2012-2013 DPS Wailer 112RP, Pure, 190 cm

by

Skis: 2012-2013 DPS Wailer 112RP Pure, 190 cm

Dimensions: 142-112-128 mm

Actual Tip-to-Tail Length (straight tape pull): 188.0 cm

Sidecut Radius: 15-18 meters

BLISTER’s Measured Weight per Ski: 1840 & 1840 grams

Boots / Bindings: Lange Banshee Pros / Marker Jesters, (DIN) 10

Mount: Factory Recommended

Tune: 1 / 1

Days skied: 12

(Editor’s Note: Our review was conducted on the 11/12 Wailler 112RP, which is unchanged for 12/13.)

Few new skis made a bigger splash in the 10/11 season than the DPS Wailer 112RPs. At the end of the 09/10 season, I had the opportunity to ski prototypes of the 112RP in full on spring conditions, but didn’t have the opportunity to ski it in its natural habitat, RP: Resort Powder.

In what follows, I’ve posted my initial impressions of the prototype 112RPs, and I owe a more thorough review now that I’ve had the chance to ski the production version over many days and in a broader range of conditions – including powder.

In May, 2010, Marshal Olson invited me (check that, coerced me) to come up to Denver to check out the new DPS Wailer 112RPs by dropping some vague remarks about how Colorado was supposed to be getting a foot or two of snow.

And even though forecasts for Arapahoe Basin showed no such storms, the slightest chance of skiing powder on the new 112RP Pures was too tempting for me to pass up (or to pay any attention to actual forecasts).

So I drove up to Denver, grabbed the skis, had dinner with some friends, and headed up to A-Basin Saturday morning. There was no fresh foot or two. The conditions were pure spring: lots of rocks, dirt, and shrubs surrounded by beautiful slush, some smooth hardpack, and plenty of refrozen softball-sized ice chunks.

I clicked in and headed over to the Pallavicini lift. First run of the day was down The Spine, basically a slush and ice bump field. I’d put a lot of days the previous season on the Armada JJ, and due to their similar shapes, I imagined that the 112RPs would ski similarly. But looking down, I was more reminded of the Rossignol Super 7s, a ski that just didn’t do it for me because of their weight and swing weight: the Super 7s were just a chore in tight trees and steep frozen bumps.

Halfway down The Spine, however, I realized that I was overturning the 112RPs. While the shovels look big (perhaps it’s all that blaring yellow), like they’ll require a good bit of effort to throw them around, these looks are totally deceiving. Thanks to the weight of the ski (or lack thereof), you do not need to work to turn these things. DPS has managed to design a ski that turns as ridiculously quick as the Armada JJs, but offers more stability than the JJs when arcing larger turns at speed. It just doesn’t seem that this much ski should be able to turn this fast.

Montezuma Bowl allowed for some nice, fast, big turns, and the light PURE construction handled the soft chop well. As long as you drive and carve these skis, they can lock into a turn with minimal deflection and the tips do not hook. The only time I ever found myself getting bounced off line was when I got lazy and got back on my heels. But I can’t think of a ski (that I enjoy) that won’t bounce you around in chop if you aren’t piloting it like you’re supposed to.

This past month I have had a lot of days on some skis that I’ve been using for backcountry touring, and I have been reminded how much it blows to be on equipment that you don’t trust. Those skis (which I won’t bother to name) are hooky, the tips dive, and they are completely unpredictable. In variable conditions, the 112RPs were the opposite of this, and it felt good to be back on skis that I could trust. Size up a line, then execute. Tricky snow and sketchy lines give less pause because you know that the skis will allow you to do what you need to do. Can I make these three tight turns in this no fall zone? Yes. Do I need to worry about catching an edge or holding an edge? No. And just like that, skiing is fun again.

Basically, in assessing these skis, the primary questions for me were: when do these skis fail to do what I want them to do? When would a different ski clearly perform better, make the conditions more fun?

