Hello
I am a trail runner that has finally gotten around to skiing this winter after thinking that running was still awesome in the winter (it is not). I have fallen in love with skinning up, mostly at our local resort, for the low impact aerobic that is a good replacement for running. I am looking for something a little lighter than what I am currently using (Salomon QST99s and Dynafits ST110s) for multiple laps in the AM before work/weekend and for an upcoming vertical challenge. I also would like to enter our local skimo race but I will be in the rec category and doing it just for fun, so no need for a true race ski I suppose.
I am someone who tolerates the downhill so I can go uphill again so I am not too radical in my downhill ski pursuits. I usually get on the resort in the AM before the groomers so my downhill journeys can be a fun mix of skied out packed down ice or powder depending on the weather. Other times I am there when the groomers are our so that is a little better for getting down. I skin everyday so also need something durable.
Are these a good option for my needs, or is there something else you might recommend?
Thanks
Dynafit Blacklight 74 Ski
Though Shakespeare wrote that "black was not counted fair," Dynafit is prepared to prove the Bard wrong with its Black Light line. Bringing together everything the ski designers in Snow Leopard-land have learned from the older Carbonio and Nanga Parbat skis, but in an updated construction that calls to mind the forgiving, easy-turning Tour and Speed series skis, the Black Light 74 is poised to outdo its predecessors in the fight for mountaineering-ski glory. At just 74mm underfoot, it falls between an oversized skimo race ski and a trimmed-down classic touring ski -- perfect for your next volcano-skiing objective, high-altitude expedition, or just the daily dawn patrol up a rock-hard resort groomer. Hard crust situations call for tight, confident turning, and an 18mm turning radius -- shorter than most mountaineering skis -- means that you'll be able to slice and dice on glaze ice and windboard. Those scratchy turns up high won't faze the Black Light, while soft corn and mushy crud will slide easily under the added tip and tail rocker. Later in the day, your tired legs will be thankful for the tapered tip and tail profile, along with the rounder ski flex, for keeping you on your feet as the conditions threaten to buck you out of turns. If you're frequently windburned, carrying ski crampons, and/or looking at plane tickets to the Alps, you'll appreciate this ski for its nimble-turning, easy-edging performance all the way from November's low-tide missions to July days of refrozen corn and hop-turning through runnels.
- 74mm waist puts the Black Light 74 in a unique category, perfect for speed-oriented skiers on hard snow.
- Paulownia Speed Core makes use of some of the lightest, strongest wood on the planet to dampen the ski.
- Unidirectional carbon construction balance stiffness and compliance for easy edging and turning.
- Shorter turn radius and added rocker means easier, nimbler skiing.
- Tip notch allows for use of Dynafit's Speedskin or your favorite fast-gliding race skin.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 158, 165, 172 |
|
Weight |
930g [158] 980g [165] 1040g [172] |
| Weight (pair) | 1860g [158] 1960g [165] 2080g [172] |
|
|
109-73-94 [158] 110-74-95 [165] 111-75-96 [172] |
|
Turn |
15m [158] 16.5m [165] 18m [172] |
|
Skin |
Race-notched tips, notched flat tails |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Light tip & tail rocker, camber underfoot |
|
|
Tapered tip & tail, medium radius |
|
|
3D sidewall cap |
|
|
Paulownia Speed Core |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | High alpine missions, traverses, uphill resort skiing |
| Notes | Full Unidirectional carbon construction |
| Bottom Line | Great ski for alpinism at a great price |
| Compare to other Low-fat Skis | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
3/9/2021
3/9/2021
Garrett, We have been seeing lots of runners getting into Skimo for some winter cross-training. You have made an excellent choice. There are some other nice skis in the 77/80mm width, but the Blacklight skis have been very popular with the staff here in each of the models. Combined with a much lighter binding, you will fly up.
If you want to get into a discussion on ski length and bindings, please fill this out and we can continue. Binding finder
If you want to get into a discussion on ski length and bindings, please fill this out and we can continue. Binding finder
Answer this question:
2/18/2021
I have trashed a pair of Salomon minims and am looking for a pair to replace it. I am by no means a racer, but looking for a light ski for alpine missions. Maybe something a bit easier than a race ski but mostly something a bit more durable. I have been looking at this dynafit blacklight 74, dynafit speed 76, hagan ultra 77, and ski trab maestro.
I think the maestro is the stiffest and most like race ski and hagan is the most playful with multiple radius. But how do the dynafits compare?
I am 6’1, 180lbs and thinking about 165-170cm length, what would be your take?
I think the maestro is the stiffest and most like race ski and hagan is the most playful with multiple radius. But how do the dynafits compare?
I am 6’1, 180lbs and thinking about 165-170cm length, what would be your take?
2/18/2021
Hi Alvar, all the skis in this category will handle much better for you, if just because you can get one in a more appropriate length (I would aim more towards 170+). The Maestro.2 is not like a race ski, it's a pretty well rounded mountaineering ski and also very durable (Trab wins that category). In comparison, the BL 74s are more playful and turny, which is a benefit in some situations and a drawback in others. Give us a ring to discuss further which might be the best for you!
Answer this question:
12/8/2020
Looking to purchase a "resort uphill fitness" set up for my wife. Not to race, not to bag peaks in the spring, just sweating up a groomer and making some fun turns on the way down before work. Strong lifetime alpine skier, with a 174cm/108mm powder ski and 165/85mm all mountain carving ski. She's 5'3" 130lb. Just trying to understand how I should sizer her on a skimo 1000g, 74-78mm ski?
12/8/2020
Hey Derek, for a resort uphill oriented setup going from chin to forehead height for the ski would be appropriate. At 5'3 around the 160cm to 158cm range could be a good option, but if she is used to a longer ski I don't think 165cm would be out of the realm of possibilities.
Answer this question:
Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.
