Ski Review: DPS Wailer 106 Tour 1

The DPS Skis Wailer 106 Tour1 and its women's-specific counterpart, the Zelda 106 Tour1, have been making waves in the backcountry skiing community. Both models, crafted in a 168-centimeter length, share the same balsa wood and carbon fiber construction, rocker/camber/rocker profile, and width dimensions.

Weighing just 6 pounds 6 ounces for the pair, the Wailer Tour1 is an extremely lightweight ski, making it one of the lightest powder-oriented designs on the market. Its female version, the Zelda 106 Tour1, comes in a shorter 158-centimeter length, offering a more tailored fit for women skiers.

The ski's relatively wide base allows it to stay afloat and perform well while skinning across off-cambered, steep slopes in icy conditions. However, it's important to note that the Wailer 106 Tour1 is not designed for icy and chundery conditions.

DPS Skis has managed to retain much of their signature downhill performance in the Tour1, despite trimming significant weight from their top-end Alchemist model. The ski's lightweight construction is achieved through the use of DPS's Paddle Tech, which enhances responsiveness and ease of control.

The 106-millimeter waist of the ski does not create excessive friction between the snow and the ski, ensuring a smooth ride. After a full season of skiing hard, the Wailer 106 Tour1 has shown great durability.

The Wailer 106 Tour1 comes in three lengths: 168, 178, and 185 centimeters, catering to a wide range of skier heights. Priced at $1,099, it offers a competitive price point for a high-performance touring ski.

When compared to other touring models, the Wailer Tour1 performs well in deep powder but may not be as predictable as the Blizzard Zero G 108 in spring corn and crud. The Blizzard Zero G 108, priced at $800, is another solid touring model. On the higher end, La Sportiva's Vapor Nano, an ultralight ski, is priced at $1,299. The Vapor Nano weighs 5 pounds 7 ounces, making it lighter than the Wailer Tour1 but heavier than the Blizzard Zero G 108.

The Zelda 106 Tour1 stands out with its purple topsheet instead of the blue one found on the standard Wailer 106 Tour1. This offers a unique and stylish touch for female skiers looking for a high-performance touring ski.

In conclusion, the DPS Skis Wailer 106 Tour1 and Zelda 106 Tour1 are lightweight, high-performance touring skis that cater to a wide range of skier heights and abilities. Their unique construction and design make them a popular choice among backcountry skiers seeking a smooth and responsive ride.