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.