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Philpug: The MSP 99 is the cornerstone of the MSP collection. MSP is a moniker for Matt Sturbenz Pro, the founder of 4FRNT back in 2003. It has been awhile since I have been on a 4FRNT ski, and if I recall correctly, it was the MSP 99 that I was on. I do remember that it left a favorable impression on me even then.
Fast forward to today. 4FRNT sent us the new MSP 99 in a 181, which is an ideal size for me in a 99 mm ski with this shape: a longer gradual tip, some taper, and a bit of rise in the tail. Its overall dimensions are 134-99-122, producing a radius of 18 meters in the 181, which felt pretty accurate on snow. The MSP was fairly relaxed, yet carved the groomers quite well. I want to address the dimensions a little bit more: Most of the skis in the 98-100 mm range are pushing closer to 140 mm in the tip, so 4FRNT's 134 mm tip should feel GS-ish, but it doesn't. It was playful, so don't get hung up on the numbers.
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The factory tune of the 99 was very good. The edges were a solid 1-ish on the base and 2-ish down the side. The base finish didn’t have as much structure as some skis, but it had no waves either. One of the pitfalls of a die cut logo in the base is the creation of some roughness around the edges, and that was prevalent on (all of) the 4FRNTS. Some might lament over this, and while it might keep you off of the podium on the next World Cup gauge where gliding is the key to winning, for you, me, and anyone who is considering a 99 mm ski, it should be a non-issue. In addition, the mount point was perfect and right in line with most other skis in this class.
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Testing conditions were ideal at Mt. Rose, or should I say the snow conditions were ideal: dry chalky leftovers with a blown-in refresh. It was the 40 MPH winds that tested the conditions. If I was to use one word to describe the MSP 99, it would be predictable. It did everything I asked of it without fanfare, in a solid, stable, and planted manner. The 4FRNT is closest to the heavier skis than the weight savers in this class, and that mass holds the ski to the snow and doesn’t allow it to get pushed around.
- Insider Tip: With the MSP 99 and a few of its MSP siblings in our Long Term Fleet, expect updates throughout the season.
- Video Review to be posted soon.