M pro w 98 review

Overview

The Dynastar M pro w 98 is the wider, more freeride-leaning sibling in Dynastar's women-specific M pro line, sitting at 99 mm underfoot between the all-mountain M pro w 92 and the brand's pure freeride models. With Hybrid Core 2.0, a specific-geometry Titanal layer, Adaptiv Sidecut and Progressive Rocker, it targets advanced and expert women who want a wider one-ski quiver biased toward off-piste use but still capable of holding an edge on groomers.

On-snow performance

At 99 mm waist the M pro w 98 floats meaningfully better than the 92 mm sibling in soft snow and chopped-up off-piste, while the Titanal layer and full sidewall keep it composed when the snow turns variable. The Progressive Rocker — extended tip rocker, camber underfoot, light tail rocker — gives easy turn initiation and smear on softer snow without giving up edge engagement underfoot. On groomers the 16 m radius (at 170) reads as a medium-radius all-mountain shape rather than a dedicated carver; it holds confidently at moderate speeds but the extended tip rocker shortens effective edge on hard ice. In chop and broken snow the women-specific Pro flex damps without feeling dead, and the 1900 g per ski at 178 keeps it manageable for lighter riders.

Construction & specs explained

The M pro w 98 is built around Dynastar's Hybrid Core 2.0 — poplar laid in alternating fibre orientations and bonded with PU for a balance of pop and damping. Unidirectional fiberglass reinforces longitudinal stiffness, and a specific-geometry Titanal layer adds metal where it matters for grip and stability without the weight of a full sheet. A full sandwich sidewall transfers power directly to the edge. The shape combines Adaptiv Sidecut with Progressive Rocker — extended tip rocker, camber underfoot, light tail rocker — for an easy-to-pivot ride that still grips when leaned over. The chassis is tuned to a women-specific Pro flex aimed at advanced and expert skiers. Per-length specs: lengths 154, 162, 170, 178; sidecut at 170 reads 133/99/123 with a 16 m radius; manufacturer weight 1900 g per ski at 178.

Who it's for & comparisons

The M pro w 98 is for advanced and expert women who want a wider freeride-leaning all-mountain ski and accept its women-specific Pro flex. Compared to the narrower Dynastar M pro w 92 it floats and smears better in soft snow at the cost of some snappiness on hard groomers. Against the men's Dynastar M pro 98 it shares the 98-class waist but is tuned with a women-specific flex profile and lighter chassis target. The wider, heavier Dynastar M pro 100 ti is a more aggressive titanal-rich charger for skiers who want maximum stability over freeride-friendly weight.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• 99 mm waist hits the all-mountain-to-freeride crossover well — floats in soft snow, still holds an edge.
• Hybrid Core 2.0 + specific-geometry Titanal balances pop, damping and grip without full-sheet weight.
• Progressive Rocker with light tail rocker makes pivots and smear easy without killing edge hold.
• Women-specific Pro flex is tuned for advanced/expert riders rather than generic unisex stiffness.

Cons

• Sidecut and radius verified at 170 only; lengths 154/162/178 vary in real-world numbers.
• Manufacturer weight published only at 178 (1900 g per ski) — other lengths not specified.
• Pro flex demands an active stance; intermediate riders will find it less forgiving.
• 16 m radius and extended tip rocker make it less precise on firm groomers than a dedicated carver.

Verdict: A wider, freeride-leaning women-specific all-mountain ski for advanced and expert riders who want one chassis that can pivot in soft snow and still hold an edge on groomers — pick it over the M pro w 92 when you want more float, and over the M pro 100 ti when you want a lighter, more pivot-friendly ride.