Dynafit Blacklight 88 Ski
Black coffee, black humor, black ops, film noir -- the word suggests subtlety, sophistication, refinement. In the case of Dynafit's Blacklight series, the skis reach their most refined in the form of the Blacklight 88, which infuses a layer of Skimo Blue (guaranteed to make you faster) over the blacks and greys of the ski's carbon fiber layup. Much more responsive and easy-to-ski than its predecessor in the mid-fat category, the Carbonio 89, the Blacklight 88 may be at the top of the charts for rando-sophistication: a high-performance ski without the high-strung demeanor. Forget the chattery, squirrelly skis of yore; the Blacklight 88 wants to do what you tell it, whether tentatively testing the snow at the top of a chute or opening up high-speed turns all the way to the valley bottom. A generous 40cm of early rise in the tip means the ski won't balk at subbing in for a high-fat ski while racking up vert on a powder day, and 15cm tail rocker adds a more playful demeanor than for many in its width class. Still, don't mistake the Blacklight 88 for a noodly powder ski that only Rogers Pass and Little Cottonwood Canyon skiers would choose. Dynafit's athletes have been skiing the most demanding lines in the Alps and beyond for decades, and in turn they demand a confidence-inspiring edging platform with plenty of effective edge to grip the snow. With the stylish refinement of black meeting the energy of Skimo Blue, the Blacklight 88 is sure to be a stylish choice in all conditions.
- Dynafit's mountaineering-ski experience put to use in a wider, more versatile platform.
- 3D Sidewall/Cap Construction marries the low weight of a cap ski with the durability and strength of a partial sidewall.
- Paulownia Speed Core makes use of some of the lightest, strongest wood on the planet to dampen the ski.
- Unidirectional carbon layup is lighter than previous Dynafit iterations, but with a friendlier feel in choppy snow.
- More rocker-focused than its Blacklight siblings, the 88 still has plenty of camber underfoot and a long effective edge.
- Tip notch allows for use of Dynafit's Speedskin or your favorite fast-gliding race skin.
Specifications | |
Lengths (cm) | 158, 165, 172, 178, 184 |
Weight |
1063g [165] |
Weight (pair) | 2126g [165] |
Dimensions
|
121-86-109 [158] 122-87-110 [165] 123-88-111 [172] 124-89-112 [178] |
Turn Radius
|
15.5m [158] 17m [165] 18.5m [172] 20m [178] |
Skin Fix
|
Race-notched tips, notched flat tails |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
Profile
|
Light tip & tail rocker, camber underfoot |
Shape
|
Tapered tip & tail, medium radius |
Construction
|
3D sidewall cap |
Core
|
Paulownia Speed Core |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Ski touring |
Notes | Full Unidirectional carbon construction |
Bottom Line | High end touring from Dynafit |
Compare to other Mid-fat Skis |
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Questions & Reviews
So what don't I like? Well I'll put it this way, if you like short radius turning skis then look no further. This truly is an amazing ski. However, if you prefer low to mid 20s turn radius skis for very steep terrain, and handling in deep variable then this isn't the ski you want. The shorter turn radius and largish shovel tend to grab in less than ideal conditions and steeps. But if you tour regularly in not super steep terrain and you primarily tour in good conditions, ie pow, consistent hardpack, or corn, and enjoy shorter turns then look no further. This is an amazing corn harvester or even pow with it's rocker and wide tip especially considering you'll probably lap your buddies with how light it is. Overall an excellent ski by dynafit for certain conditions and uses. Not so good in less than ideal conditions so definitely not a quiver of one tourer if you ski regardless of conditions. But if lower angle hippie pow and corn are your thing and you tend to avoid heinous conditions then this could be your jam. High marks. Also I found it easy to ski with sub 800g boots and also beefier boots fwiw
I've been lusting after a pair of dynafit Cho Oyu's since I was a broke teenager. I've finally started making money but the Cho's are loooong gone. The dimensions and weight of the Blacklight are not far off, but it seems like there's more carbon. Is this ski an equivalent (or close successor) to the Cho?
Thanks!
To compare the Dynafit Blacklight 88 and the Dynafit Blacklight Pro, the Dynafit Blacklight 88 will be a more playful and forgiving ski, while the Blacklight Pro will be stiffer and require more input from the skier. Also, at 88mm in the waist, the Blacklight 88 will provide more float than the Blacklight Pro, which is around 80mm in the waist. Therefore, these two skis are aimed at two distinctly different quiver spots. If you would like to discuss these skis in more detail, reach out to us at help@skimo.co.
Are you referencing the Ski Trab Magicos or the Magico 2s? Generally, the Ski Trab Magicos are incredibly durable for their light weight. Also, despite their light weight, they can be skied pretty aggressively. The Dynafit Blacklight is a fun turny ski, and not quite as demanding. The Ski Trab Magico is more comparable to the Dynafit Blacklight Pro. If you would like more elaboration, reach out to help@skimo.co.
My go to ski is the DPS Wailer 99 Tour, 168cm. Everything about these skis is perfect, and I love how playful they are, but looking to add a lighter ski to the quiver.
Weight is less important than finding the length that would be the most fun. I am leaning toward the 165 out of fear that the 158 would not have enough substance and float to drive the ski through crust, mank, etc.
Thanks,
On the Dynafit site they list a 184 length as well, do you guys know if that is available and, if so, whether you’ll carry it?
Tim
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