Compilation Review Thread: 06/07 DP Lotus 138
So because I am not only a raging egomaniac, but also maddeningly anal, I thought I would pull together a Master Review Thread for the 06/07 DPS Lotus 138 [/reverb].
First, much has already been written about these in Mikey’s thread. He even has photos comparing rocker and shape of the 06/07 and 05/06 vintage.
Quite a bit was written about the O.G. 05/06 models as well. I think it is probably fair to say that the 06/07 versions exhibit all the positives laid out in these older reviews, but there were a few improvements in increased rocker, more durable topsheet, and perhaps even a couple construction improvements. The hall of fame reviews of the 05/06 model include:
Marshal talks 138 in his 120 thread.
This review by Tyrone Damn Shoelaces probably inspired me to pull the trigger.
Vicious’ thread has good info and perspective too.
Finally, I have 4 days now on mine, and can add a few observations.
06/07 DPS Lotus 138, flex 2, mounted –1
Bindings: Some old 14 DIN Sollys from Conundrum, mounted professionally by one Marshal Olson
Me: 6’2, 190ish, gargantuan buttocks
More about me: I generally like stiff, overbuilt skis. I don’t like noodly skis, foam core skis, or noodly foam core skis. I have never skied Spats or any other reverse sidecut or rockered ski. I have skied lots of stupid heavy wood core skis (Iggies, Tankers, Axioms, Volkls) and loved them all. I ski primarily in CO these days, but skied Mammoth long enough to prefer wide-open spaces. I despise bumps. Tight trees scare me because my skis are too damn heavy and long. I don’t jump off anything bigger than 15 or so feet because I’m old and beat up.
Here they be (Iggy FCs (125/93/xxx) for scale):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/3...078b5ad3_b.jpg
General Thoughts
I can’t add much to what has already been said. But I’ll try. These things are startlingly light. I’m still shocked every time I pick them up. They are also dead sexy, and attract a lot of attention. Stephan needs to send buyers a crate of glossy propaganda which can be handed out in lift lines. Ready access to a brochure may save the next jackass who says, “Whoa those are fat. Are they water skis? Haw haw haw.” They are also more versatile than expected.
Versatility
I’ve skied these on two pow days (15” and 14”). Predictably, they fucking pillage soft snow. The mount point @ -1 felt dead on. No speed limit at all. I’m used to Iggies at speed, and these are comparable. All the propaganda is true – you can indeed make any turn shape, at any time, and feel completely in control. Hurtling into tight trees? Not a problem, you can smear and pivot at will, such is their maneuverability and feathery swing weight. The rocker leaves you with a limited contact patch underfoot, which makes swiveling just so easy. And, as the snow got chopped up on these days, my skiing didn’t change too much.
I’ve also skied two windbuffy days (4” or so each day), with some harder crap underneath. These skis killed it again. Yesterday, I put my Iggy FCs away after two runs, and pulled out the DPs. No more grabbing and edge catching. Smoove. But, I did feel a little back in these soft but more variable conditions. A mount on the line might have worked better.
Finally, the survivability of groomers has been mentioned. I really think groomers are pretty fun on these. Now, hard ice is no fun, but groomers are actually carveable. Which forces me to say these are much more versatile than I expected. I was thinking pow, windbuff, chunder ski when I bought these. But having really enjoyed two days with marginal snow in depth and quality, I think I’ll be pulling these out more often than originally planned. I know Yoss said in his 120 review thread that there will be plenty of days he prefers his Gots to the 120s. I don’t have Gots, so this comparison doesn’t work for me. But I skied yesterday with a buddy on Gots, and the only real advantage he had all day was on intermittent wind-scoured ice – he had less waist and more sidecut to fall back on.
Durability
For some reason, I’m good at breaking stuff. This has always been true. I’ve hit a few rocks over four days, have wheelied over bands of trees and shrubs, and generally treated them like any other pair of skis. They’ve held up quite well. A few base scars from big impacts, but all the incidental contact didn’t dent the base material or ding edges at all.
The edges of the topsheet are peeling in a few places. Not sure if I need to file/bevel these as recommended for the older vintage.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/3...a2e0f9a1ea.jpg
I do have a few shovel topsheet chips. Not sure how that happened, which is the general story of my life.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/3...dd65c5f31b.jpg
Also have some weird longitudinal shadows forming under the topsheet. Not sure what they are or what they’re from.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/3...67a1649fbe.jpg
Bottom Line
You need to buy these skis. Seriously. They have added a new dimension to my skiing. The combination of versatility and sheer capability just makes them the funnest skis, allowing the funnest skiing I’ve ever enjoyed. No regrets whatsoever.
