2027 DPS Lotus 112

For 2027, DPS has changed the 112 in both name and build. What used to be the Kaizen 112 is now Lotus 112, and it does get construction changes that are meant to better reflect the ski’s floaty and smeary nature. Now part of the Lotus family, we’re seeing more emphasis on this ski being placed in the pure powder category. These skis continue to be incredibly easy and fun to use in the proper conditions, making quick work out of soft snow and powder with fantastic steering and turning capabilities.

The Lotus 112 still uses full carbon construction, but we do get a different core. For 2027 the Lotus 112 uses a full poplar wood core to keep things a bit lighter and more consistent throughout. By dropping the ash layer in the ski, DPS made the ski more agile and easier to use. With a ski this wide, that much ash can be a bit of a hindrance for the intended use here. Now, we get a poplar wood core, and two full sheets of high modulus carbon. There is a binding retention plate, but it is not the carbon plate that we see in other Kaizen or Pisteworks models, because frankly, it doesn’t need to be there in powder. The 184 sits on the scale at a stated weight of 1974 g/ski, which is still pretty light given the volume of ski here. Tester Colin Wiedersheim calls it “Energetic and lively. The DPS Lotus 112 loves to turn above all else. That 15m radius indicates its turny nature, and I would love to ski this in true powder. Energetic and stiff, the Lotus 112 is built for snowy conditions and packed powder. I hope I can get back on one when the conditions allow. Turns like a dream and shoots you into the next turn.”

We also see a new tip shape with this ski, but otherwise the Lotus 112 still uses similar measurements and profiles to create the same amazing flotation. We get a sidecut split of 140/112/127 in the 184 which produces a paltry 15-meter turn radius. The rocker profile is just wild, with a ton of tip rocker and splay. The tail is relatively turned up, but the shovel of the ski is vastly different than anything else on the market today. This style of shape and profile makes the 112 so simple to turn. Anyone can ski powder on a Lotus 112. Tester Bob St.Pierre states that “The Lotus 112 is a phenomenal powder ski. It's incredibly floaty and easy to steer thanks to the lighter weight and super dramatic shape. It's the most intuitive 112 out there when it comes to floating and turning. This is a soft snow specific ski. It prefers powder but can also handle spring corn and other smooth surfaces. It doesn't love inconsistent surfaces. This is one of the easier 112's out there, so if you're a progressing skier looking for your first powder ski, this will not be overbearing. The Lotus 112 is prototypical DPS--right down to the banana yellow color.”

Like most DPS skis, the Lotus 112 doesn’t come cheap. That, combined with the ski’s relatively narrow scope, makes this a very specific option for skiers looking for a soft snow and powder ski. The intended audience here definitely wants something that will make powder skiing as easy as possible as they stay afloat very well and turn simply and without hesitation.