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I’ve had ridden on a bunch of pairs of DPS skis and even owned 2 pairs I’ve the years due to some relations with one of their athletes and their factory. Tbh I’ve never liked a single ski they made. I will say their Lotus 138 was a super fun ski in mad deep pow and the wailer 112 was a very pioneering shape (but who gives a fuck). With that being said, none of their skis “charge”. In fact, I would argue they are on the playful side of things. Their skis were designed to be easy, so that every wealthy man on his vacation to vail, can say “wow, these skis are fun” on day one. Imo they are just a upscale version of Rossi’s soul skis. The have tight turning radius, the alchemists are super light, and not very damp (albeit, better than the old carbon layup). Very few people that own DPS skis actually ski hard. Maybe TGR forum would argue, but the only people riding on these skis well are DPSs own athletes...
it's always been cool to hate on dps and pass them off as overrated, overpriced skis for doctors (hence the absolutely hilarious acronym DentistsPhysiciansSolicitors, or DentistPowderSkis).
Yes they're not the most stable chargy skis around, or the most playful, and they are relatively easy, with a definite soft snow preference, but they could potentially be exactly what you're after. The couple of demos I've had on them they were fine (Cassiers, not wailers - normally when I go that narrow I just go for an actual race ski - but not overly relevant). Point being, assess what you're after yourself, and don't listen to anyone who tries to blow them off as bad just because of their typical demographic of buyers.
The shop I work at during winter in Whistler has a full rental fleet of DPS so I was able to try pretty much all of them. The Alchemist was definitely on the more playful side of the spectrum, that being said it’s still a stiff and strong ski so doing more big mountain/steep stuff isn’t a problem. They are also mainly carbon so they are really light and poppy which makes them fun on side hits and drops. The price is pretty steep but they are a high quality ski and their quality control is one of the better ones in the ski industry. Just a heads up though: if you do go with them the recommended mounting spot is pretty far back so maybe get them mounted a bit forward. Hope this helps!
NosamThe shop I work at during winter in Whistler has a full rental fleet of DPS so I was able to try pretty much all of them. The Alchemist was definitely on the more playful side of the spectrum, that being said it’s still a stiff and strong ski so doing more big mountain/steep stuff isn’t a problem. They are also mainly carbon so they are really light and poppy which makes them fun on side hits and drops. The price is pretty steep but they are a high quality ski and their quality control is one of the better ones in the ski industry. Just a heads up though: if you do go with them the recommended mounting spot is pretty far back so maybe get them mounted a bit forward. Hope this helps!
Tbh I would disagree on this. My wailers delamedh in the tails after about 30 days. Never owned another ski that has done this. Also I have a pair that are snapped hanging on my wall....
HenrybigmountainDo you have any recommendations for a hard charging big mountain all condition ski?
I assume if your going for a carbon DPS ski you have a relatively comfortable budget. I dont know much about you, age, weight, ski style and ability, and home mountain (let me know), but right off the bat I would say ON3P kartel 108 or on3p Wrenegade 108, moment commander or maybe moment wildcat/bibby. They will be a good amount heavier than the alchemists, but if you are truly a hard charging skier, you will have zero problems. I went from the wailer series of skis to ON3Ps kartels and wrens and it dramatically changed the way i could charge. I can give you some more indepths if I know more about you/your skiing.
**This post was edited on Jul 5th 2018 at 7:32:38pm
HenrybigmountainDo you have any recommendations for a hard charging big mountain all condition ski?
Blizzard Cochise moment commander 108 on3p wrenegade 108 are good daily drivers for directional skiers
moment meridian 107 on3p Kartel 108 Blizzard Gunsmoke are all good options if you want a little more of a playful twinned ski
tfshI assume if your going for a carbon DPS ski you have a relatively comfortable budget. I dont know much about you, age, weight, ski style and ability, and home mountain (let me know), but right off the bat I would say ON3P kartel 108 or on3p Wrenegade 108, moment commander or maybe moment wildcat/bibby. They will be a good amount heavier than the alchemists, but if you are truly a hard charging skier, you will have zero problems. I went from the wailer series of skis to ON3Ps kartels and wrens and it dramatically changed the way i could charge. I can give you some more indepths if I know more about you/your skiing.
