2021 DPS Alchemist Wailer 106 C2

Unchanged for 2021, the DPS Wailer 106 Alchemist still features the C2 chassis and a whole lot of fun for any and all conditions and terrain. Normally, we see that C2 chassis on more of an on-trail ski, but it works quite well in the wider format of the Wailer 106 as well. Built with less taper and rocker than the RP shaping, the C2 skis still all generate a 19-meter turn radius at all sizes. For skiers looking to rip through the crud and chop and still be able to carve a turn on the groomers, this build and shape does a great job. DPS also keeps things consistent with their aspen wood core and dual-carbon laminate. The aspen is fairly flexible but not too light, and the carbon does most of the heavy lifting in terms of power and performance. It creates a different feeling, to be sure, than skis with one or more sheets of metal, but the precision and light weight put it in a different category overall. It's an incredibly responsive material, and the fact that it's full-length makes the ski behave with an extremely high-performance ceiling. Best suited for advanced and expert skiers who are looking to cruise through any and all conditions and terrain, the DPS Wailer 106 Alchemist is a fantastic choice. Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but they do an exceptional job of making it obvious that you're on a top-end ski.

Parker Herlihy skied the 184, and while he said it was fine, I expect he'd prefer the 189. He scored the ski 5 out of 5 for stability, and 4's for flotation, torsional stiffness, and edge hold. He calls it "a great ski to ski. While not particularly forgiving to get in and out of turns, it's a lot stronger in longer turns. I'd say it's best in fresh snow for sure, but also incredible in chop. I got to test it in flat and fast corn, and it was spectacular." Also on the 184, Marcus Shakun is another skier who may have benefitted from the longer ski. Ever so modest, Marcus was fine with the length, and had a lot of 4's out of 5 on his scorecard for flotation, stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. A lowly 2 for quickness echoes Parker's sentiments that the ski preferred longer turns. Marcus calls it an "advanced to expert ski for all-mountain applications that likes long turns. If you want to smear turns you have to be light on your edges. It does get a bit fluttery in the shovel at higher speeds on harder snow, so it is more at home in softer and deeper snow." And in terms of that intended skier, Marcus notes that it's "not a ski for a weary skier. Skis best with an active and aggressive skier."

Connor Gorham always has a colorful way of describing skis, and we appreciate his honesty and candor for sure. Also on the 184, Connor scored the ski 4's out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and versatility. Giving the graphics rating a "Blue Steel" score, Connor states that "3:45 PM runs are always unpredictable which led to a tough rating on a ski that seems designed for more consistent conditions. Thicc spring mash was not the ultimate diet for these wide-waisted Wailers, but if it was colder, fresher pow, I could see myself eating plenty of leftovers." Yum!

Light, precise, and unique, the DPS Wailer 106 Alchemist loves to be on edge and ripped at high speeds. From fresh snow to firm groomers, these versatile 106's are a great choice for advanced and expert skiers who are looking for something out of the box and incredibly fun.