Ski Reviews

2023-2024 DPS Pagoda 94 C2, 185 cm

Reviewer Username: Adam St. Ours

Reviewer Height: 6’0″

Reviewer Weight: 230 lbs

Reviewer Experience Level: Advanced

DAYS USED: 25 days

TEST LOCATIONS: Pennsylvania, New England, Colorado, Mt. Washington (NH)

TEST CONDITIONS: Extremely firm hardpack or ice | Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Untracked powder (shallow) | Untracked powder (deep)

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

(0 = Terrible, 5 = Okay, 10 = Outstanding)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 8/10

FORGIVENESS: 7/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Loose / Easy to Pivot & Smear?): 4/10

MANEUVERABILITY (How Quick / Low is the Swing Weight?): 8/10

STABILITY: 8/10

SUSPENSION: 8/10

EDGE HOLD: 8/10

PLAYFULNESS: 5/10

PLAYFULNESS (Open Ended):

Smooth and predictable

SKI LENGTH: It felt just right (185 cm length tested)

THIS SKI’S IDEAL TERRAIN: Softer groomers | Softer moguls | Low-angle, off-piste terrain | Fairly steep off-piste terrain

THIS SKI’S IDEAL SNOW CONDITIONS: Pretty firm snow | Softer, but not deep snow | Soft chop / pretty forgiving cut-up snow

WHAT TYPE(S) OF SKIER DO YOU IMAGINE WILL GET ALONG BEST WITH THIS SKI?

Advanced to expert skiers who want high performance on any mountain and in any snow condition, with little to no compromises.

ARE THERE SIMILAR PRODUCTS YOU’VE SKIED THAT YOU CLEARLY PREFER? IF SO, WHY?

The most similar ski that I’ve been on would be the Dynastar M-Pro 99. While obviously wider, it was a similarly smooth feeling ski that felt comfortable in pretty much any condition/situation I found myself in. Another similar ski is the (now discontinued) Moment Commander 98. While I’d say the Commander definitely was more powerful thanks to the dual titanal layers and weight they provide, the DPS is more energetic and lively to ski dynamically.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS SKI. FEEL FREE TO GO INTO DETAIL!

The Pagoda 94 C2 is the epitome of a one quiver ski. A generalist to a fault; you get pretty good, but not best-in-class, performance in just about every category. The C2 construction favors the fall line, so if you’re willing to commit to bigger turns and some speed, you’re rewarded with a ski that’s compliant and confidence inspiring without being overbearing. If stability and edge-hold are the most important aspect for you, look at stiffer skis with layers of metal in them. If short turns and uber maneuverability are important, look to softer and more rockered skis. If you’re not sure, or if you want a little bit of it all and don’t mind getting B’s in every category instead of A’s in some and C’s in others, the Pagoda 94 C2 warrants a long look.