Dynafit Radical 88 — Review

The Dynafit Radical 88 is the classic touring all-rounder in Dynafit's lineup, sized 86-89 mm underfoot across the four available lengths. It uses a poplar wood core with carbon speed stringers and ABS sidewalls, plus a tip notch and notched flat tail for skin compatibility. The Radical line targets backcountry skiers who want balanced lightness for the ascent paired with predictable descent stability — a do-it-most chassis sitting between the lighter Blacklight sport-tour skis and the burlier freeride-touring Tigards.

The Radical 88's tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot delivers a relaxed turn initiation and tapered tail release, while the carbon speed stringers add longitudinal pop without making the ski demanding. At 1320 g per ski at 174 cm it feels light on the skin track but retains enough mass to track a clean arc on firm runouts. The 20.5 m radius at 174 cm tracks medium-long turns; the tapered tail makes pivot-slips and short-radius corrections forgiving in tight terrain. ABS sidewalls hold edge angle on hardpack better than cap construction.

The Radical 88 uses a poplar wood core for balanced damping and pop, carbon speed stringers for longitudinal stiffness without weight penalty, and ABS sidewalls for edge durability and grip. The tip notch and notched flat tail make skin attachment quick and reliable. Profile: tip and tail rocker with camber underfoot. Per-length specs: 158 cm (119/86/108, 17.5 m, 1165 g), 166 cm (120/87/109, 19.0 m, 1225 g), 174 cm (121/88/110, 20.5 m, 1320 g), 182 cm (122/89/111, 22.0 m, 1390 g).

The Radical 88 is for backcountry skiers who want one classic touring chassis for varied conditions — light enough to climb all day, stable enough to ski confidently down. Compared to the Dynafit Blacklight 88 it is slightly heavier with more downhill chassis (the Blacklight leans sport-tour and racing). Against the wider Dynafit Radical 97 the 88 sacrifices float for better skinning efficiency and a smaller turn radius. Outside Dynafit, the Atomic Backland 88 and K2 Wayback 88 mens are direct competitors at similar weight and waist. For beginners stepping into touring, the narrower Dynafit Seven Summits is friendlier.

Pros

• 1165-1390 g across four lengths is light for an 88 mm tour ski with full ABS sidewall.
• Poplar + carbon speed stringer balance damping and pop without weight penalty.
• Tip notch and notched flat tail make skin attachment fast and reliable.
• Tapered tail and modest rocker make pivot-slips forgiving in tight terrain.

Cons

• 88 mm waist gives limited float in deep snow versus 97+ mm tour skis.
• 4 lengths only — limited fit options versus 5-length lines.
• Tip and tail rocker reduces edge grip at speed on icy slopes.
• Not a hardcharger — riders wanting downhill chassis should look heavier.

Verdict: A classic 88 mm touring all-rounder for backcountry skiers prioritising ascent efficiency with confident descent performance — choose the Radical 88 over the Blacklight 88 if you want more downhill chassis, or over the Radical 97 if your typical day is firm-to-mixed rather than soft snow.