DPS Alchemist Wailer 112 2019 – 2020 Ski | Review - Mpora

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DPS Alchemist Wailer 112 2019 – 2020 Ski | Review

The classic powder shape gets overhauled with a new, damper 'Alchemist' construction

Lengths (cm): 168, 178, 184 & 189
Sidecut (mm): 141 / 112 / 128
Radius: 15m
Rocker Profile: Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Camber Underfoot: 2mm
Weight (per ski): 2080g
Price: £1,150

Website: dpsskis.com

Why we chose the DPS Alchemist Wailer 112: Loose and surfy soft snow performance.

We’ve spoken about the history of the DPS brand in our Wailer 106 Tour 1 review, so give that a read if you’d like to learn the history of this independent ski company.

Taking their experience of creating the now legendary Lotus series of skis, DPS released the Wailer series in 2010. It was the Wailer 112RP that looked to bring the “loose” soft snow performance of the Lotus series into a more resort-friendly offering.

This was achieved through a toned down shape (compared to the Lotus 138) that blended rocker with an aggressive sidecut and camber underfoot. This was done in an effort to create a ski that could ski all conditions in the resort, from fresh stuff in the morning to chopped up crud in the afternoon.

“Taking their experience of creating the now legendary Lotus series of skis, DPS released the Wailer series in 2010”

This extremely progressive design was combined with a groundbreaking construction that utilised two sheets of carbon fibre laminates sandwiched between the wooden core. It was this sandwich construction that stripped weight and stiffened up the ski remarkably – particularly given its weight.

The 2010 Wailer 112RP soon gained a cult following amongst the backcountry scene (I was one of them myself). But the extremely lightweight, yet stiff, design started to (quite literally) rattle some skiers.

Stripping weight and increasing the stiffness of a ski (particularly a wide powder focused ski) will inevitably make it challenging when things get a little more chopped up. Many expressed a dislike toward the Wailer 112RP due to its twitchy and hooky characteristics – this wasn’t just limited to DPS’ carbon offerings though – anyone that has skied a carbon ski will understand the issues with ‘chatter’ when riding over any firm terrain.

The newest iteration of DPS’ carbon technologies is the Alchemist. It’s a product that looks to solve the chattery issues of typical carbon touring skis.

DPS have achieved this by bringing in “Vibration Tuned Aerospace Grade Carbon” to make up each laminate of the ski – improving the dampness of the ski, particularly over that of standard carbon skis.

Most importantly, the all new Alchemist construction has added weight to the ski – surprising in an age where ski manufacturers are looking to strip as much weight as possible from their skis.

“An increase in weight has allowed DPS to create a damper ride in what still remains a pretty light package”

Put simply, an increase in weight has allowed DPS to create a damper ride in what still remains a pretty light package (2080g for a 112mm underfoot ski). In doing so, DPS have managed to create a ski that’s able to ski the whole mountain – whilst still excelling when it comes to soft snow performance.

The shape really will flatter intermediate skiers – and most importantly give them a good time on the mountains.

Alchemist carbon looks to add dampness (and a little weight)

Although it’s unfair to place this ski solely in the intermediate-only category as with the introduction of the Alchemist technology, this really is a ski that’s able to hold its own and take a beating from whatever gnarly stuff the mountain throws its way.

Look towards traditionally designed skis with less aggressive sidecuts if you’re searching for a ski that’s able hammer its way through anything when the snow starts to get cut up. The Dictator 3.0 could be good for this, perhaps even the Head Kore 117 where the moderate sidecut helps to avoid any hooky characteristics.

Industry Insider

DPS Spokesperson

“When the Wailer 112 originally debuted, it carried the ‘RP’ moniker as a suffix. ‘RP’ is back in the name to highlight the legendary shaping style that is characterised by a 15m sidecut and deep rockers.

“The Wailer 112 legacy has dominated magazine tests and is known as the shape that truly makes people ski better. It has the versatility for complete control and g-force generation on hard pack, while cradling the rider into the world of powder planing performance. The Wailer A112 RP consistently and playfully delivers ultimate powder versatility and ease of use in varying conditions.”

The tails of the Wailer 112 have been stiffened up, over previous generations

Expert’s Verdict

Holly Walker, ACMG Ski Guide

“The Alchemist Wailer 112 RP is my favourite ski of all time and I’ve tried a lot of different skis. Breaking trail and putting in a skin track for clients on deep pow days is totally manageable due to the deep rocker. This also makes it super floaty on the descent in powder.

“The ski is delightfully light, yet it is stiff and holds up well in sastrugi, skied out powder, and crud. The shorter turning radius of 15m makes it carve like a dream so it’s super playful and fun to ski groomers back to the parking lot at the end of the day”

You May Also Like

The Mpora Backcountry Ski Guide

Head Kore 117 Ski Review

Topics:

Gear Mpora Backcountry Ski Guide 2019/20 Powder Skis
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