Over those first two days on the Wailer 112, I straightlined, made big turns, small turns, skied some trees, skied lots of ice bumps and slush bumps, even snuck a few laps down a freestyle moguls course that had been built up for a Bumps Camp at A-Basin. (Please don’t mention this to the camp coach who told me that I would never be able to make it down the course on those water skis.) All I can say is that the 112RPs versatility and fun factor are off the charts. In 3-4 inches or more of new snow, I am confident that these skis will make a lot people very, very happy. And what I know for certain is that the 112RPs will even make you happy skiing dirty snow and chunked-up ice, you know, for those days when Marshal Olson lies to you about the weather.

NEXT PAGE: ROCKER PROFILE PICS

Pages: 1 2

61 comments on “2012-2013 DPS Wailer 112RP, Pure, 190 cm”

  1. I own a pair of the Pure Carbon DPS Wailer 112RP’s (190’s) as well. I have a telemark apparatus (Axl, large spring binding by 22designs). At first glance, the Wailers look like they wouldn’t turn well in moguls, but the light weight carbon structure takes all the abuse and allows me to float with ease. They work their magic the best in powda’. I had some difficulty getting used to the reverse camber concept—a little counterintuitive at first. Once I pointed these babies down the fall line and trusted the technology I was in heaven. I love my PURES!!

    Matt

  2. I love my Pure, 190 112s. Telluride and Alta in all kinds of conditions.
    Only one thing they don’t do well: straightline flat bottomed on hardpack (a bit wiggly). Need to keep on edge in that situation.
    I’m 5’10” 165lb. 190 is fabulous. Wouldn’t want them any shorter in any situation. What’ll the big boys do without a 200?

  3. Glad the 112rps are working for you, Bob. I’m heading up to Alta tomorrow, and I could happily take only the 190cm 112rps with me. I’ve now had them out on a couple 24″ deep days, and they are amazing there, too: zero tip dive, simply do everything you want them to – no quirky behavior that I’ve experienced.

  4. Have been going back and forth between the Wailer 112rps and Ski Logic Bomb Squads for my new sticks. I’m 6′ 205lbs…mostly play in the trees, back country…
    Really glad i found this site and appreciate the thorough, no-BS reviews!! Just curious if you have any impression yet, either 1st hand or 2nd hand, on the B Squads and how they might compare to the 112rps? Thanks!!

  5. Hi Adam,

    I haven’t skied the Bomb Squads yet, but on the face of it, the Wailer 112RPs and the Bomb Squads seem like pretty different skis. 190cm 112RPs: 141-112-128, 18m radius / 188cm Squads: 148-122-143, 22m radius.

    What I can say is that I love the 112RPs in tight trees, and the 190cm Pure 112RP is my favorite touring ski – so light for a ski that size on the climb, so good going down. Let me know if I can answer questions about the 112RP, and we’ll see about getting on the Bomb Squads this season. Thanks!

  6. Any thoughts on what the short version would be like (168cm?)

    I’m 6′ 185lb and am riding on some 183 cm atomic betarides. I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a shorter ski since I’m having such a difficult time turning in the soft stuff (I’m not a good skier).

    Not sure how short to go though since the reverse camber should make the wailer feel a lot shorter right?

    • Hi Alex, my strong hunch is that the problem isn’t so much your skiing ability, it’s that you are using the wrong (and much more difficult) tool for the job. I would strongly encourage you to read my article, “Safer Skiing: The Case for Fatter, Rockered Skis.” (http://blistergearreview.com/articles/skiing-101-safer-skiing-the-case-for-fatter-rockered-skis). At 6′ 185 lbs., no respectable shop would let you purchase a pair of 112RPs in the 168cm length. The Wailer 112RPs are one of the easiest, most forgiving, and best soft snow skis available. I can’t overstate how much easier they will be to ski for a new or intermediate skier. (Again, see that Safer Skiing article.)

      I am almost exactly your size and weight and ski the 190s, I could be very happy on the 184s, I could get away with the 178s, and I wouldn’t ever consider the 168s. Nor should you.

      Since you are concerned about length, I would encourage you to pull the trigger on the 178cms, though I believe that you would be fine on the 184cms – which keep in mind, are only a little more than two inches longer than the 178s. And yes, you are correct: they will ski shorter than – and easier than – your Betarides in soft snow.

      Let me know if you have further questions or want me to elaborate on any of this.

