2021 DPS Alchemist Wailer 100 RP

The 2021 DPS Wailer 100 RP Alchemist returns unchanged, and we're pretty stoked. We got a pretty fair shake on this ski during the 2019-2020 season, being able to test it on a variety of terrain and conditions. We were impressed then, and we'll continue to be as long as they keep this train rolling. As with most DPS skis in the Alchemist construction, we're looking at an aspen wood core with two sheets of pre-preg carbon. This is what gives the skis their unique feel and responsiveness, as well as their top-tier price tag. The main thing that sets it apart from the rest in terms of that price versus performance aspect is the fact that they perform so well for their weight. It's pretty impressive what they can accomplish with that dual-carbon laminate, allowing skiers to maneuver the skis easily and quickly while they remain stable and smooth. The RP shaping keeps all lengths consistent to a 15-meter turn radius, so the rocker, taper profile, and shape have to change to accommodate that. This also makes it so the tip and tail are more spoony in shape, making this 100 float way above its level. For skiers looking for that top-end feel with unlimited performance, the DPS Wailer 100 continues its presence at the forefront of technology and precision.

Annie MacDonald took the 179 out for a spin and notes that it's the "best of the DPS skis I've tried so far." Her scores were mainly 4's out of 5, including flotation, stability, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. "Playful in the slower speeds, but good stability at upper velocities. While I'm not a huge fan of the rocker in the tip, it makes it so you can't really drive the tip of the ski as much. That said, it's a good ski for softer snow and slush. I like to feel a little more pop out of them, though very nice overall ski for the fairly playful powder width ski. It's so versatile for a variety of terrain and conditions."

It's interesting to compare her experience on the 179 with a much larger skier's. Bob St.Pierre has about half a foot and about a hundred pounds on Annie, but they were on the same size ski. Due to the RP shaping, this shouldn't really make much of a difference. Amazingly enough, Bob was able to generate some good energy out of the skis, allowing him to fully feel the efficiency of the Wailer 100. He scored it a 5 out of 5 for quickness and maneuverability, and 4's for flotation, playfulness, forgiveness, versatility, and overall impression. For a big guy on a 179 without metal, that's pretty impressive. Bob notes that the skis "have a fantastic strength to weight ratio. The spoony tip and tail give it a short-turn nature and the stability is great for a ski without metal." In terms of how that 179 stood up to harder skiing, Bob notes that the Wailer 100 "prefers shorter turns and more moderate speeds, but when I figured that out, instead of trying to just rip huge and fast GS turns, the ski really came to life. I would have loved to try the 189 just to see the difference and get a bit more material under my feet, but all said, I was pretty impressed with this ski both on-trail and in the woods. An unbelievable tree ski, to be sure." Does that make it worth the extra cash? Depends on your personal financial situation, I guess.

Very precise and responsive, the DPS Wailer 100 Alchemist is an all-mountain skier's dream come true. These things are light and maneuverable, yet balanced and stable. It's a pretty unique mix of ski qualities with this thing here, and we really got to love it over the past two years.