST for those softish hacking around Alp or dancing in the trees/windlips at Bachelor days.

[Bandit Man]

Awesome reply. Thank you. This last sentence sort of answers it. I already own the M102 (and an old metal Katana) and love it, but had demoed the wine-colored QST 106 (before it got heavier) I thought it was surprisingly fun as hell, just a different type of fun than the M102. I like both types of fun and the Mfree sounds even funner than the QST for those softish hacking around Alp or dancing in the trees/windlips at Bachelor days.

I owned the wine colored QST106 for a short stint. It was an easy, fun ski. The MF108 is just more ski than the MF108 in just about every way. Floats better, charges harder, and skis looser. But the QST is more forgiving. I keep coming back to that point with the MF108, but I think that it is a key characteristic...MF108’s are fun and energetic, but you got to stay on top of them...or at least I have to stay on top of the 192’s. If you do, they are a ton of fun.

[2FUNKY]

I agree a CAST setup would make a sweet travel ski/ lift accessed/hybrid ski.

My 192’s are 2400+- grams each, which is about 6-700 grams heavier than I like my BC skis to be.

Yeah, not sure how I typed that fuct up number and went with it. Corrected my original post. I could see a lighter build for touring only.

As far as a speed limit on the mfree108, I have yet to find it and I’ve tried, even spooked myself a little the other day, tough to do, but stayed composed and they didn’t even flinch.
Went back to my marketing dept and came up with a slight adjustment..
“ The Ron Popeil of skis, just send it............
and forget it”

[phatty]

Yeah, not sure how I typed that fuct up number and went with it. Corrected my original post. I could see a lighter build for touring only.

As far as a speed limit on the mfree108, I have yet to find it and I’ve tried, even spooked myself a little the other day, tough to do, but stayed composed and they didn’t even flinch.
Went back to my marketing dept and came up with a slight adjustment..
“ The Ron Popeil of skis, just send it............
and forget it”

I'm totally in love with my MFree 108s as my do everything ski but the only time I found a speed limit or any negative characteristics was in chop. On one of the days before the recent PNW cycle, I had them out in some softer chop and noticed them bouncing around more than I was used to with my QLabs. Not really bad, but I had to adjust from a "crush everything" ski style to bouncing from pile to pile.

[shroom]

fwiw my 192 are barely longer than my 187 woodsman

eta it will also probably end up my travel pick inbounds or out

[2FUNKY]

I'm totally in love with my MFree 108s as my do everything ski but the only time I found a speed limit or any negative characteristics was in chop. On one of the days before the recent PNW cycle, I had them out in some softer chop and noticed them bouncing around more than I was used to with my QLabs. Not really bad, but I had to adjust from a "crush everything" ski style to bouncing from pile to pile.

I could see that with the heavier snow you guys get on the crest. I felt a slight tip push on the big piles here the other day but they stayed right on track. I’ll take that one ever so tiny issue for what they give in return everywhere else.

[phatty]

I could see that with the heavier snow you guys get on the crest. I felt a slight tip push on the big piles here the other day but they stayed right on track. I’ll take that one ever so tiny issue for what they give in return everywhere else.

Yep, it's a trade I'll make every day for the other benefits of the ski.

[NW_SKIER]

I find that just staying committed to the edges negates that "bouncy, pushy" sensation alot. They definitely have a lot of liveliness to them, no question. It's fascinating to me that they hold an edge so well and truck so hard when they give back so damn much energy.

I'm a huge fanboi. I really want them to make them in a 186~

[CascadeLuke]

Thanks Mofro and others for help. Thought I had decided size until saw some weights thrown out. Any more data points for weight? All sizes appreciated.
Shroom did you put those 172s on a scale? Probably following suit for Mrs

[TAFKALVS]

This fucking ski... the got damn Ron Popeil of skis. Just set it.................and forget it.
Firm, shin deep, knee deep, balls deep, don’t GAF. Carve, float, surf, charge, play, same shit. Mach Klammer? Why the fuck not. Kopi_red and I put these bishes through their paces the last three days and hot damn they delivered. I keep waiting to find something they suck at, can’t fucking find it. I could literally chop my quiver to three, maybe two skis and be just fine, but that’s fucking dumb.
Honestly if a person is looking for a one ski quiver, that’s a weird concept amirite, these can absolutely be it.