**This post was edited on Jul 5th 2018 at 7:32:38pm
I’m 14 years old, about 5’3-5’4 and probably weigh around 115. My home mountain is winter park Colorado. I have looked into the ON3P a lot. The Katel 108 looks sweet but I don’t think I’ll be tall enough so I was looking into the Jessie 108’s which come in a smaller size.
HenrybigmountainI’m 14 years old, about 5’3-5’4 and probably weigh around 115. My home mountain is winter park Colorado. I have looked into the ON3P a lot. The Katel 108 looks sweet but I don’t think I’ll be tall enough so I was looking into the Jessie 108’s which come in a smaller size.
hot.pocketIf you're going to offer advice, offer good advice. Vishnu's would be terrible for what OP is asking for.
Fair enough. Op, if you’re thinking DPS there are a ton of other options for a solid all mountain ski out there. Depends on what you’re looking for in terms of waist with, but the Volkl mantras are a solid choice. They blow thru chop and allow for enough floatation but can handle a little bit of everything. This is just one option. Def check out ON3P as well.
I rdie 4FRNT devestators and LOVE them. Super playful but more smeary than the DPS (I rode a few laps last year my friend has them)...totally different feel. I couldnt see myself on the DPS just because they weren't as playful in deeper snow but to each their own
DPS seems to suffer from two problems on NS: one, they're pricey enough that most skiers here haven't owned a pair and 2. they're not jib focused enough to entice most in the first place.
The truth is that DPS makes a wide variety of skis, in three different constructions, that fit into a bunch of unique places in a skier's quiver. As of right now, they're producing more skis in the US than anyone else. True, they're not twinned or center mounted in any case, but that doesn't mean they aren't playful. And as to the price tag, DPS is hardly the only brand in that category of price or production--you get what you pay for.
Given your weight and height, I'd say that the shorter versions of the Wailer 106, in this case called the Zelda 106, would be appropriate. The Zelda comes in a 158 or 168. The Foundation construction would be the most damp and cost effective, and for clarity's sake, the Foundation skis are all built in China. Good luck with your ski search, and if you have a chance to try out the Zeldas, I hope you take it.
LiteratureDPS seems to suffer from two problems on NS: one, they're pricey enough that most skiers here haven't owned a pair and 2. they're not jib focused enough to entice most in the first place.
The truth is that DPS makes a wide variety of skis, in three different constructions, that fit into a bunch of unique places in a skier's quiver. As of right now, they're producing more skis in the US than anyone else. True, they're not twinned or center mounted in any case, but that doesn't mean they aren't playful. And as to the price tag, DPS is hardly the only brand in that category of price or production--you get what you pay for.
Given your weight and height, I'd say that the shorter versions of the Wailer 106, in this case called the Zelda 106, would be appropriate. The Zelda comes in a 158 or 168. The Foundation construction would be the most damp and cost effective, and for clarity's sake, the Foundation skis are all built in China. Good luck with your ski search, and if you have a chance to try out the Zeldas, I hope you take it.
I think we all mentioned their playful nature... myself I’ve owned multiple pairs in various constructions from t2, to hybrid, to pure, to foundation. I appreciate you guys reaching out on here, but honestly your skis do not cater to advanced skiers. Your skis are playful enough where they can’t charge, but not playful enough to even be a full ski..., I really do think you guys make great skis for a certain market, but for advanced skiers who don’t need an “easy” ski, DPS is quite litterly Doody Pussy Skis.... I’ve snapped multiple DPS’ before and experienced severe tail delamination on all your skis. Maybe they warrant the price for a dentist looking for an easy and accessible ski, but for “real” skiers, your brand is somewhat a novelty. There is nothing wrong with this as you guys are simply making a killing off the demographic you are aiming for.
