M vertical 88 review

Overview

The Dynastar M vertical 88 (sold as the M-Vertical 88 Open) is the lightest ski in Dynastar's touring range with a full sidewall, and it carries on into 2026/27. The core is the brand's Hybrid Core in paulownia and PU, which Dynastar says cuts ski weight by 15 to 20% compared with its poplar core. The shape is the same 120-88-110 mm in every length, and only the radius changes: 16 m at 156 cm up to 22 m at 180 cm. A Snowleader listing for the 2027 model gives 1180 g per ski at the 172 cm reference length. Dynastar rates it for advanced to expert skiers and sells it flat ("Open"), so the touring binding is a separate choice.

On-snow performance

On paper this is an uphill-first ski that still wants to be skied properly on the way down. The moderate tip rocker lifts the shovel for easier pivoting and smoother entry in variable snow, while the rest of the ski is cambered, so once it is on edge the whole edge length should work in the turn. That, plus the full sidewall, points to good grip on firm spring snow and steep, hard traverses. The long radii are the main thing to know: 20 m at 172 cm means the ski prefers open, medium-to-long turns, and short, quick turns in a tight couloir take more input than on a short-radius tourer. The 88 mm waist and 120 mm tip give some float in fresh snow, but this is not a deep-powder ski.

Construction & specs explained

• Core: Hybrid Core Paulownia PU, light paulownia wood combined with PU.
• Reinforcement: fiberglass torsion box plus unidirectional fiberglass.
• Construction: Sandwich Full Sidewall, with vertical sidewalls from tip to tail.
• Profile: Tip Rocker, a moderate rise in the tip only.
• Base: Sintered HD base.
• Geometry: 120-88-110 mm in all four lengths.
• Radius: 16 / 18 / 20 / 22 m (156 / 164 / 172 / 180 cm).
• Weight: 1180 g per ski at 172 cm.
• Sold without bindings.

Who it's for & comparisons

The M vertical 88 is for a strong ski tourer who counts grams on long ascents, skis mostly firm or spring snow and likes to open up the turns on the way down. Within Dynastar, the Dynastar M tour 90 has a similar 120-90-110 mm shape with a poplar core and a progressive rocker in tip and tail, at 1300 g in 177 cm: more forgiving and freer in soft snow, but heavier. At the light end, the Dynastar M pierra menta is a 65 mm race ski. The Black diamond Helio carbon 88 is the closest rival on paper, with 120-88-111 mm, 18 m and 1230 g at 170 cm. The Kästle TX88 is a very different take on the same waist: a 10.2 m radius at 167 cm for short, quick turns, against the Dynastar's long-turn shape.

Pros, cons and verdict

Pros

• Paulownia/PU core keeps the weight at 1180 g per ski in 172 cm.
• Full sidewall and camber for secure edge grip on hard snow.
• Tip rocker makes pivoting and kick turns easier.
• Sold flat, so it works with any touring binding.

Cons

• Long radii (20 m at 172 cm) make tight, quick turns harder work.
• An 88 mm waist and a tail without rocker limit float in deep snow.
• Aimed at advanced to expert skiers, so less forgiving for touring beginners.
• The binding is a separate purchase, which adds to the total cost.

Verdict: A light, precise 88 mm touring ski for skiers who value climbing efficiency and firm-snow grip over soft-snow float. Choose the M tour 90 instead if you want a more playful, forgiving shape.