Thread: Quiver rounding out (with dps lotus??): I could do with some urgent help here...

Ok the infinate knowledge of the maggot collective would be appreciated.

So here's the deal:

Present quiver:
- Atomic Big Daddies (04/05 model?) with linkens: my soft snow open slope cruiser/ tank
- Nordica Beast 92TT with G3 Acents: softish snow touring and tighter situations
- Stockli Snakes with linkens: bumps and hard pack

I'm situated in Europe but have a 10h drive to the alps. My skiing trips often consist of a looong drive down to the mountains, two or three days of teleskiing often with some (lift assisted) touring thrown in and then a looong drive back up again.

The above means that:
1. me = NOT acclimatised
2. me= tired from the journey
3. I don't see enough snow in a season i.e. my legs are wimpy

As a result my old version Atomic Big Daddies kick my ass, especially in tighter situations (couloirs/ bushy exits a la Andermatt), especially after the looong drive. So I end up on the Beasts which I find too little (especially in open, variable snow).

Therefore, I'm looking to expand the quiver/ replace the Big Daddies. I am looking for a pair of skis that is lighter (for touring) and more easy to turn (for the tight Andermatt exits) than the Big Daddies.

I think my ideal ski is an Early Bird (Birdo) in a light finish, at 191, medium flex and tip rocker. That is until I saw what the price is... (€ 880/ $ 1420)

Alternatives seem to be
- Praxis Mtn Freeride (tip rocker, 187cm); €542/ $799
- Praxis Backcountry (190); €542/ $799
- DPS Wailer 105 (#2, 188cm)

This week my attention was turned to the DPS blem sales... Alas the Wailer I am interested in doesn't seem available at the B-grade price (only the heavier and damper 'charger' version which seems contra to what I'm looking for).

To cut a long story short: Lemon Boy's halleluja parade on the Lotus 120's got me thinking. Is this a serious option for me? Really??? If so, what length? 178 (seems short but then again it is light and turnable, maybe too much so?) or 190 (heavier and more stable)? Or would either of the Praxis' be the way to go...

Ugh. And the deadline on the DPS blems is running very short now.

Plz help.



PS Sorry for the long winded post.

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

- DPS Lotus 120(F#2, 190cm)

done done and done.

I agree, you shouldn't be afraid of the Lotus 120, not even in the 190. I personaly ride it, (only 174cm/75kg) and I find it to be extremely manouverable and agile... I may on the other hand be a bit better trained and more used to snow even though the slopes in Stockholm are short and lame... I used my pair in Verbier for 3 weeks and I didn't see fresh pow for a single day, but the were used alot anyway!

The Wailer would be perfect, but the Lotus might be an excellent ski aswell, just a bit more oriented towards softer snow...

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

Alternatives seem to be
- Praxis Mtn Freeride (tip rocker, 187cm); €542/ $799
- Praxis Backcountry (190); €542/ $799
- DPS LOTUS 120!!

.

Yep. Those are good choices. 120 is widest and harder on hardpack, but if snow is soft it can go anywhere anytime anyplace. my 200cm version skis like a 190.

I love mine so much I was searching for a 100ish waist version, and was torn between the two Praxis you mention. Keith talked me into the Backcountry. I think it will be sweet for any snow conditions.

But, Praxis for $799 or DPS for $750 is a no brainer.
DPS wicked light. DO IT!

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

- DPS Wailer 105 (#2, 188cm)

This week my attention was turned to the DPS blem sales... Alas the Wailer I am interested in doesn't seem available at the B-grade price (only the heavier and damper 'charger' version which seems contra to what I'm looking for).

MIke, wrong year...
http://www.dpsskis.com/page.php?pnam...&product_id=33
650 USd for 105 #2 188.


Ps. You suck at ze Int3rwe8.

Originally Posted by hemas

MIke, wrong year...
http://www.dpsskis.com/page.php?pnam...&product_id=33
650 USd for 105 #2 188.


Ps. You suck at ze Int3rwe8.

You suck at knowing what I want...

Emailed with Mike Cannon a bit, and he's convinced me the 07/08 version is the way to go.

Thanks for your interest in DPS skis. The difference between the 06\07 and 07\08 is this. The 06\07 is very soft and very light. 1400 grams per ski. The 07\08 is stiffer and still very light at 1700 grams per ski.

