Continuing the DPS tradition of creating high-end freeride skis, the Wailer 106 Alchemist fits the bill and then some. By utilizing the Alchemist construction, DPS has created a light, yet stiff pair of skis that is built to last and to crush fresh and chopped up snow. At 106 mm underfoot, the skis have enough girth to float up, on, and around any type of snow condition or depth. With a rocker/camber/rocker profile, the skis will turn easily, whether the snow is soft or hard. Damping material is included in the tips and tails of the skis to absorb vibrations and create a smooth ride. You can sure use it as a backcountry specific ski, but it is really well suited to resort skiing as well. The versatility and smooth nature of the ski appealed to our testers, and in the soft snow that we encountered on test days, the Wailer 106 performed quite admirably. Both of our testers used the 178 cm length skis.
David Raybould thought the 178 felt a bit short, but had a very favorable overall impression of the skis. He scored the skis 4 out of 5 for the following categories: flotation, stability, playfulness, torsional stiffness/edge hold, versatility, and overall impression. The remaining categories of quickness, maneuverability, and forgiveness all received 3 out of 5. Based on these scores, it’s easy to see why so many skiers are enamored with the DPS Wailer 106 Alchemist. When a wider-than-average ski scores high for both flotation and stability, that’s a good thing. That shows that you can pretty much rip these skis through any depth snow at whatever speed you wish. David comments that the skis are “super fun in soft bumps and still rips down a groomer.” He cautions you to not “overski the tip” to avoid having the ski dive in too much, it’s a better idea to stay centered and apply pressure evenly. If the shovel of the ski is wide, it normally loses some rigidity, so if you put too much strength into the tip of the ski, it will bend too much. We didn’t get the sense from David that it folded, though. He continues on with his review by saying that the skis are “very versatile” and “would go well in crud.” Sounds good to us. Fresh powder at the resort does not usually last too long, so you end up skiing in crud for the majority of the day when it snows.
Steve Sulin scored the skis 5 out of 5 for flotation and quickness/maneuverability. When a big ski like the Wailer 106 gets that type of coverage in terms of opposing strengths, it’s important to take note. A ski that floats is not typically quick, but thanks to the DPS construction and design, this effect is achieved. The camber underfoot certainly helps make the ski feel quicker from edge to edge, and the tip and tail rocker certainly make the ski float better. The lightweight nature of the ski is bolstered by the stiffness that the carbon construction adds, resulting in that low swing-weight feel that skiers of all abilities can get behind. Steve also liked the playful nature of the skis, scoring 4 out of 5 for that category, and commenting that it’s “surfy and rolls onto edge easily.” He continues to say that the Wailer 106 Alchemist “loves soft snow and I can see why it’s an awesome powder ski.” In regards to the power of the skis, he notes that the skis prefer to “go over piles of snow, not through them.” As a result, you get a playful feel that is light and maneuverable.
DPS has hit another home run with the Wailer 106 Alchemist. For powder enthusiasts who ski mainly at the resort, this ski is a must try. Additionally, if you are a backcountry explorer looking for a snowy day ski, look at this one for sure.
