2027 DPS Lotus 117

The 2027 DPS Lotus 117 is a fat, dramatically shaped powder ski that is unequivocally DPS. When you think of a DPS ski in your mind, this is probably the one that comes up. Built with a lighter core and full carbon layups, this ski is mobile enough to encourage technical skiing while also being strong enough for aggressive performance. These skis are quite curvaceous, and they seem like they just keep bending and bending as you get to the tips and tails.

Built with a poplar core, the Lotus 117 gets a consistent, smooth, and energetic start. Then they bring the heat in terms of dual-carbon laminates. And these aren't just any old carbon laminates, this is the top-shelf stuff that lasts forever. DPS also uses a World Cup Race Base with pre-installed Phantom Treatment, bringing a bit of value into the equation. They also use a binding retention plate underfoot and this does add a bit of pop to the middle of the ski in addition to holding the bindings in place a bit more. In the 185 cm length, the ski sits on the scale at a stated weight of 1950 g/ski, which is relatively light given the overall volume of the ski.

The footprint of the ski is equally as interesting as the construction. With a ton of rocker, taper, and splay, the Lotus 117 has deep powder as a first, middle, and last priority. DPS notes that the skis use a 55% camber and 45% rocker profile split, meaning that almost half of the ski is bent upwards. The taper shape is very dramatic as well, with the widest points of the ski, most notably in the shovel, being very central. Still, the ski is pretty straight overall, with that 185 finding a 21-meter turn radius somehow. This allows for easy slashing and smearing while also having the ski's long turn and high-speed capacity as highlights.

This is a ski that does need to be in a relatively specific situation to get the most out of. We say this about a lot of powder skis, and we'll say it again for the Lotus 117—having skis that align with the proper conditions and terrain makes a huge difference. It's a luxury, though, to be able to plunk down an extra $1800 or so to add this ski to your quiver. This makes it a specialty ski for most, but if you're looking for a premium product to maximize your satisfaction with pure powder skiing, we'd highly recommend picking up a DPS Lotus 117.