The 07\08 is the flex that we set out to make originally; the 06\07 came out a little too soft. It makes a great powder ski, but a little soft for serious charging.

The 06\07 is probably K2 soft and the 07\08 is in between a stockli and a k2. Probably a little less stiff than your atomics.

If you could arrange for a friend to bring them over that would be cheaper by far. Shipping is running between 120-160.00. to Europe.

Wailer is not reverse camber but our tip is super long ,making for excellent float without giving up versatility .

In all honesty, the 07\08 is the way to go, it’s getting rave reviews from everyone who skis it.

This is the email that email that sold me on the 07/08's. And obviously the LB barrage pushed me towards the Lotus.

Still, you seem to know your skis, feel free to post up your 0.02 concerning the 07/08 blem Lotus 120, 07/08 blem Wailer 105 or even, like you say, the 06/07 Wailer 105...

So M. how much softer ya like 'em...

The way I read it, is that 07/08 Wailer is just a lighter BD... So, it'll still spank yer below the sea-level-sorry arse... 06/07 would actually be something I originally wanted ... Not that it ain't OK to change yer mind...

Hmmm, good Q.

To be honest, the skis can be as stiff as they like, as long as they turn easily... Easy turning= flex, radius, swing weight (in jump turns), camber and possibly even more...

So, to answer your question: I don't know.

(Funny how I forgot about the 06/07 Wailers though)

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

...I end up on the Beasts which I find too little (especially in open, variable snow)...I am looking for a pair of skis that is lighter (for touring) and more easy to turn (for the tight Andermatt exits) than the Big Daddies...

BigDaddy's are heavy with long running length, so you can achieve your stated goals without seeking the lightest, most effortless ski out there. As people recommend skis easier than BigDaddy's, don't get excited and buy something that feels almost as "little" as your Beasts.

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

...Alas the Wailer I am interested in doesn't seem available at the B-grade price (only the heavier and damper 'charger' version which seems contra to what I'm looking for)...

No, likely not contra to what you're looking for. Coming off the BigDaddy's, the standard Wailer will be superlightweight toothpicks to you, so I think you should get the charger edition over the standard one. Charger edition is still WAY lightweight at ~1850g, while Beasts are ~2030, and BigDaddy's are some heavier number. Charger edition Wailers are not only WAY light with WAY low swingweight, they'll also pivot/slide turn more easily with a low 150cm running length (WAY lower than BigDaddy's ~167cm, and lower than Beasts too). Charger Wailer also has same radius as Beasts, but beats Beast significantly in stiffness and float (and surely in torsional stiffness too), but if you're complaining about Beasts feeling "little", I'm not so sure Charger Wailer will feel big and "chargy" enough for you (coming off BigDaddys).

Marshal?

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

...Lotus 120's got me thinking. Is this a serious option for me? Really??? ...190 (heavier and more stable)?...

Don't even bother thinking of the 190 as "heavier". This 190 ski is also WAY lightweight coming off BigDaddy's. Just like Charger Wailer, 190 Lotus120 has very low weight, swingweight and easy to pivot the low 149cm runninglenth around your bushes/tight spots. Choose fatter Lotus120 with high radius for mostly powder and skidding around your bushes, or Charger Wailer with more carvy radius for versatility in and out of powder, and more auto-pilot turn initiation around your bushes. There's nothing to fear about the size/weight of either, unless of course they're TOO light/lively for a few people's tastes.

.

VitaminI and all others: thanks a lot!

(So whaddayasayaboutthat Hemas? )

Originally Posted by Tectonically_Neglected

So whaddayasayaboutthat Hemas?

I still stand behind what I've posted earlier and/or elsewhere...

But I'm also an out of shape, from sealevel a few times to the alps weekend warrier as well...

Heck, I even enjoy them soft and floppy Jp vs. Js these days... but then again, I'm prolly kiddie(or should I say craddle) -sized by 'murican standars.

I said it elsewhere but it's still right:

but the longest, fattest, straightest tip rocker only ski you can find/afford and be done.

what's more; wailer = overlap with your quiver, 120 = perfects your quiver.

Stop trying to talk yourself out of the thing you know you want.

buy the 120. they turn easier in the tight than the 105 and are actually the same/slightly lighter than my 105s.

do it man, you will not ever look back.

