DPS Wailer 90 Carbon Ski Review

There are some skis that you say “I could ski this every day” and others you say “I could see a place for this in my quiver”. The 2024 DPS Carbon Wailer 90 falls into the latter category for me.  However, if you frequently skiing somewhere that doesn’t routinely see 400”+ of snow annually this could be THE ski for you as it quick edge to edge to edge for those groomer days and can ski moderate amounts of fresh snow with ease.  It will also handle a little bit of everything in between.

As a skier being based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming I would consider this a fantastic “lowtide ski” as it is fun on the groomers but will ski the tighter terrain of the North Woods and Alta Cutes with ease in less than stellar conditions due to its shape and rocker profile.

DPS Offers a Narrow Ski to the Lineup

For anyone that has been following DPS Skis the shape will look familiar, even the Wailer name is familiar and even the color will be familiar (albeit a different shade of familiar) but this is an all new ski with an all new construction for the brand.  The Carbon Wailer 90 is the narrowest ski the brand currently offers and comes in the following lengths all featuring a sporty 15 meter turn radius:

DPS Wailer Sizes

Comparable Weight to Other Skis in the Category

I’ve always liked to say DPS skis perform on a similar level as to a ski with metal in it but at a much more palatable weight.  The Carbon Wailer 90 is no different in this regard as compared to similarly waisted skis in this category it comes in fairly light as expected. The 178 Zag Mata with Ti with a 14.5m turn radius weighs in at 1950 grams and the 178 Black Crows Mirus Cor which is slightly more slender at 87mm underfoot and non-metal clad weighs the same as 179 DPS Carbon Wailer 90 at 1800 grams.

Salt Lake City USA Ski Manufacturing

DPS builds this ski in house along side their Kaizen, Lotus and Carbon Touring skis at their SLC, UT facility.  On the outside of the ski, one will find the quality materials we have grown to expect from the brand:  Rock solid Rockwell 48 steel edges, extremely durable tops and bases made possible by utilizing textured polymide top sheets and World Cup bases. I personally feel that DPS makes one of the more durable skis on the market as the polymIde top sheets deflect a lot of chips and scrapes that one typically sees on other skis and knock on wood but I have yet to have a “core shot” on any of my DPS bases.

For 24/25 the new Wailer series features a hybrid carbon+fiberglass laminate, a popular wood core, Super Sap’s 60% bio based resin and Checkerspot’s Algal sidewalls.  I am happy to see DPS’s move towards using more sustainable materials and resins while also shortening their supply chain Further more I applaud their lifetime warranty is now transferable under their new “Will and Testament” program as purchasing their skis is an investment but I believe the usage of the highest quality materials leads to a ski with that not only retains its high performance characteristics longer than a conventionally constructed ski but will also cosmetically look better longer as well.

How Do the Skis Perform on Snow?

I was able to ski the DPS Carbon Wailer 90 in a variety of March Conditions at Jackson Hole Resort.  These skis saw bluebird morning groomers, a full on slush fest of an afternoon and even a few powder days for good measure.  There is something refreshing about this shape all while familiar for anyone that has skied the iconic “RP” shaped ski from DPS.  The quick 15m turn radius coupled with a 90mm underfoot chassis just felt good especially after not skiing anything <100mm underfoot for a couple of seasons.

The tips effortlessly floated up on the soft snow and on firm conditions they provided a seamless entry into a turn.  The stiffness from the midsection through the tails of Wailer 90 gave it an energetic finish to the turn while still being approachable by a wide audience.  I personally couldn’t ski this ski everyday as its far too turny for my liking in a daily driver capacity.  However, one of my touring skis is a DPS Pagoda Tour 100 which shares a similar shaping philosophy.  It has a place in my quiver because of its predictability in variable snow while also having an agile quick turn to navigate through tight complex terrain one typically encounters when exiting a backcountry run.  So to me this ski makes total sense for an inbounds application.

DPS Carbon Wailer 90 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatile performance: This ski excels on groomed runs, handles moderate fresh snow, and can tackle a bit of everything in between. It’s ideal for skiers who want a ski that can perform well in various conditions.

• Agile and responsive: The 15m turn radius and 90mm underfoot width provide quick edge-to-edge transitions and nimble handling, making it fun for carving turns on groomers and navigating tighter terrain.

• Durable construction: DPS uses high-quality materials like Rockwell 48 steel edges, textured polymide top sheets, and World Cup bases, making it a robust ski that can withstand demanding conditions.

• Sustainable materials: The use of a hybrid carbon+fiberglass laminate, bio-based resin, and Algal sidewalls demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

• Lifetime transferable warranty: The “Will and Testament” program ensures that the investment in this ski is protected.

Cons:

• Not ideal for everyday use: The quick turn radius and narrow waist might be too demanding for skiers who prefer a more stable and forgiving ride in all conditions.

• Specialty ski for many: For skiers with a diverse quiver, this ski might be best suited for specific conditions and terrain, rather than an all-mountain daily driver.

• Price: At $1,299, this ski is a premium option that may be beyond the budget of some skiers.

• Limited float in deep snow: While it handles moderate fresh snow well, it may struggle in deeper powder conditions compared to wider skis.

Overall Impression

Who is this ski for?  The DPS Carbon Wailer 90 ($1,299) could be that one ski quiver for someone that finds comfort in being cradled by a turn vs someone that likes to hang it out and let their skis run.  This ski would make a great compliment to one’s quiver if they already have a Wailer 112 or similar variant in their quiver as the ski will behave in familiar fashion.  For me it would be a specialty ski that would be in a similar position as that 120mm+ underfoot, getting out on special occasions but when it does come out I know I am in for a good time!

Related Skis We Tested at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

1. ZAG Slap 112 Skis
2. Line Bacon 108 Skis
3. Igneous Custom Skis and Boards in Jackson, WY