tfshI think we all mentioned their playful nature... myself I’ve owned multiple pairs in various constructions from t2, to hybrid, to pure, to foundation. I appreciate you guys reaching out on here, but honestly your skis do not cater to advanced skiers. Your skis are playful enough where they can’t charge, but not playful enough to even be a full ski..., I really do think you guys make great skis for a certain market, but for advanced skiers who don’t need an “easy” ski, DPS is quite litterly Doody Pussy Skis.... I’ve snapped multiple DPS’ before and experienced severe tail delamination on all your skis. Maybe they warrant the price for a dentist looking for an easy and accessible ski, but for “real” skiers, your brand is somewhat a novelty. There is nothing wrong with this as you guys are simply making a killing off the demographic you are aiming for.
Let's hone in on something here: "but honestly your skis do not cater to advanced skiers."
I'm not speaking for all of DPS, just as an ambassador and assistant sales rep for them. And I'd partially agree: if you're looking for skis designed to go mach looney through refrozen chunder while stomping cliffs into moguls, we don't make them. If you're looking for a park or jib oriented twin, it's plain to see: we don't make one.
However, if you're an advanced skier that isn't looking for something in the categories above, there's a good chance that DPS does make a ski you'd enjoy. The Wailer A106 in the 188cm is a stiff, burly option that can charge, but still has energy in the soft stuff. Long options in the Lotus A124, like the 190, have a lot of power to them. The Wailer series, especially in the Tour build, comes alive being driven hard in soft snow while touring. The Cassiars, especially with their revamp this year, can be phenomenal on the feet of an advanced skier.
I've seen too many strong skiers come away stoked after actually skiing the skis to accept that they aren't for "real" skiers or that everything that comes out of Salt Lake is "easy." Anybody can hoss and break a ski, or delam the tails if they blast it hard enough (especially if you were getting sticks through an athlete; likely the athlete received blems which aren't what would be sold to shop walls or customers).
But let's put all that aside--this guy is smaller, lighter, and looking for a big mountain, all conditions ski for next season. What other shapes out there might be good choices for him to check out?
But let's put all that aside--this guy is smaller, lighter, and looking for a big mountain, all conditions ski for next season. What other shapes out there might be good choices for him to check out?
Sir Francis Bacon Shorty in a 165. Sir Francis Bacon Shorty is arguably the best sneaky deal in skiing. Agree with Mr. Steele here -- eloquent, per usual, guy -- that in a lot of ways, the DPS could fit the bill; that being said, the fact that homie is reaching out to NS, chances are he's at least interested in hitting jumps. More progressive mounting point, a twin-tip, and Fatty Base and Edge for rails. Oh, and it's 107 underfoot.
**This post was edited on Aug 7th 2018 at 4:15:48pm
I like DPS, because they've put out some really revolutionary skis. Maybe not for the playful park skier, but definitely for the playful / creative Big Mountain skier, especially the human powered / touring kind.
FWIW, I own the Lotus 138 (Purple Spoon version) and the Spoon and tour on them regularly. These were and still are really ground breaking skis that influenced a lot of todays powder ski designs. They are the deep / 3D snow equivalent of a Blend for park or a GS race ski for skiing ice - no compromises. And they change how you look at powder skiing: looooong sideway slarves and powder sprays you've never imagined you could do, very reactive / poppy (due to the carbon) and actually still tourable. For me absolute game changers for deep pow touring! The 138 is actually great in a whole set of other conditions too (crust, mank, wind affect, etc).
For that I like and respect DPS. Classic different strokes for different folks thing.. no need to hate on them.
Oh and they're actually coming out with a more new school / freestyle oriented design, the Koala 119. Not a spinny, buttery ski, but looks very fun for freestyle oriented big mtn skiers..
**This post was edited on Mar 30th 2019 at 8:34:43pm
**This post was edited on Mar 30th 2019 at 8:37:41pm
I would say that dps skis are like marker bindings, they make Ok products but everything they make is done better by someone else for the same or less money.
Also I’m pretty sure moment makes more skis than them in the US, if thats the draw you have to them get a moment ski, they make alot better big mountain variable conditions skis than dps does.
