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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

DPS Wailer 112 - Backcountry Ski Review

 

 

Powder Skiing on the DPS Wailer 112

 

The office ski fleet is flush with sweet backcountry powder boards this season and with a couple months of skiing under our belt, it's time to offer some insights. The full run down of skis includes three models that measure in at 112mm underfoot.: The G3 District, DPS Wailer 112 and Voile Charger.

 

I have been a fan of the Voile Charger since its inception, so I was excited to add a couple more skis with the same waist dimension for a little head-to-head testing. At this point, I've got the most time on the DPS Wailer 112, so here's the beta on it.

 

Ski: DPS Wailer 112 (carbon construction)

Length: 178cm

Dimensions: 141-112-128

Weight: 7 lb 1 oz/pair

Binding: Dynafit Radical

Boot: Garmont Cosmos

 

The first thing to strike me with the DPS was its light weight. It weighs in lighter than the DPS specs by several ounces and given its healthy width, it is noticably light to the hand and foot.

 

I mounted them in the neutral boot center location, which leaves a fair bit of ski out front. Given my modest size and weight (135lb), I was curious to see how the ski handled. Any concerns I had that perhaps the 178cm was a little long for me were immediately dispelled upon taking them on their first tour.  The Wailer 112 is incredibly responsive and forgiving, yet ever so capable.

 

The 112 delivers incredible turning ease and backs it up with stability and confidence in all terrain. The ski is the definition of playful and easy going, yet it steps up to the conditions and terrain as needed. Low angle meadow skipping through the pow - check. Big radius powder turns in the alpine - check. Fast short swing turns on steep terrain - check. The 112 is as versatile as it is bright yellow in color.

 

Despite my questioning the ski's tip length, the 112 is balanced and easy to engage. The tips are easy to drive and keep the ski floating through everything that comes their way. This is one forgiving ski. I'd compare it to the Charger when it comes to ease of engagement, turn shape variety and the ability to ride it out. But I'll give it a slightly more surfy feel than the Charger when it comes to turn finish and full-speed big radius arcs.

 

It also tours well, walking the line between fat and light very nicely. Breaking trail is easy on the thighs thanks to the ski's generous tip rocker and wide dim's without a significant weight penalty.

 

Every time I switch back to the Wailer 112 after skiing another ski, I wonder if it will shine as brightly, and it does. I have yet to ski it at the resort or in any truly challenging snow conditions, but I'm confident it will rise to the occasion.

 

DPS Wailer 112 powder ski

 

 

 

 


Comments

1. brett said...

The Wailer 112 has quite a following. Anyone have time on the Wailer 99 and feedback to share. I like the idea of the 99 waist better than 112 - does it have the same feel?

2. TC said...

I have a few friends with Chargers and/or DPS 112s. One has both - and he actually prefers the Chargers. Obviously both good skis but.... a rather big price difference! Amazing that Voile can make a progressively shaped, light ski for the price that they do.

For myself, as Brett posted already, I'm more curious about the W99 Pure and skis in that waist zone... but I would love to give the W112p and Charger a trial ski sometime!

3. Dave said...

Copy that on Voile's ability to deliver the goods at a great price! The Wailer 99 did well in our testing last season - but all testing is done at the ski hill - I have never had it out on a full day tour. It certainly hits the mark for quiver-of-one dimensions.

4. Chrissie+Paris said...

Hello fellow skiers!

I am currently writing my final dissertation on Backcountry skis, as a Product Design student (in England) on the cusp of graduating.

I’ve been a skier now for almost 20 years, and I was hoping to call upon the ski community for a little help- I have a 5 minute questionnaire designed to collect market research on your favourite skis.

It would be so so helpful if you could spare 5 minutes of your time, and simply tell me what gear you’re using at the moment- the more answers I get, the better I can represent the current market:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NBSBW78

And please, if you know anyone else who has a passion for backcountry skiing, please pass it on!

Thanks so much!

5. Powshred said...

Voile's Charger and the Wailer 112 aren't an apple to apples comparison in reality when thinking about carbon construction have a read: http://skiingbusiness.com/15996/features/are-carbon-fiber-skis-worth-the-price/

6. Dave said...

Copy that Powshred. Normally, when comparing skis, we simply begin with dimensional similarities. You are correct that construction plays a significant role in a skis performance. Shape and weight play a role too and the Wailer shape is quite dif from the Charger. That said, both skis are great lightweight choices for all-around deep snow touring.

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