Thread: DPS Wailer 99 Review or as Dave Hester says, "YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP"

For anyone questioning the 184 being too short I'd suggest attempting to get on em before you hold out for a 192 next fall.

Originally Posted by marshalolson

i personally will not be buying a 192, the 184 is plenty for me (tall, heavy, blue eyes, like jazz music, long walks and long skis).

it has a longer running length and effective edge than the 190 wailer 112, FWIW.

Goddamnit. I was hoping you would say it skis like a stubbier and less stable Firngleiter.

Which 99 would suit inbound skiing at whistler more, the pure or hybrid?

I am 5'6", 145lbs, advanced skier. Ski everything and love the trees. Current quiver is 178cm DPS112 hybrid and 165cm Blizzard Magnum 8.1Ti. I love the DPS112 when there is fresh snow and love the blizzard when there is a drought carving the groomers. The 99er looks like the perfect ski for all mountain ripping when new snow is thin but I still want to hit the off piste hard and enjoy the carve on the groomers. I haven't tried the pure construction so I don't know what I'm missing. Your advice is appreciated!

I'll be trying out my brand new sexy tangerines (184, pure) tomorrow! Can't wait.

Skied 'em (184 cm pures) today on mostly hardpack, tending towards ice. Found a bit of softer snow on north facing aspects.

They sure seem like a badass ski to my wimpy self. Tons of power and energy and phenomenal edge grip. I'd say they lean towards unforgiving. Allowing my shin to lose contact with the boot tongue was a definite no-no.

I had the problem with hookiness that some others have described. If the edges were anything less than locked in, I found it very difficult to control the amount of engagement at the tips and to a lesser extent the tails. They've got so much edge grip that just a little variation in engagement caused big changes in bite along the length of the ski. I detuned them throughout the day, but not aggressively. Detuning seemed to help, but I don't have them tamed yet.

I had a similar problem with my Lhasa Pows when I first got them, and fixed it primarily with a proper bevel, and to a lesser extent by some minor detuning. Does anyone know what the bevel is coming from DPS, and how consistent their factory tune should be?

Originally Posted by The Suit

Skied 'em (184 cm pures) today on mostly hardpack, tending towards ice. Found a bit of softer snow on north facing aspects.

They sure seem like a badass ski to my wimpy self. Tons of power and energy and phenomenal edge grip. I'd say they lean towards unforgiving. Allowing my shin to lose contact with the boot tongue was a definite no-no.

I had the problem with hookiness that some others have described. If the edges were anything less than locked in, I found it very difficult to control the amount of engagement at the tips and to a lesser extent the tails. They've got so much edge grip that just a little variation in engagement caused big changes in bite along the length of the ski. I detuned them throughout the day, but not aggressively. Detuning seemed to help, but I don't have them tamed yet.

I had a similar problem with my Lhasa Pows when I first got them, and fixed it primarily with a proper bevel, and to a lesser extent by some minor detuning. Does anyone know what the bevel is coming from DPS, and how consistent their factory tune should be?

I had the same problem with hookiness but it is now gone and they are great. Detune the tip and tail as suggested and take them for a good tune. Mine were very edge high from the factory. After that was fixed, they became a different ski. Good luck.

Just dropped them off for a tune. True bar seems to say the edges are a bit proud. My fingers are crossed.

Great thread here. I am very interested. The only ski I have actually been on in the last many years is the race room 186 LP. I am looking to get a new one ski quiver for touring/ski mountaineering and this one is high on my list but I am a little worried about the relatively short turning radius compared to what I am used to in the LP.

Has anyone been on both the Wailer 99 and 105? If you had to pick one as a travel ski for all around ski mountaineering which would you choose?

If I went with the wailer 105s, I worry about the 178s being too short and the 188s being too long. I know I could handle the 188s since one of my all time favorite skis is the 194 XXL, but I dont know that it is the right length to use as a one ski travel quiver. The 184 wailer 99 sounds pretty ideal but that turning radius just gives me a bit of pause.

Originally Posted by The Suit

Just dropped them off for a tune. True bar seems to say the edges are a bit proud. My fingers are crossed.

Hookiness was completely gone today with the tune. I don't think they're unforgiving any more. Demanding, maybe, but not unforgiving. I really, really like these skis. Hopefully we'll get some snow this week and I can try them out in powder and cut up chop.

Wifey got to ski her 168cm Hybrids today. They needed a tune as well. She is very happy with them. Says they're like a combination of her S7s and Wailer 105s, but better.

Based on a giant sample size of two (Lhasa Pow carbons and Wailer 99 pures), I think these torsionally stiff carbon skis are much, much less tolerant of a flawed tune than more conventional skis. Anyone getting a pair should be sure to put a true bar on the bases before skiing them.

couloirman, i have the 188 pure w105s flex 3, and the older 200 cm lotus 120 carbons. the 188 w105 skis a bit short. i weigh 195 lbs. skis i have & like include the 193 prior husume, 191 mantras, 191 live lifes, and some burlier boards like the 197 katana. i've skied the 194 XXL, thought it was fine, pretty forgiving ski relatively.

anyway, for me the upcoming 192 w99 is attractive since i'm hoping it addresses the shortcomings i've found w/ the 188 w105. i'm one of the many out there who's wanted a 195 w105.