  7. Hi Jonathan. I was about to pull the trigger on the Rossi 188 Super 7, then started hearing about the W112RP, and read what is said about the Super 7 on Blister. Can you say a little more about how the Super 7 compares to the 112RP? Thanks.

    • Hi Andy, well, if we’re talking about the 112RP Pure vs. the Rossi Super 7, then you’re looking at a fairly significant weight difference.

      But more than anything, to me, the most significant difference between the two is found in the tail. (See the second part of my Rossignol S3 review, where I talk about this.) In fact, if you took the S7 (or Super 7) and gave it a tail shape similar to the S3 (with a bit less tail rocker)…you’d get something similar to the 112RP.

  8. I was wondering if anyone could compare the DPS Wailer 112 rp with the Moment Bibby Pros? I was going to get the Bibbys, but after some research, I think the 112s might be a better choice for me. How does groomer performance compare?
    Thnx,
    Sigurd

  9. Hi Sigurd, the groomer performance of the 112s and the Bibby Pros is currently close enough in my memory that I’d really need to ski them back to back to weigh in. But as far as pretty fat, tip and tail rockered skis go, these two are some of the best I’ve skied. These are also two of my favorite skis.

    I do find the Bibbys to be better in heavy, wet chop than the 112s. But the low weight of the 112 Pures certainly would make it my choice over the Bibbys for backcountry / AT use.

  10. Hi Jonathan!

    I was lucky enough to get a pair of the 112 Pures in a 190cm. The last two seasons I have been on a S7 in a 188cm so I am looking forward to the comparison. I am 5’9″ and 165lbs. I am interesting in your thoughts as to binding choices for setting up the 112’s as a sidecountry/backcountry ski. The skis will likely also see in resort use on 10+cm days as well. At this point I am open to all options – Dynafit, Barons or ???.

    Thanks!
    Maurice

    • Hi, Maurice.

      If it were me, my first choice would be to mount with PLUM Guide bindings (see Marshal Olson’s review on the site). My second choice would be to go with Dynafits. And I would put on MFD Alltime plates (see Joe Augusten’s review) before I mounted with Barons – especially since you’re only doing sidecountry, not longer tours. And yes, you’d probably be the only person mounting MFD plates to 112RP PUREs, but it wouldn’t be all that much heavier than a Baron, and it will perform better.

      • Thanks Jonathan!

        The Plums are simply beautiful but the lack of a brake may be limiting inbounds, otherwise they would be my first choice. Do you have any idea if or when a brake may be available?

        In terms of the Dynafit options do you see any advantage to the Radical FT over the ST?

        Maurice

  11. Hi Jonathan,

    Thanks for your review. I’m 6′ 255 lbs and am coming off of some Volkl AC50’s (184cm). I’ve been looking for light skis that carve on the hardpack and float in the pow. Could you give insight into whether the Wailer 112RP (190cm) or the Wailer 99 (184cm) would be better suited for skiing in the Pacific NW (Mt. Hood, OR)?

    I know that the AC50’s are going to be night-and-day with anything by DPS with respect to weight, but love how they carve and am hoping to not sacrifice much in terms of edge grip.

    Thanks! :)

    • Hi Chris, I think it totally depends. If it’s dumping at Hood, are you on the mountain, or are you generally getting there a day or two after the storm?

      Long and short: the 99s have better hardpack performance than the 112s. I have to believe that the 112s are better in pow than the 99s. Similar, very good skis. If you’re keeping your AC50′s and will break them out between storms, then I’d go with the 112RPs. If you are going to be rocking just 1 ski this season, then pick: are you willing to give up a little bit of hardpack performance for better deep day performance?

      Looks like I might be getting the 99s in some fresh on Friday and Saturday. I’ll update as soon as I can say more.

