Ski Review : DPS Wailer 112

With an ever increasing variety of skis available, I took it upon myself to make sense of the current trends in powder skis to find out which are the best for all mountain riding.

The aim of this test was to try to define the difference between the shapes of skis (I've tried to capture this in the third photo) ranging from a traditional profile to light rocker and full rocker with 5 point taper. 5 point taper (sidecut) is the latest development in ski design and many manufacturers are starting to jump on the bandwagon.

The focal point of this test was the DPS Wailer 112 with it's distinctive shape which is clearly visible in the pictures. The theory is that this shape gives you the stability of a long ski combined with the nimbleness of a shorter ski. I skied a 190cm ski in conditions that can only be described as amazing, extraordinary or epic (insert any superlative here!).

The new shape takes a little getting used to but it's true to say these skis carve piste and harder snow in a way you would not associate with a big powder ski. The edge grip was phenomenal and when you combine this with a short turning radius of 15m they give you a real kick out of your turns and are certainly much more lively than my usual ski, a Volkl Katana.

Once off-piste, you start to benefit from the long rockered tip, adding both stability and float to the ride. These skis fill you with confidence and the big nose keeps afloat even in the very deepest snow allowing you to keep a strong central stance. Compared to my lightly rockered Katana, I'm tempted say they offer too much floatation, but for a progressing skier venturing off-piste, this would be a revelation. When choosing a tapered ski like this, it's important to buck the trend of short carving skis and go for something longer.

So what are the pros and cons of the skis I tested? I think it is fair to say that a traditional shaped ski is now almost obsolete. With a light rocker you can keep the traditional feel that skiers are accustomed to, but gain nimbleness in tight situations and some extra floatation in soft snow. With the more modern shapes (as seen here on the DPS) the game has moved on. It is now possible to have a ski that is capable of fast big turns in fresh powder as well as short radius turns on piste and hard pack snow.

I also have to mention that the DPS skis attract attention like no other ski I have had the pleasure of testing. Over the weekend I had several admiring glances, some positive and inquisitive comments with regard to the size and shape of the ski and one admiring-whistling-eyebrows-raised gesture from a fellow skier that knows the retail price of the 'Cool Banana'.

Are they worth the premium? There's certainly an argument for these skis serving as the 'one ski quiver' so if you feel that your current skis are a compromise in one direction or another, I would suggest grabbing a pair from your local test centre and getting out there.

Thanks to the guys at Local CHX in Chamonix for giving us the opportunity to test the cool bananas!