Dynastar M‑Pierra Menta — Review

Overview

The Dynastar M‑Pierra Menta is a purpose‑built skimo race/touring ski that prioritizes uphill speed and precise control on the way down. With a 65 mm waist, sub‑750 g weight per ski, and full sidewalls, it targets Pierra‑Menta‑style competition, spring objectives, and minimalist vert missions. Tip rocker eases pivots and initiation, while traditional camber and vertical sidewalls deliver surprisingly strong edge hold for the weight.

On‑snow performance

Uphill and traverses: featherlight swing weight makes kick turns and long sidehills effortless. Tip rocker helps break trail; camber bites reliably on firm traverses.
Descents on firm/groomed: excellent edge grip for such a light ski. The M‑Pierra Menta feels best in medium‑to‑long arcs at measured speeds. Stay centered; the narrow platform is precise but not very forgiving. There’s lively rebound out of the turn.
Variable/mixed snow: the tip rocker aids quick pivots in steep terrain, but the ultra‑light core offers limited damping. In crust or refrozen chop the ski can deflect; active absorption and careful line choice are key.

Construction and setup

Microcell/Dynacell foam core (≈100 g/m³), C‑Ply carbon + basalt + fiberglass, full sandwich sidewalls, and a dense sintered base. This yields strong torsional grip and precision for the weight, plus fast glide.
Setup tips: pair with race pin bindings (e.g., ATK Trofeo, Dynafit LTR/DNA) and 60–62 mm skins (or trim to fit). A light detune at the rockered tip/tail can reduce twitchiness without sacrificing bite.

Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)

Ideal for: skimo racers, vertical KOM seekers, and confident spring mountaineers who value efficiency above all.
Less ideal for: beginners, very heavy/powerful skiers, or anyone wanting damping/float over grams. Not the pick for deep powder or heavy chop.

Comparisons

Atomic Backland UL 65: similar weight; UL 65 skis a touch smoother, but the Dynastar bites harder on boilerplate.
Movement Race Pro 66: slightly heavier and more damp in rutted courses; the Dynastar climbs a hair faster and pivots lighter.
Ski Trab Gara World Cup: more precise with a stiffer tail—excellent on blue ice, less forgiving than the M‑Pierra Menta.
Dynafit DNA: comparable mass; DNA feels looser in the tail, while the Dynastar’s sidewalls deliver more authoritative edge hold.

Specs and what they mean

96‑65‑79 mm sidecut: a narrow waist prioritizes uphill speed and fast edge‑to‑edge; float is limited in deep snow.
Radius: 20 m (150) / 23 m (160): prefers medium‑long turns and stays composed when carved; rocker still allows quick pivots.
Rocker profile: moderate tip rocker + traditional camber—easy initiation and confidence‑inspiring grip on hard snow.
Weight: 660 g (150) / 710 g (160) per ski—phenomenal on the climb; the tradeoff is less damping at speed/in chop.
Lengths: 150 / 160 cm—160 suits most skiers; 150 for lighter/smaller riders, sprints, or very tight terrain.
Construction: full sidewall + carbon/basalt/fiberglass—torsional stiffness and precision; sintered base for strong glide.

Key takeaways

Blazing on the up: industry‑class low weight and swing.
Grip beyond its mass: full sidewalls and carbon bring security on hard snow.
Not a bulldozer: minimal damping in churned or heavy snow—rewards active technique.
Race‑first focus: shines in competition and spring missions, not as a one‑ski quiver.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who should buy the Dynastar M‑Pierra Menta?
A: Skimo racers and advanced tourers prioritizing uphill speed with adequate downhill control. If you want damping, width, and comfort, a broader all‑round touring ski fits better.

Q: What length should I choose?
A: 160 cm suits most and adds stability downhill. Go 150 cm if you’re smaller/lighter, focus on sprint races, or value maximum agility in tight terrain.

Q: Can it serve as my daily touring ski?
A: Only if your days are mostly firm/spring‑focused and you value efficiency above all. For variable snow, deep powder, or long descents, a wider, damper ski is the smarter call.