  12. Hi There
    Ive just purchased a pair of Wailer 112rp`s (190cm ) i do minimal sidecounty , i`m looking at either the Duke or the MFD alltimes … do you have a preferance ? & what are the advantages of one over the other.
    Thanks

  13. Hi,
    I am going to mount dynafit FT’s onto a pair off 184 Walers. has anyone got any advice on the best position to mount the bindings. mid sole? +1?
    thanks
    James

  14. Ok, now you got me a little freaked out. Pulled the trigger on a new pair of 178 112RP Pure’s with Axls this fall after skiing a pair of 178 Atomic TMEX’s with Hammerheads for as long as I can remember. Wondering if I’ve gone too short. 5″10, 170, rocky mountain resort and backcountry skier. I guess I’ll just have to keep my speed up…

  15. Hope you’ve learned your lesson, Tim: FIRST read Blister, THEN pull the trigger.

    Nah, just kidding. You’ll probably appreciate the 178s on harder days and in bumps, but these float well enough that things will (hopefully) have to get pretty deep before you start pining for more surface area. The 184s would have been a pretty safe call, but I can’t say that you would definitely prefer them….

    Be sure to let us know how it goes.

  16. Im 5′ 8.5″ and 145 pounds. I was wondering if any one about my size has ridden the Wailer 112rp 190 and if they would be to big? Thnks!!!

    • Hey, Logan. At your height and weight, I’d think that the 184 112 would be a good call, but frankly, it depends on where you’re skiing – wide open, or tight trees and bumps. If you’re a strong skier skiing open backcountry or resort lines, I don’t think the 190s would overwhelm you. But lots of people at your size & weight are on the 178s and 184s and loving them. What skis are you coming from?

  17. Hi Jonathan –
    I got some feedback from Jason from his Wailer 99 review, but wanted to bounce this off of you: I’m an east coast skier (5’8″, 165lbs) – “former” expert (two years post knee surgery – not as aggressive or as confident as I used to be, but getting better with every turn). I just picked up a pair of dedicated front side carvers for 90% of the days we get in Southern Vermont, with the goal that I’d pair these with a second pair for east powder days and west coast trips as an one quiver, all-mountain ski. The 112’s were suggested to me, as were the 99’s. A guy I trust at a shop in Stratton (my home base) suggested I keep it <,=100mm under foot and said the Blizzard Bonafides would be a good fit. The Moment PBJ's seem to be favorites here, as well as the Rossi Scimitars. Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm intrigued by the following that DPS has garnered – my inclination is that of the DPS line, the 99's might be the more appropriate pick for what I'm looking for, but they are pricey for a pair of ski's that I'll be sking 2 out of 10 days give or take. Very curious of your thoughts –
    m

    • Hi Mark, a couple thoughts:

      First, no to the Bonafides. That’s not a west coast powder ski by any definition, and I would take the 99s in a heart beat over the Bonafide AS A POW SKI. The Bonafides work best as a hardpack ski, which you already have. The Blizzard Cochise on the other hand could make good sense for you (though good luck finding one right now….)

      Of everything you’ve named, the DPS Wailer 112RPs are certainly going to work best and be the most fun on your bigger days, but they will also serve you well on 1 or 2 inches of fresh, and lots of people in New Mexico ski them literally every day. If you get the 99s or the Scimitars, I also think you will break those out more than you think. As for the PB&J, I like it most in crud, and I imagine the 99 would work better as a powder ski. As soon as we get back from Japan, I’m going to be putting more time in on the Scimitar, and will have more to say about it.

      The way I look at it: if you’re going to have a 2 ski quiver, be set for hardpack, and be set for fresh snow / storm days. Figure out the in between days. For me, it’s a coin flip between the 99s and the 112s. The 99s will have better hardpack performance (and do okay on deep days), the 112s will do okay – or even quite well – on hardpack days, and will shine on deep days. So…what’ll it be?

    • Mark- FWIIW, the Wailer 99 is a rather polarizing ski, some like it some don’t. Everybody seism to like the 112RP. If you want an all-mountain ski for a trip to the West, the Bonafide is as good as they come, but you need to understand that it is a compromise and you give up some powder performance to get good performance in crud and chop. As a powder ski 112RP is vastly superior to both Bonafide and W99, so my suggestion will be to go with 112RP as a second soft-snow oriented ski.

  18. Jonathan –
    Thanks so much for the comments. I have two quick follow-ups.
    I can completely understand where you’re coming from – with a dedicated front side carver that i’m told will deal fine up with up to a few inches of snow, I’m really looking at something appropriate for days when there is snow.