I'm not.

It's just that I get confused so quickly.. the voices, oooh, the voices!

Seriously though, care to explain how the Wailer = overlap (well, yeah, I was thinkiong of trading out he BD for the DPS as a do it all, soft - variable snow ski) and the Lotus complents it (which makes the Lotus, contrary to your reviews, seem more of a specialist tool, i.e. soft stuff only).

See where my confusion is coming from?

you already have multiple firm snow skis. so own some fun-ass pow skis.

atleast compared to the charger version (i have not skied on the original w105) the lotus 120 is more smeary in tight spots, requires less muscle (though both verge on easy to ski), and turns quicker in the soft. and as long as the snow is soft enough to engage the shovel (ie. 2-3 inches) they are super versatile. if it is truly hardpack, then rock the beast/snakes.

Originally Posted by marshalolson

you already have multiple firm snow skis. so own some fun-ass pow skis.

atleast compared to the charger version (i have not skied on the original w105) the lotus 120 is more smeary in tight spots, requires less muscle (though both verge on easy to ski), and turns quicker in the soft. and as long as the snow is soft enough to engage the shovel (ie. 2-3 inches) they are super versatile. if it is truly hardpack, then rock the beast/snakes.

Marshal has this as usual totally pegged. If there is any softness component then you'll want the 120s. If it's totally hard (where the 105s would be arguably better than the 120s (which are still fine BTW)) then just ski the skinny skis.

Originally Posted by lemon boy

Marshal has this as usual totally pegged. If there is any softness component then you'll want the 120s. If it's totally hard (where the 105s would be arguably better than the 120s (which are still fine BTW)) then just ski the skinny skis.

exactly the 105 is not really better per-se on piste, you just ski them a little differently.

now if you were looking for a quiver of one ski, then the w105 would do the job nicely, but you have 2 pair of piste skis. so screw it and get some real pow skis. you really really will be stoked.

Which if these two (w105 vs. 120) would handle classic Colorado variable snow: pow, then breakable crust, then hard back, then slush....all on the same tour?

They'd both do it.

Fine.

But the 120s would be mo betta fun.

Lotus ordered... stoked!

Originally Posted by marshalolson

buy the 120. they turn easier in the tight than the 105 .

Its that pintail shape - the tail is only 1/2 cm wider than tip

they are uber schmearable.

When I got my 200cm skis in the siffest build (flex 3), I expected them to be a bitch in tight trees, but I started laughing the first day when I found myself darting in and out of little powder snacks in the trees.
Think turn, and they do.

And then on a hardpack test day, I was bombing twice as fast as my LP's.

Best.
Ski.
Evar.

You made the right call going for the Lotus.

besides, resale on any lotus is higher than on any other DPS ski.

so for someone (like me) who has 05/06 190 Lotus 120 (flex 2), would the 200cm be all the more fun? background - 6'2" 200lbs; been skiing 186 Legend Pros for the last few seasons which I generally love but find a bit hard work when i need to make a lot of turns (trees, bigger bumps). Really enjoy the 120s when there is some soft snow but find they flap about a bit - they were the softest incarnation of the 120s though. I have also recently tried out some Legend Pro XXLs in 194 and am liking the extra length

not that i need new skis really but it's still summer and it's nice to think about these things

sorry for thready hijack

edit: or should I just sod it and get the 202 138s?
(i'm thinking flex 3 in all cases)

I am/was in kind of the same boat as you. Bought the 05/06 120 and actually returned them because I thought they may be a little too soft....regretted that until I found out they were coming out with flex 3 200's. The design on the 07/08 120 is a MUCH different shape than the 06/07 120 - i.e. a lot more tip rocker. I'm also on the bigger side @ 6' 190 ski hard, blah, blah, blah. Skis I own & like - 194 LP, 190 FFF, 193 EHP...

There is no reason you should not go flex 3 if you are an advanced skiier and over 170 lbs. Because the lack of camber you never really notice the stifness, unlike traditional skis, until you hit some crud/crap and these babies just power through. I actually think they could be the best one ski quiver for those that live in an area with over 350" per year. I was sooo impressed with hardpack performance. These things rail. Best ski ever....just hope they last that long!

^^ Which year has more rocker?