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  1. #26
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Prince George BC
    Posts
    133
    Would the Wailer 105 ski like a fatter Casiar 95 or a fatter 99 in comparison?
    FACTION

  2. #27
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    SW CO
    Posts
    5,582
    Still curious to read a review of these in the Pure3 construction. (And still wishing it had a touch less sidecut...)
    "Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers

    photos

  3. #28
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    4
    Thanks for the thoughtful review.

  4. #29
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Vermont USA and France
    Posts
    438
    My quickie first impressions of the 105 T2 last spring:

    2014-2015 DPS Wailer 105
    (T2 Construction)
    136-105-119 178cm, 185cm
    Pure3 = $1299, T2 = $949 usd




    The Wailer 105 T2 is a heavy-metal freight train compared to most models in the DPS lineup. Just picking up a pair of these skis tells you they are heavier, damper and stronger than other skis DPS produces with similar dimensions.

    The reborn DPS Wailer 105 in Hybrid T2 construction is nothing like the previous models retired a few seasons ago so the folks at DPS could concentrate on the new new Wailer, Spoon and spoon-infused Lotus models. This ski is strong, stiff-feeling, powerful and intended for technical experts or heavier, stronger skiers. It likes to be driven forward aggressively.

    We only managed to get a single day on the new Wailer 105, but we had a great mix of cold, hard snow and fresh powder to play in for a quick impression. The hand flex is stout and strong and you get the immediate impression they want speed and athletic input to show off their best traits. The sidecut geometry is subtle and early rise tip minimal, with a bit of camber underfoot and a flat tail. The first couple turns confirmed what the hand inspection indicated: power these skis and pay attention to where you are pointing them. I got runs in about 10 inches of fresh snow, where they actually floated on top very nicely and produced a nearly-surfy, but never "eager" feel once you got them up to planing speed. Below planing speed, they felt true-to-length and somewhat planky, then came alive above certain speeds (depending on the surface conditions) and rose up to the top surface layers. The faster you go, the more lively and responsive they get. When the fresh snow had gotten cut up, skied out and varied, the Wailer 105 showed it is a crud-cutting tool for charging-type skiers who want a damp, strong ski to hold a specified line throughout an arc at speed.

    Edge power was 100% reliable and strong as you wanted, with no real breaking point. Pressure and hold it....making as intense a turn as you want..it sets into the surface and stays put. The more you do this, the faster you want to go until you realize you are moving faster than you expect and feel completely secure underfoot. No deflection. No wobble, No deviations....just holding the line. If you load up the Wailer 105 (this can take some effort unless you use momentum and centrifugal force to generate the pressure you want...use your weight and movement...not muscle power) and release it, you get a very powerful, direct and impressive acceleration into your next turn. Just make sure you don't get in the back seat, and definitely pay attention to your ski placement for the next turn, because you can get this ski to project you across the terrain with plenty of force. It can feel a bit stiff and rough at times in chop and bumps, but that's the tradeoff for its crud-cutting prowess.

    Hardpack hold was superb, with very strong torsional integrity under pressure. It prefers a more GS-like line hold on hardpack, rather than a more turny radius behavior like the Cassiar 95. You can essentially ignore changes in surface conditions along your trajectory with the Wailer 105 Hybrid T2. Point it and go. As long as you have the piloting skills and physical conditioning to hold it into its sweet spot (slightly flexed and under power), you will feel a thoroughbred underfoot. Faster is better. The more athletic the pilot, the more performance you get out of this new Wailer 105. While the Wailer 99 or 112 can be found to be surfy, fun, spunky and lively with great edging ability when engaged, the Wailer 105 is the serious, businesslike, more directional, charging-type of ski you might want in a freeride competition, depending on the terrain.

    No real surfy, slashy behavior is found in the Wailer 105 Hybrid T2. It almost feels like a traditional, old-school straight ski with more exotic power on tap and an unwaivering edge hold...perhaps exactly what big-line, hard-charging skiers might want. The last thing you want on big lines at high speed is a twitchy, over-eager ski underfoot. The Wailer 105 is rock-solid, true-to-line reliable locomotive under power, and very addicting if you like that kind of ride. "Confidence-inspiring" is an understatement, as long as you are confident with high-speed, high-power situations and have the chops to keep this hot rod in its preferred performance zone.

    Definitely get a demo ride on a pair to find out if the Wailer 105 has the personality you are looking for. It is a welcome addition to the DPS line for people who want a powerful, damp feel in a more directional ski with all the traditional response and high performance DPS is known for. Skiers who thought the traditional DPS “feel” was too light, loose or active for their taste should get a ride on the new Wailer 105 in T2 construction. It will change their minds about how a DPS can feel underfoot...just like the Wailer 112 RPC did. Some might find it stiff-feeling or unfriendly unless they keep the power on it. You definitely won't fold the Wailer 105 up in crud, no matter how hard you ski it.

    Other Reviews:

    Teton Gravity Thread:

    https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...iler-105-185cm

    Conclusion:

    The Wailer 105 is the metal-flavored freight train holding the widest waist in the T2 lineup for next year, and gives strong, directional-oriented skiers a solid platform to pound through nearly any condition with unwaivering integrity and power. A 105mm rail, not a surfboard.

    Pros:

    Superbly solid, reliable, damp and powerful. Surface conditions don't matter. Loves speed. This ski will be a drug for speed addicts.

    Cons:

    Pricey. Don't look for a surfy-slashy ride here. A bit stiff feeling and harsh if you don't keep the power on. Eat your Wheaties.
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  5. #30
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    6,749
    PSA: deal on new T2's: DPS Wailer 105 Hybrid T2 185cm

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