    The reason that I had gravitated towards the 99 versus the 112 was that I thought they might represent the better one-quiver, “all mountain” option for those west coast trips where you can’t plan for what you’re going to be thrown (maybe it hasn’t snowed in 10 days, maybe you get a foot, maybe spring mush) and the kind of skiing I do these days (I used to be fearless, but after my knee issues, I’m an inbounds guy now and not as adventurous) – yet competent enough to function as an “east coast powder ski” for what realistically counts as a powder day out here (we rarely get anything close to what you’d classify as “deep” in Vermont – catching a 15″ day is an epic, once every few years thing).

    Would you agree with my assessment given what I’m looking for, or would the 112’s still be your choice for me?

    I’m also taken back a little by the price given the number of days I foresee these having – my goal was to try and grab something at the end of the season cheap.
    Are the 99 and 112 really the two I should be looking at? I don’t mind spending the $$ if DPS is really the best pick, but is there another option I should keep on my radar – something I might have a better chance of picking up off demo or cheap at the end of the season? – pretty unlikely of DPS I gather.
    Again, thanks for the feedback!

    • Mark, I’ve got to volley this one back to you: I think you just need to settle on what it is you really want your 2 ski quiver to look like. So, do you want a ski “for when there is snow” ? If so, the Rossi Sickle (that Jason won’t shut up about) or the Wailer 112RP.

      Or do you want a ski for when “you can’t plan for what you’re going to be thrown?”

      I think we’ve provided a fairly good picture of these skis’ performance on the hard snow / soft snow spectrum, and you’ve just got to decide what compromises your willing to live with.

      As for the budget, your going to pay less for the Sickle / Scimitar, no question. But it sounds like price is less of an issue here, and settling on the right 2 ski quiver is the primary issue for you. I’d just encourage you to spin once more through all those reviews and decide what sounds best. After our Japan trip, I’ll try to get more time on the Scimitar, but I won’t be weighing in till sometime in March.

  21. Hey Jonathan, thanks for the awsome review.
    I’m wondering, would you say an MFD plate would compromise the flex and ‘popiness’ of the 184s? On some skis they seem to actually improve the handling, but on the 112RPs, because they are such a poppy, snappy ski, I’m not quite sure. I’d love to hear your opinion.
    Thanks,
    Karl

    • Hey Karl, I think Joe Augusten has weighed in on similar questions re: the effect of the MFD on a ski’s flex and pop. But honestly, anything I say will be pure speculation. I know DPS has said that they welcome any and all bindings on the 112s, and I don’t truly believe that the MFD system will have a major impact on flex and pop. Subtle impact? Wouldn’t doubt it. (End rampant speculation.)

  23. Hi Jonathan,

    I tried a pair of 112 hybrid wailers in powder and trees and loved them although it was only my second time on a powder ski. (The other pair was Volkl Katanas which I tried last year and wasn’t too thrilled with). I compared them to my Volkl AC50s in the same conditions and liked the DPS skies a lot better. Unfortunately, I just bought the AC50s at the end of last season. I also have a pair of older K2s with fritchi bindings for the backcountry and a pair of volkl p90 carvers that I skied for years. I would like to get the DPSs but don’t want three pairs of skis (not including the p90s which are relics). I am now thinking of selling my nearly new AC50s and acquiring the DPS wailers as my all-around mountain ski. Or do you think I should keep the AC50s and use the DPS skies for powder and the backcountry and retire the K2s?

    Thanks,
    Eric

    • Hi, Eric – hard to say, given that you don’t mention which K2 we’re talking about. But it seems to me that a 2 ski quiver that consists of a Volkl AC50 for very firm / icy conditions, and a Wailer 112RP for pretty much everything else, could make a lot of sense. However, if you like those K2s for hardpack days (which I’d sort of doubt, given that you have touring bindings on them), then any good economist would tell you that the AC50 is a sunk cost; sell it and move on!

  24. Hi Jonathan,
    I´m about to buy the Wailer 112 in 190cm. My only concern is if they might be to short for me. I’m about 6.5″ (198cm). Do you think I´ll be fine on a pair of 190cm or do you think i should look at other skis since 190 is the tallest 112rp you can get?