Originally Posted by avyoung

Which 99 would suit inbound skiing at whistler more, the pure or hybrid?

I am 5'6", 145lbs, advanced skier. Ski everything and love the trees. Current quiver is 178cm DPS112 hybrid and 165cm Blizzard Magnum 8.1Ti. I love the DPS112 when there is fresh snow and love the blizzard when there is a drought carving the groomers. The 99er looks like the perfect ski for all mountain ripping when new snow is thin but I still want to hit the off piste hard and enjoy the carve on the groomers. I haven't tried the pure construction so I don't know what I'm missing. Your advice is appreciated!

If you can handle the 184s, you can demo the W99 Pures I've got lurking here in Whistler. I've also got a pair of Yvette Pure 168s which will give you an idea of the Pure construction. PM'ed.

Overall... I always say buy Pure if you can. The low swing weight will blow your mind. But yep, not as damp as the Hybrid. It will change your style, for sure. Of note Escape Route just got a batch of W99s in. We've just sold out of Pure 184s at DPS...

TUNING the 99s.

Ok, as always, YMMV.

I've spent all last week on these (finally), really dialing in a pair of W99 184 Pures.

First day I found the tips hooky and playing catch-and-release on the melt-icecrust groomers we have here right now. I had mounted at +1cm. I found when skiing off the heels the ski was fine. But leaning aggressively forward made the ski scrub.

SO... I aggressively detuned the tips to 2cm below contact point. As in: 45 degree file, diamond stone polish, and gummi.

The next day, the skis were a different beast entirely: bomber on edge, and much more predictable, with no scrub. I was able to lean the ski into full carves and spring out of the corners in a variety of turn shapes (yes both S and C, also the W, and Z). In soft-chop-crud-refrozen-raincrust the ski pivoted and planed well (looking forwards to getting it into true pow).

I am happy with the +1cm mount --- however I think I would've been fine at midsole (this coming from someone who mounts his W112RPs at +1.5cm and L120s at +3cm).

Overall, if the ski is scrubbing, hooking, or catching DETUNE THEM TIPS. If you ride at a plus-mark forward or if you want to lean forward or whatever the case may be, if the ski scrubs and is hooky, detuning the tips will probably not only resolve the issue but open the ski's true potential to execute a multitude of turn shapes (oooh!) as well as hold a better edge.

I have to remind myself in this respect that for many riders this may be their first rockered ski. Or, riders are coming from other rockered designs that are less torsionally stiff/pronounced in the design. Either way, detuning has not yet been sufficiently understood as being as important as tuning the rest of the ski.

Originally Posted by khyber.pass

TUNING the 99s.

Ok, as always, YMMV.

I've spent all last week on these (finally), really dialing in a pair of W99 184 Pures.

First day I found the tips hooky and playing catch-and-release on the melt-icecrust groomers we have here right now. I had mounted at +1cm. I found when skiing off the heels the ski was fine. But leaning aggressively forward made the ski scrub.

SO... I aggressively detuned the tips to 2cm below contact point. As in: 45 degree file, diamond stone polish, and gummi.

The next day, the skis were a different beast entirely: bomber on edge, and much more predictable, with no scrub. I was able to lean the ski into full carves and spring out of the corners in a variety of turn shapes (yes both S and C, also the W, and Z). In soft-chop-crud-refrozen-raincrust the ski pivoted and planed well (looking forwards to getting it into true pow).

I am happy with the +1cm mount --- however I think I would've been fine at midsole (this coming from someone who mounts his W112RPs at +1.5cm and L120s at +3cm).

Overall, if the ski is scrubbing, hooking, or catching DETUNE THEM TIPS. If you ride at a plus-mark forward or if you want to lean forward or whatever the case may be, if the ski scrubs and is hooky, detuning the tips will probably not only resolve the issue but open the ski's true potential to execute a multitude of turn shapes (oooh!) as well as hold a better edge.

I have to remind myself in this respect that for many riders this may be their first rockered ski. Or, riders are coming from other rockered designs that are less torsionally stiff/pronounced in the design. Either way, detuning has not yet been sufficiently understood as being as important as tuning the rest of the ski.

Thanks! You left the tails tuned though?

Originally Posted by The Suit

Hopefully we'll get some snow this week and I can try them out in powder and cut up chop.

Snowed all day today, so I got to ski them in conditions ranging from a few inches on firm to nearly bottomless and untracked.

In short - they killed it. Very confidence-inspiring, because they don't seem to get upset by much of anything. Patch of ice - no problem, just edge a little more. Dense cut up stuff - just pressure your boot cuffs and power through. I'm really noticing the low swing weight, too. I've never been one to do the air thing, but I found myself popping off every little feature that I could find 'cuz the skis are so light and easy to swing around.

At the end of the day my wife (168 hybrids) commented that she wasn't obsessing over finding untracked, because the skis didn't care.

