2022 DPS Pagoda 100 RP

The 2022 DPS Pagoda 100 RP is a new ski for this year, and it follows pretty closely on the heels of the Wailer 100 Alchemist RP, with a couple of subtle tweaks that makes the Pagoda 100 a bit more responsive and stable than the outgoing model. First, the things that remain the same. The RP shaping is one of the hallmarks of the DPS ski look and feel, and it makes a lot of sense when you think about what “RP” stands for, which is Resort Powder. The shaping of the ski is heavily rockered and tapered, so no matter what the width may be, these skis will float and carve really well due to this shape. This results in a 15-meter turn radius regardless of length, so even in the 189, the skis are tapered and rockered enough to generate that shorter arc and easy-turning nature. Additionally, the use of dual-carbon laminate carries forward, as that’s another prime example of how a DPS ski feels and behaves. The high-end carbon allows for a stiff and precise feel but with a lighter weight than metal, resulting in a maneuverable and fun ski that does not skimp on performance. Slightly different for this year is the wood core. While it was all Aspen over the past few years, for 2022, they mix an Aspen laminate in with horizontal stringers of paulownia and ash, allowing for a more stable and energetic feel without adding weight. It’s a bit more sophisticated, and it certainly works.

On the 171, Benny Wax noted that it did feel on the short side. That’s one strange thing about these skis, is that some people find them short and others long. Benny normally skis more like a 177, so it’s not surprising to hear of this experience, even with the shape remaining much the same between lengths. Regardless, Benny’s top score was a 5 out of 5 for flotation, so he’s feeding right into the Resort Powder moniker of these skis. He had a lot of 4’s on his scorecard as well, for categories such as stability, quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and overall impression. He had 3’s for versatility, torsional stiffness, and edge grip. Overall, this is a high spread of scores for these well-rounded 100’s. Benny notes that the Pagoda 100 RP is great “For powder and slush! Playful and fun! Eastern hardpack beware!” Skiers can certainly feel the carbon and the wood core link up to make the carving and edge grip of these skis very impressive on the firmer snow, even with their emphasis on floating and smearing.

Bob St.Pierre is one of those skiers who felt like the Pagoda 100 RP makes for a better carver than a floater, but that it still really floated well, so that says a lot about the carving and on-piste capabilities of these skis. He skied the 184, and noted that it was a good length for him, “but I’d really like to try the 189 to see if there’s a big difference between the two. I suppose if I skied out west in a lot of snow, I’d lean to the longer, but here in VT, the 184 had enough power and stability for grip, all the while remaining totally and completely quick and agile for the trees and bumps we have here in Stowe.” Bob scored the ski 5’s out of 5 for stability, quickness, maneuverability, edge grip, versatility, and overall impression. These are some consistently high scores, but that’s going to be likely given the high quality and ultimate goal of versatility in the Pagoda 100 RP. Bob was “very impressed with the edge hold and carving ability of these skis. I could really lean into and drive the ski, although not really from tip to tail, you have to be a bit more centered and stay in the middle, because that’s where the camber is, but when you get it balanced and energized, these skis rip. The tail is stiffer than I thought it would be, and I’m not complaining, but it’s really got a good kick at the end of the turn rather than being surfy and smeary (which is what I was expecting). Overall, a very well-rounded ski from DPS that has few to no weaknesses.”

Advanced and expert skiers will glean the best performance out of these skis. If you prefer a wider ski with a shorter turn radius, the DPS Pagoda 100 RP is an excellent choice. There’s a lot to like about these skis, from their quality craftsmanship and high-end materials, to the fun and playful nature of the ski when you get it up on edge. If you’re looking for light weight and high-performance versatility for true all-mountain skiing, this is a fantastic option.