    Thanks,
    John

      • Hi
        I weigh about 200Ibs(90kg). This would be the only ski I would bring on shorter trips like weekends and vacations. I have other skis specified for different conditions so if I will ski for several months I will bring more skis. So I will be skiing everything from groomers to hopefully waist deep powder on these skis.

        Thanks,
        John

        • John, so long as you’ve identified the right ski (you say that length is your only concern), I would say that you would be okay with the 190. Our reviewer Marshal Olson weighs 205-210 lbs, and he skis the 190, 184, and even liked the 178. Since I’ve been climbing less and lifting more, I weigh 185-195, and have been fine on the 190s. I think you’ll be okay in terms of length. Let us know how it goes.

  25. Jonathan, thanks for your detailed reviews. I’ve become enamored with your description of them Wailers. I am considering the 112 vs the 99’s and am also unsure about length. I ski almost all in bounds but really like both the steep open bowl terrain and also the trees. I enjoy the bumps on occasion if they aren’t rock hard and also ski with my kids on the groomers a fair bit as well. Located almost exclusively in Colorado and surrounding areas. I’m never really lucky enough to get into stuff that is too deep. 6’1’m, 170 lbs. What do you think… The 112’s at 184 cm? I would love one ski. Any guidance here would be really appreciated.

    • Hi, Doug. If I wasn’t going to be getting “into stuff that is too deep,” then I would go 99s. The 112s are a versatile pow ski that do hard pack and bumps quite well. The 99s don’t have the pow chops of the 112s, but do have even better hard pack capabilities and a better size for bump skiing. Simply put, the 99s will be great in a 12-18″ of fresh pow, and they simply are geared to be a bit bitter than the 112s for firm. The 184cm 99 sounds like the better tool for what you say you are – and aren’t – looking for.

      But if you do decide to go 112s, I think you’d be fine with the 184s.

      Let us know what you decide to do and how it works out.

  26. Hi Jonathan,

    Hopefully this question isn’t a repeat of someone else’s (I have quickly read through the above). My husband (5ft10.5 and 185-ish lb) needs new skis for his one-ski quiver. He’s been on Salomon Czars for the last 4 years, and has pretty well worn them out. I’ve suggested he might like something a bit, well, easier to turn, and more fun, and I think he now agrees with me. We ski in NZ’s South Is where conditions range from chopped up heavy snow and crud, to windblown hardpack and ice, and then slush in spring. Powder tends to be of the heavier variety, especially lately. We don’t have trees (although do ski in North America every couple of years), but plenty of rocks to dodge. We tend to avoid groomers unless absolutely necessary (rime crust off-piste being a recent example). I currently ski the Rossignol S7 (don’t find them off-putting in crud) and tend to think my husband would enjoy something more along those lines, but possibly with a bit more heft to them. Reading through your reviews (and others’) I’ve singled out DPS Wailer 112 hybrid, Moment Bibby Pros, the Rossi Squad 7, maybe Line Opus, and possibly Nordica Patron or Helldorado. I would have to buy at least the first two online as they’re not available here. Locally we have Kingswood (the SMB version) but I haven’t been able to find any reviews of them anywhere, much as I would like to support a local business. I don’t personally know anyone who skis them either. We do the odd bit of sidecountry, but mostly within bounds although off-piste, mainly due to fear and laziness — so he probably won’t be putting touring bindings on them. Any suggestions, including recommended lengths, would be very gratefully received.

    • Hi, Lise – if you and your husband are not skiing deep pow frequently, the skis that come to mind for him are: #1 – 184cm dps wailer 99; #2: 185cm Blizzard Cochise; #3: 188cm MOMENT PB&J. I’d encourage you to read our reviews of all those skis.

      While I love the Squad 7 & Bibby Pro, for example, they are ~120mm underfoot and I’m not sure why you’d need quite that much ski. I’m also not sure that the Opus would be the best call—the 110mm Rossignol Sickle would make more sense to me.

      See what you think, and please let me know if you think I’m off base. I’ll be happy to try again.