Love dem tangerines!

I have some 99 Pures here..I have been waiting for some snow to ski the buggers.

Originally Posted by superdigg

Thanks! You left the tails tuned though?

Yes, I left the tails alone. I haven't detuned a rockered tail yet. I start with the tips, and that always seems to fix things.

Originally Posted by khyber.pass

Yes, I left the tails alone. I haven't detuned a rockered tail yet. I start with the tips, and that always seems to fix things.

Thanks!

Had a couple of days on really firm groomers now. First day - not detuned - they overturned like crazy trying to scrub speed. Had to put a lot of effort in controlling them as they have edgegrip and torsional stiffness like an SL/GS ski.

Followed Khybers advice and detuned to 2cm behind contact points and went for day 2. Totally different ski. Still the same edgegrip but can be released from a turn effortlessly when you want them to. Still have some "getting-to-know-it" as they replaced my K2 AntiPistes (aka lazy cousin).

BTW: Ended up detuning the tails as well and am happy with it. Seemed to make them more nimble edge to edge if I got thrown in the backseat.

I took the Pures out yesterday, (instead of my 112's), on a big day at the resort. Granted I showed up for a couple laps at 2:30 but I thought they killed it! In chunky, deep snow I like them more than the 112 Pure. Untracked, fluffy snow.....I will prolly still reach for the 112, but I was truly impressed with the performance of the 99.

Dont have time for a lengthy update, but these skis are unreal. May be better than the 112s.

Originally Posted by schwerty

I took the Pures out yesterday, (instead of my 112's), on a big day at the resort. Granted I showed up for a couple laps at 2:30 but I thought they killed it! In chunky, deep snow I like them more than the 112 Pure. Untracked, fluffy snow.....I will prolly still reach for the 112, but I was truly impressed with the performance of the 99.

I skied the Wailer 99s yesterday afternoon, too. Definitely better than the 112s in those conditions. Which is to say, awesome.

On the other hand, the 112s killed it this morning!

Third day (equals one full day I guess as kids are involved) on the W99s and they started to shine - very bright.

Took them out on tracked out, thawed and refrozen with some windpack on top. This usually is my description of shitty conditions but they were so much fun! And mind you, I'm sporting floppy heels (NTN)

holy shit, i had to bring this back to the top of the page! just so people know how good this ski really is.
just skied my 99's for the 1st time to day and i'm brown away. i work in a high end rental shop and ski what ever ski i want, early season i was real impressed by the new Volkl RTM 84 it became my go to piste ski, but things have changed! my 99 hooks up just aswell and is way more fun and playful at the same time.
thank you DPS and Tobias you've killed it yet again!

Originally Posted by Rontele

Dont have time for a lengthy update, but these skis are unreal. May be better than the 112s.

I would have to agree. Spent the last few days dialing in the Pure W99's on a mix of high speed groomers and steep icy groomers. So impressed with this ski. Amazing design and execution. My go to ski for sure. On a 184 and I am 6'1" and 200 lbs. Not sure I need the 192 but will probably keep both in the quiver. Did not de-tune at all. Ski carves beautiful round clean turns of any shape and at all speeds. No chatter at speed. almost effortless turns. Just wow. Now waiting for snow.

Hope to have them High on Mt Washington tomorrow or next Tueday looking for some softer wind buff. Will report back then.

The reason I agree with Rontele's quote is because of the low snowpack we have going this year. Have not compared the W99 with the 112 back to back but look forward to when we finally get some snow.

Full disclosure - I am the NH rep for DPS. But there is a reason for that and I skied them yesterday! Interested in checking these skis out give a shout.

One ski quiver! Daily driver redefined! Proven to me.

yeah, another DPS area rep here to post propaganda, if you're in Maine and want to take a ride PM me.

This came to me in an email from a Sunday River patroller who bought a pair of 176 w99 hybrids.

"Built plates for the skiis so I can interchange Hammerhead, or Bishop bindings.(NTN still does not outperform the Bishop) I put in threaded inserts so I can move the plate itself. Currently using the Bishops. I skied them for the first time on Sat. and liked what I felt. They did feel a little planky toward the end of the day. I "slept" with the skis that night(My body integrated the days kinesthetic info) and skied them Sunday. Holy shit did those skis open up. A little more rear foot, with a little less edge and those skis were digging fucking trenches, quick turn to turn, very damp, very solid on the hard pack. They edge as well as my Stockli's or volkl's, and not much else edges like a Stockli or a Volkl. You set the edge and they stick. I found, given the radius, they work better if you just roll up on edge and let the ski do the work. What crud I did hit, I could definitely feel the "bow" and "stern" engage. It is like another gear that just waits for the conditions to automatically engage. Sign me up for a pair of 112's next year. That would be one hell of a quiver.

In short, I LOVE THESE SKIS. I fly to Austria tomorrow where they have been getting pounded with snow. I am very excited to put them through their paces. I will let you know how they work. Best $800 I have spent."

Any demo's in Vail of W99's? They seem to be under-represented here.