2022 DPS Pagoda 106 C2

The 2022 DPS Pagoda 106 C2 is a new ski, but still has quite a bit of heritage from the Wailer 106 from years past. One of the big differences is the core material, but more on that later. The Pagoda 106 features the C2 shaping, allowing for a longer turn radius of 19-meters, and more, longer camber underfoot. This is a more directional ski, even though it’s wider, than something like the Pagoda 100 RP. The shaping really has a lot to do with it, and we’re all about it. It’s great when these wider skis have more of a hard-charging mentality, and when that’s paired with the Pagoda construction with two sheets of carbon fiber, you’re getting a lot of performance and a lighter weight. Those somewhat contrasting attributes are what contribute to the higher price of these skis, but the quality and high-end feel make a lot of sense for a ski like this. In the core, sandwiched between the two sheets of carbon, is a hybrid wood core consisting of an aspen base layer, with the top layer being a combination of ash and paulownia. This blend of wood allows for a denser and stabler feel without adding weight, so DPS is really refining the way these skis feel on the feet of every day skiers.

Ryan Daniel skied the 184 and found it to ski a bit short. With an extensive racing background, Ryan is just the type of skier that DPS is targeting with these skis. His top scores of 4 out of 5 were given for quickness, maneuverability, and playfulness, with all other scores earning 3’s. Interestingly, Ryan found these 106 C2’s to be more adept at shorter turns and playfulness in bumps and softer snow. Since that’s really what we had on test day, it’s not a huge surprise that Ryan found himself in these conditions. “I had a great time in the spring bumps on these things. They had a ton of spring and energy.” And, that’s generally what you’re going to get with these dual-carbon laminate skis, and it’s nice to hear that they hold up and perform well in a situation that they aren’t particularly constructed or shaped for. Alli Ruschp skied the 171 and found it was true to size. She had some higher scores than Ryan, with 5’s out of 5 given for stability, flotation, quickness, maneuverability, and playfulness. All other scores were 4’s showing an impressive well-roundedness to this wider-bodied cruiser. Alli notes that this is “Another impressive ski, light weight yet super smooth to ski. Little more aggressive than the RP, large turn radius and more stability at speeds. Had fun making different turn shapes and it was smooth throughout. You can feel and even hear the technology in the construction, making it a smooth rider, that can handle some variable conditions.” We are certainly in agreement that these skis make some smooth and clean turns and have a fair amount of versatility built in as a result.

Bob St.Pierre was pretty surprised by the edge grip and energy in his 184 cm test length. “I’d like to try the 189, but I was fairly happy with the 184.” He gave the ski 5’s out of 5 for stability, edge grip, torsional stiffness, and versatility. “Anytime you get on a ski this wide and it carves as well as it does, I’m going to give it a 5 for versatility. That’s really what it’s all about in my book. Can a wider ski that floats well in powder carve like a race ski? It really doesn’t happen a whole lot, but this Pagoda 106 C2 is one of the closer ones in the industry. I found quite a few similarities between it and the Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition in that their uses of carbon are very successful. Very stable at speed, and pretty darn quick from edge to edge, I really like this ski as a wider ski in a quiver, or even as a daily driver for slightly softer zones.”

For a wide range of skiers, the DPS Pagoda 106 C2 has a lot to offer. From carving on firmer snow to floating through the fresh, these well-rounded skis have the top-tier build and shape to make a lot of skiers happy. It’s always interesting to see how a wider ski with a more on-trail shape will hold up to all sorts of conditions, and all of our testers found something a bit different that they liked about the Pagoda 106 C2, and that’s what it’s all about.