2021 DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP

New for 2021, the DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP is a shining example of when innovative construction and unique shaping combine to make a fantastic ski. The whole Pagoda Piste line is new, and the 90 represents the mid-width, but the only one with the RP shaping. At 90 mm underfoot and with the Alchemist/Piste style of construction, the skis are able to hold pretty darn tight to any and all firm snow conditions, as well as having the versatility thanks to the shaping to access some softer and deeper snow without losing much in the way of performance. While the skis come with a hefty price tag, it's their actual weight that makes them that way. Kind of like in cycling, the lighter the part, the more expensive it's going to be. As with other DPS skis, the ability of the ski to hold up to high-performance use without weighing much is its defining characteristic, and depending on your personal financial situation, is certainly worth the extra cost.

The construction of the Pagoda Piste skis is where they really separate themselves from other DPS product. Built with a core of Aspen and Ash stringers vertically laminated, the skis get a boost as opposed to the pure Aspen found in other popular models like the Wailer. On top of that core, they laminate a horizontal sheet of Ash wood, and this functions more like a metal laminate, but with the more organic feel of the wood. As far as increasing the stiffness and reducing vibrations and creating a unique feel, this Ash laminate goes a long way and works quite well. As with the other Alchemist skis, they use the dual-carbon laminate on top and bottom of the core, and this really sets the skis apart and justifies the price. Overall, this refined build is much better suited to the piste aspect of the skis, and lends to that more front-side prowess that they're claiming to have.

Interestingly, the Pagoda Piste 90 has the RP shaping while the other models feature the C2. The 87, 94, and 100 all have the C2 with its longer 19-meter radius while the 90 has the RP and its shorter 15-meter arc. Perhaps they're just offering something a bit different for this width, but I think that for most skiers, in this width, the RP offers something that nobody else has. In the end, the shaping will make the 90 float on soft snow way better than any other 90-mm underfoot ski out there. Since they have to rocker and taper the ski in order to generate that 15-meter turn, the profile becomes more dramatic, and as a result, floatier and more playful. Conversely, if you're looking for the build of the Pagoda Piste but prefer making shorter turns and skiing at more moderate speeds, this shape will be better for you. It's all about options, I suppose. Deeper rocker lines and more pronounced taper will make the ski bouncier in softer snow and more surfy. If you can make a 90 mm underfoot ski float like a 100, why not give it a shot?

The 2021 DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP skis are going to make a lot of waves this upcoming year. They have a totally and completely unique shape and build that puts them in a category all their own. Thanks to DPS and their innovative ski building philosophy, we're looking at something totally out of the box, and likely to be successful on a lot of skier's feet.