The Pagoda line from DPS represents a calculated entry into the hard-charging front side realm of skis. Built with a wood core, two sheets of carbon, and a ton of precision, the Pagoda Piste 100 and its C2 chassis is here to lay down some mean-looking tracks all over the mountain. Thanks to the versatile 100 mm waist width, the skis have the ability to be an exclusive carving ski or they can be mixed up and taken anywhere on any hill at any time. On the stiffer side, but also the lighter side the Pagoda is easy to maneuver and swish around turns, but is also capable of incredible edge hold and stability at speed. Thanks to the wood core that’s made of both aspen and ash, with the ash predominantly found underfoot, the skis have a smooth and light entry and exit to the turn, but underfoot is all business. Not only does that ash hold up and create stronger torsional stiffness, but there’s also a binding mount plate that, while isn’t necessarily a structural laminate, does offer a bit more in terms of heft and underfoot stability. With less dramatic taper, the ski hooks up easier than some of DPS’s other skis, and holds the turn tight until the end. As is the case with other DPS skis, the dual-carbon laminates do the bulk of the heavy lifting, even though they’re very light layers. You can really feel the ski come alive due to the full carbon layups, and the character is true DPS.