I'm glad you like them, I know in our early season discussions there was some concern.

Alright alright I gotta get on a pair. Tried to get my rockered soles into jackattacks 192s last week but couldn't get them to work...

What's your bsl? I'm thinking about heading up to the windy hill midweek. My 192 mfree's are mounted on the line for 305 bsl. Bindings are Pivots so not too much adjustability.

If Kopi wants to come grab my pair with Vipec in Sandpoint you're welcome to them.

It also cured me from having to put up with inappropriately temperamental attitude from indy companies.

It's neat how consistent they seem to be from the factory, with little discussion about tune or unflat bases or anything. I know the raceroom proriders seemed to be a little unfinished but I think that's a scenario of small batch production just like an indy maker. The Dynastars (in my past 8 years of skiing them) from the "made in spain" factory seem to be incredibly consistent. I've yet to see any major variation in camber, rocker, topsheet placement, tune or else across the Cham, Legend X and now Mfree/Mpro series. Not sure if the production is super dialed or if the QA is spot on, but so far I know I can get a pair of skis, take them out of plastic and ski them with little fuss other than a mild tip and tail detune to taste.

Man I really got to echo 2F here and was literally thinking the same just a couple days ago about this being maybe the closest quiver of 1 ski as I have sampled.

Most "quiver of one" skis end up pretty meh in some or all conditions, but I'm giving the M108 an above average to really f'en great across all conditions I've been in so far, groomed and charging/decent edge grip on ice and bumps/great float for me in deep pow. I kept grabbing the 108's throughout the storm cycles over the last few weeks and was never disappointed or felt outgunned. I like skiing fast and most skis I've gravitated towards really come to life once at 30+mph. The M108 is really lively and fun even at 15mph, yet and still rails hard at 50mph.

I'm with you, I keep falling back to them in lieu of more specialized skis in the quiver because I know I can almost always have at least an okay time on them, regardless the condition. Also agree, I love that they are fun at low speeds but super capable at LPR speeds. This is opposite a lot of the older Dynastars that really need a good 100 yard straightline before "getting up on plane" so to speak.

Zero regrets with grabbing this in the 182, but Dynabros if you are listening, the "cure cancer" model would be 186 +/- cm.

I agree but I think if you were skiing at place that was more open you'd like the 192. Personally I liked the 192 when I skied it last year at Alpy, but obviously I'm fatter.

Has anybody else thought m-free 108 but with core of m-tour 99....might be a fun touring ski?

Yes. For now I mounted a pair of 182 with Vipecs. The precut Pomoca skins from Dynastar are pretty sweet too.

The 108 has my extreme attention: how overlapped with a mantra 102 you think? The mfree sounds more playful and pivoty. Anyone been on both?

I think there's room for both... if you ski stevens or alpy or another soft snow oriented mountain with more technical terrain you might find yourself grabbing the mfree a lot more than you thought you would.

I’m looking for that cure- wishing 186/7 ��

Mofro what size 108 would you rec for me in our area? Knee arthritis issues coming on. .

192 mfree is like an ON3P 189, so YMMV here.

At 2200ea for the 192, they’re not overly heavy. I could see a second pair with pin binders or CAST for next year, ‘cause I do so much touring...
A CAST set up would make a super sick travel ski tho.

this is what I'm leaning towards.

CAST mfree 108 + Protest for ultimate travel capability

I agree a CAST setup would make a sweet travel ski/ lift accessed/hybrid ski.

My 192’s are 2400+- grams each, which is about 6-700 grams heavier than I like my BC skis to be.

