The DPS Alchemist Wailer 99 is a like reincarnation of the Pure3 Wailer 99. It retains the same shape both in terms of sidecut and rocker profile, however DPS has updated the construction with their brand new Alchemist technology. This new technology is built around vibration-tuned aerospace grade carbon and is designed to offer drastically improved dampening properties making for a much smoother skiing experience over choppy snow and other variable conditions. This has been the main complaint with carbon skis; they tend to get deflected easily because the material is so light and responsive, so DPS claims have drawn some attention within the industry and we couldn’t wait to put them to the test. Each of the following testers skied the 184 cm length.
James Stewart seemed to have a blast skiing the new Alchemist Wailer 99 and had a lot of nice things to say about the ski. “Full of energy. These felt like a springer spaniel bounding from one turn to the next. Short effective edge is apparent on hard pack, but if you stay balanced on the ski and put it out there it’s happy to complete short radius turns.” James also commented on the new stability of the Alchemist construction style, “the feel is light, but sturdy, and pretty amazing. I can see what all the hype is about.”
Mike Aidala was most impressed by the Alchemist Wailer 99’s quickness and playfulness, giving both of those criteria 5 out of 5 along with forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression. Mike spent a lot of time comparing and contrasting the construction of the Wailer 99 to a ski with metal in its construction, commenting that “The Wailer 99 is an awesome all mountain option for the advanced to expert skier that does not need metal for pushing high speed ‘GS’ performance.” Skiers who like to just charge down the mountain will, most likely, look to something with more metal and thus increased stability and dampening, however Mike did comment that “the carbon gives the stability you need as long as you’re not looking to lay down high speed arcs on firm snow.” Mike definitely thought the ski’s quickness, versatility, and playful feel was the highlight, commenting that “if you want a ski to ski woods, chop, and soft snow with a lively, playful feel the Alchemist Wailer 99 is a great choice.
Jake Goss echoed this sentiment and really thought the Alchemist Wailer 99 shines in variable and soft snow conditions. He described the ski as having “great float and variable sidecut.” He found them to be relatively “soft and playful” and also commented that he “felt like it wanted me to ski in the backseat.” While at first this seemed like a bit of an anomaly, Steve Brown actually also commented that he thought the “sweet spot seemed to be in back of the binding,” so it seems that there’s some truth to that statement. Some of our female testers on the women’s ski also commented that it’s not a ski that you need to drive the tip. Jake ultimately thought it was a “great ski for mixed snow or soft conditions,” but found that it “didn’t feel good at speed.”
We think the highlight of the new DPS Alchemist Wailer 99 is maneuverability and playfulness in soft snow. While the new Alchemist construction does give it increased stability, it’s not so much that you can compare it to a ski with multiple sheets of metal in terms of strength and the ability to respond well and perform at high speeds. Those looking for a lightweight, ultra-maneuverable ski will be thrilled with the Alchemist Wailer 99, and we think, just like the Pure3 it replaced, that they’re going to be an excellent choice for an alpine touring setup.