  27. Hi Jonathan, thanks heaps for your response. We were looking at those I mentioned because they sounded like they were good general purpose skis for most of the conditions that we like to ski (given the chance), and certainly at least adequate for the rest of the time. In the case of the DPS Wailer 112 and the Moment Bibby Pro, they are not much wider than what he currently skis, and it sounded as if they would be a bit more fun. (Also, I have found a 184cm pair of the Bibby Pros at a very good price, which has probably been influencing my thinking to a degree.) Having said that, Blizzard and Rossi demos are easier to find here, so it might be a plan to check out the Cochise and Sickle before making any decision.

    • Lise, I must have been too sleep deprived when I wrote my comment: you’re right – given that your husband is coming from Czars (110mm, I believe) the jump to Bibbys, etc. won’t be a surprise. And if you have a deal on the 184 Bibbys (which are 116 underfoot), those won’t come as a shock, they ought to just be fun. So if the price is really right, you could just pull the trigger. The Cochise and Sickle could still work very well for him, but the Bibby is certainly one of my favorites. (Especially if you’re looking for a good crud ski “with a bit more heft” – in crud, I’d take the bibby over the 112.)

      On ice, neither the 112 or Bibby will clearly represent an upgrade over the Czars, and I’d probably give the nod to the Cochise there.

  28. I’m 80 kg and 190 cm and bought a pair of DPS Wailer 112RP Pure’s (190 cm) last season – hands down the best skis I’ve personally come across. They’re great all over the mountain, whether it’s perfect powder or crappy spring snow off piste, and surprisingly good in the groomers considering the size. Btw, I’ve only skied them in the French and Swiss Alps but as it’s an American brand I’d assume they’re solid over in the US resorts too.

  29. Hey Jonathan, I have to say, thanks for running a tight ship with this website! I have been in the hunt for a one ski quiver for about 4 months now, and blister gear review has been my first stop for ski reviews. I’m a big guy, 6′, 265lbs on a good day, and I ride in the Canadian Northwest. I’m a fairly strong skier, but since I live a lot farther north than my “local” mountain of Powder King, I’m only getting a few days a year to ride. I’m pretty nimble on skis, and I really enjoy jibbing and skiing trees. I managed to demo the 184 hybrid 112rp’s for a few runs with some variable conditions (choppy soft powder, nice smooth groomers, and some fresh(ish) powder tree lines). I instantly fell in love after the few runs I took, and that put me on a mission to dig out more info on the wailers. I demoed some other skis that day (nordica patron 185, and rossi s7 178(I know I know, way too short, but thats all they had)), and was disappointed with them. I recently went on a trip to Banff, and rented some demos for the day to take to Lake Louise. The shop I rented from is a dealer for dps, but they encouraged me to try the Volkl Katana 184’s instead of taking the wailers for another round. They said they would handle the spring hardpack/icy conditions a lot better than the dps. I really feel like the Katana’s weight and dimensions clashed with my style, as they seemed to be hard chargers to the core. I found them hard to control at any speed lower than mach chicken. I’m a lot more of a bouncy, poppy, mid speed skier. My question to you is, are there any other skis out there that fit that mold of a light, fun ski, with some pop on the groomers, and able to handle the deep stuff in the trees. I have recently read some reviews on the salomon rocker2 108 and the armada jj, and they’ve peaked my interests as well. I hope I’m not asking too much haha, I’m just looking for the right ski. Thanks very much, and keep rocking this great website!
    Kris

  30. I should also add, that the guy at the ski shop recommended the gotama to me as well, after trying the Katana. Thanks, kris

    • Thanks, Kris! And it sounds to me like you’ve found your ski, especially since you didn’t note anything that you DIDN’T like about the 112RP. Only thing is that if you’d asked me what size you ought to check out, the 184cm or the 190cm, at your height & weight, I would have said 190cm without hesitation. But if you loved the 184 112RP, didn’t like the Patron or S7, then I think the odds of buyer’s remorse is very low. The Rocker 2 108 is a really fun ski, but if I had to pick between it and the 112RP on a deep pow day, I’d take the 112RP. About the only complaints I’ve heard with the 108 is tip dive. Nobody complains about tip dive on the 112RP – its mount position is farther back on the ski than the 108. Hope that helps.

