There is truth to the old adage that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Coming back for its third full season and then some, the 8000 remains unchanged but for a hot new graphic treatment. The 8000 has grown in popularity over its lifespan and last year it sold out early. I have skied the 8000 regularly since its introduction but I often don't get on one for quite a while just because I have so many other skis to test. Last year, I decided to refresh myself on the 8000 because like many other skis, it was being reclassified from the 50/50 group to the 70/30s. After a quick refresher, I was reminded why I think the 8000 is the ski that defines the 70/30 category. It is not the most powerful or the grippiest of the 70/30s, and it may not be the smoothest in crud. Yet, when all the attributes are considered, the Legend 8000 stands nearly alone as the one that combines the best features of the category. This ski can dance on the steepest cruddiest slope, yet has good edge grip under the foot on hard snow. The modest sidecut is stable in broken snow, and gives the ski a great feel in medium to long turns. Yet, this simple (no plate) wood and metal ski is actually pretty light and can snap off quick turns with energy. The 8000 is remarkably useful over a wide range of sizes. I feel that the best size for most good skiers is the 178 with the lighter skiers going for the 172 or even the 165. Yet no expert should overlook the 184. The big size gives the ski additional stability and balance in the roughest of conditions and yet is quick enough to be easy in tight spots. A good skier whose opinion I respect said "no ski dances with me quite like this one does"

Dynastar binding set ups:
The Dynastar engineers believe that skis made with significant off trail use in mind, are best designed around a specific binding, but without plate or rail set ups. This allows the ski to be lighter overall and creates a lot of grip under the foot. This type of binding also allows a lower binding mount and generally allows the tip and tail of the ski to remain more maneuverable than more carving oriented skis. The LOOK PX-12 is the binding set up that this ski was designed around but others can be used.