The DPS Alchemist Wailer 106 is a totally rebuilt version of the ski from previous years. The new construction uses vibration-tuned aerospace grade carbon fiber while retaining the shape of the ski they are replacing. This new construction is designed to increase stability and reduce tip deflection that can often come along with lightweight carbon skis. There’s been some buzz about the new construction and our testers were pretty excited to get their hands on a pair to see if it lives up to the hype. DPS has always been on the forefront of technological innovations in ski construction (which often comes along with a relatively high price), and the new Alchemist skis seem to continue in that tradition. All of our testers on the Alchemist Wailer 106 were skiing the 178 cm length.
Mike Thomas referred to the Alchemist Wailer 106 as a true “skier’s ski.” He commented that “this ski was a bit shocking. It’s very powerful and likes to be ‘driven.’” The idea that Mike was shocked by the performance of the ski is a nod to its light weight and the way it compares to the Pure3 construction that it replaces. Mike thought they would be “best for a powerful technically proficient skier,” and added that “it’s all there,” which is somewhat of an unusual description for such a lightweight, carbon construction ski.
Marcus Shakun scored the Alchemist Wailer 106 5 out of 5 for flotation, stability, playfulness, and overall impression. He described it as a “high test aggressive charger,” and found that it had “great edge hold at high speeds,” and the ability to “blow through anything in its way.” Marcus did admit that the Alchemist Wailer 106 “isn’t forgiving for less aggressive or weaker skiers,” and even went as far as saying it should be for “advanced skiers only.” Considering he described it as a “long radius ski that wants to charge,” we can concur that they’re probably best for relatively aggressive skiers.
Joe Cutts had a profound statement about carbon skis. “Carbon-rich lightness is fine and good as long as a ski still has trustworthy solidity and stability.” This is something that ski manufacturers have struggled with in recent years. Where is the line between being exceptionally light and not having enough stability? It’s a question that most manufacturers have had tried to answer, but according to Joe, “DPS proves it can deliver both in the Alchemist construction.” Joe found it had “predictable edge grip and stability at speed.” Although Joe didn’t have a chance to really put it to the test in deep snow, he did comment that it “still feels like it’s going to be a quick-turn slasher in deep snow and crud.”
Mike Anglin definitely really enjoyed his time on the Alchemist Wailer 106. He scored it 5 out of 5 for every single criteria, with torsional stiffness being the only exception with a 4. Those are some of the highest scores we’ve seen, which suggest that Mike is probably the exact target market for this ski. He described it as “super playful and forgiving, but has no speed limit. It loves all turn shapes and eats up any snow thrown at it.” While Marcus thought it should only be skied by advanced skiers and up, Mike did end his comments by saying anyone from intermediate to expert would love it.
DPS definitely has done an impressive job reworking their skis with this new Alchemist construction. The Wailer 106 was one of the standouts of the bunch, possibly thanks to the fact that it doesn’t use as aggressive early taper as some of the other DPS skis. Having a longer effective edge along with this new Alchemist construction has created an impressively burly ski that still barely tips the scales compared to skis that use metal.