  31. Thanks for the response, and you’re absolutely right! I was trying to think too far past it! I’ll demo the wailer and see how she goes on some less than ideal big mountain powder ski conditions. it’s time to tell the guy at the ski shop what ski in want to demo, not the one he wants me to demo haha. I’ll let you know how it goes

  32. Can give some feedback on the differences between the Wailer 112RPs Pures vs the Hybrids (stiffness, responsiveness, etc)? I’m really tempted by the hybrids, (those or Volkl Katanas, which I’ve demo’d multiple times and really enjoy). I’m 5’10’ 150lbs, expert, 50/50 resort/side-country, mostly ski jackson, with some trips to CO and BC. Most powder skis I’ve tried aren’t stiff enough for me, which is why I dig the Katanas. I’m debating between the 184s and 178s, leaning towards 184.

    These reviews are fantastic and super helpful. Greatly appreciated!
    Ahab

    • Thanks, Ahab. But first things first: if you love the Katanas, then you need to know that the 112rp Hybrid is not at all a Katana. Both skis will do well on groomers, the 112rp is the better pow ski, and the Katana is the much better crud / chop ski. If you’re an expert skier, at 5’10”, 150, I would rule out the 178 Katana – it won’t be enough ski, especially if it is going to be your pow ski. But it sounds like you’re hoping that the hybrid 112 will be Katana-esque, and it isn’t. Two very good but very different skis.

      • Thanks for the response. I realize going in that the Katana and 112RPs are designed to be different beasts, just was curious how much I’d be sacrificing in the crud-busting department for a better pow ski. That’s why I was curious about the differences between the Pure and the Hybrid.

  33. I’ve read this website with great interest and hope you can provide me with some feedback on what ski to choose and size as well.

    I’m 145, 6’1″ and an advanced skier for the groomers (going all pistes without any issues and at fairly high speeds). I am happily skiing my K2 rictor (176ish) which suits me well in terms of flex and size. Now I’m looking to get into powder skiing (where I have little to no experience) and will spend a substantial amount of time in Hokkaido, Japan where powder is the name of the game.

    Given my stats and situation, what would your advice be? I’ve been looking specifically at 112rp, Armada JJ, Rossi S7 and Black Crows Nocta, but would be open to other brands as well.

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  34. hi, I am looking to purchase the wailer 112RP pures and had a question on the length. I am 5’10, 165lbs, an intermediate skier and do not go crazy fast. Will use them mostly in japan, where even pistes can quite often have a nice layer of powder. Thus was thinking of going for the 178cm, as I was looking for something to just muck about with. Thoughts?

  35. Looking at the wailer 112RP pures or the hybrids. I’m 6’1, 205. I would consider myself an aggressive skier. Although I realize my size would dictate going with the 190cm’s, if I’m not skiing in powder I’m looking for the bumps. Would it be a mistake to go with the 184’s?

  36. Being 5’10”, 140lbs, I’m wondering wether the 112RP pure 190 would make me happy. I’m skiing mostly in Europe (Austria, Switzerland and Italy) in all kind of conditions and surroundings. Off piste, on piste, powder, hard pack, back country etc. Would 190 be too long for me?

  37. I am looking at getting the DPS Wailer 112RP.2 but i am on the ropes about sizing and which constructions to go with. I am 5’10” 185 and ski aggressive/fast.

    Any new reviews on the new 112RP.2 and how it compares to the old 112RP? Any advise/review on the Hybrid or Pure3 (is Pure3 worth the price?)?

    Thanks for the help! Love the site, great writing and great reviews. Very Helpful!

    Cheers,
    Andrew

  38. Thanks for the reviews. I’m trying to get an inbetween quiver ski. I have a pair of Armada Magic J’s with Marker dukes (soon to be tech bindings but for now they do the job) My resort ski is a salomon shogun.

    As I’m getting into more touring, I’m thinking about the wailers. Any idea how the wailers will feel on the mountain compared to my magic j’s? I love how playful they are in the deep snow, and honestly they do pretty well in the crud, they’re just huge so I bounce around a bit. I’m looking for a similar feel to the magic j’s with a skinnier ski.

Leave a Comment