I've been thinking Cast or Shifts/Tectons. Either way would be the ultimate travel setup.

yep, if i have a choice i'm taking the MFREE, for exactly those reasons, i don't think you give up anything on hardpack (not ice just regular lower mountain stuff) with the Mfree and it's more "fun" everywhere else

Yup

Yup you are right at the tweener point where the 186/7 would be $$$. A few folks have said the 192 has some heft to it, and it might feel that way sizing up from a 18X something ski. Dunno if it is the downsizing, but my 182's feel downright "nimble" and light coming off the 188 X106, and other than looking short under my feets, I wouldn't hesitate to downsize for skiing Steven's/Alp type terrain, esp with knee issues lurking.

If most of the skis in your quiver are 189+ and you are 175+ lbs, or skiing where there is more wide open terrain, then the 192 is the way to go.

Agree

Now to the MF108. There is a lot of hype in this thread about how “fun” this ski is...and it is not embellished. The MF108 is a powerful, energetic, and fun ski. It really wants to be off trail and in soft snow. It skis amazingly loose. I was a skeptic with all that camber, but it is so much fun in soft off trail conditions at a place like a Stevens Pass. I love it in the trees, where it rivals a Billy Goat for loose smeary turns. It probably floats better than any other 108 waist ski I have ever tried. Kills powder and more than holds its own in crud.

100% agree here.

Now, let’s get to firm conditions. It is very capable on hard snow. It rails and is quite stable at speed, but you have to work a bit to not get the tails to wash out at the end of a turn. It took me a while to figure that piece out. Compared to the M102, the MF108 takes more work and concentration to stay in the turn. Also, it is not as damp and that camber can fight against you on roughed up groomers...the ski absorbs energy and wants to do something with it. The MF108 is not bad on firm snow, it just demands more from the skier. Also, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think the MF108 has a speed limit...albeit a very high one. It may be that I just suck, but I’m not as confident going Mach Schnell on the MF108 as I am on the M102.

I think you need a few more days on them, I am skiing as faster or faster on my pair than my 192 LPR and 196 Bodacious. I think the key is find the balance point and using the camber to your advantage. There might be some technique adjustment on my end too, and learning to trust the ski.

I think the better comparison is the Katana K108 and MF108. And in that showdown, it would be nitpicking to choose a winner.

I really want to try the k108 some time.

I like both types of fun and the Mfree sounds even funner than the QST for those softish hacking around Alp or dancing in the trees/windlips at Bachelor days.

Yes, this but you won't hate yourself if it variable or weird.

I keep coming back to that point with the MF108, but I think that it is a key characteristic...MF108’s are fun and energetic, but you got to stay on top of them...or at least I have to stay on top of the 192’s. If you do, they are a ton of fun.

Its funny, by comparison to a lot of other past skis in my quiver that served daily driver (mostly Dynastar) I find them to be so stupid easy to ski. You outta try a first gen Cham107 or a LPR if you want to feel a ski that can run away from you haha.

As far as a speed limit on the mfree108, I have yet to find it and I’ve tried, even spooked myself a little the other day, tough to do, but stayed composed and they didn’t even flinch.

What funky said. The more I trust them, the more I trust them.

[TAFKALVS]

It's fascinating to me that they hold an edge so well and truck so hard when they give back so damn much energy.

The amount of energy that they give back in a turn in unreal, I didn't know a 108 underfoot ski could launch you out of a turn so quickly. It almost feels like 2 skis... flatter bases, more neutral stance = surftown. Push in to shins, steeper edge angles, more aggressive transitions = snapcity.

[Judo Chop!]

thinking about some MFree 108 192cm to replace some 4frnt Devastator 194's (that are loosing their liveliness) as my resort dailies for W/B next season.

I wouldn't mind a little more camber for rebound carving groomers and playful pop for lower speed fun, but keep some of the damp charger mode and non-hooky pivoty fun, while dropping just a few grams. I'm worried the short turn radius would be kinda unfamiliar.

Am I on the right track?

faaaack. I wish they just still made the 194 Dev's.

[NW_SKIER]

You won't even notice the radius. They straightline harder than a whore with a mirror and a rolled up twenty.