DPS wailer 112RP or RPC115 based on skiing style

**Prince of Tirol** · 10-07-2015, 01:15 PM

I've read a ton of reviews and some threads here on similar topic but none answered my question convincingly.

I ski in michigan with the kids (probably keep my GS race boards for that) but also spend a lot of time in Colorado. 30 ski days total / year.

This year I'm hitting St. Anton / Lech (austria) (perhaps a couple days heli) in january and the Monashees (BC) for some cat-skiing in march.

I'm an ex-racer and ski like a racer, ripping hard GS arcs when I'm on hard snow which is much of the time. I don't need 'playful' short-radius turn ski's, and I don't spend much time in bumps. You will find me along the edges of the run looking for fresh / loose snow whenever it exists. I don't ski backwards and you won't find me in the terrain park unless i"m looking for some weed or the snowboarder who ran over my wife.

There seems to be conflicting reports on RP2 vs. RPC. I'm not a pro in the powder but can certainly hang, and will ski down pretty much anything.

For the hard snow and uber high speeed groomer GS turns AND the ability to bring 'em along as an ONLY pair of travel skii's to aforementioned spots, which would you recommend ?

I weigh just over 200, 48 years old, have ski'd for 45 years and am a strong skier.

My readings suggest the RPC due to the high speed stability / radius / arcing power, carbon construction (mostly for longevity), what do you think ? I'm afraid the RP2 will be too soft for high speed work and too turny / low speed-limit for charging hard.

184cm vs 190cm ?

I'm fairly committed to the DPS brand, USA built thing and quality reputation, so we don't need to go into the Rossi's and such.

thanks !

**auvgeek** · 10-07-2015, 01:45 PM

Neither.

186 ON3P Wrenegade (or older 191, if you can find one used).
189 Praxis RX
192 Atomic Atlas
196 Blizzard Bodacious

etc.

I like DPS as much as the next guy (the L120 Pure3 is one of the best pow-touring skis available), but they just aren't the best tool for the resort.

**plugboots** · 10-07-2015, 02:48 PM

snowboarder who ran over my wife

Need naked pics of wife to evaluate injuries.

**Andyski** · 10-07-2015, 02:53 PM

Of those 2, and only those 2, then RPC. Also, water is wet.

**XXX-er** · 10-07-2015, 02:56 PM

I found the carbon DPS 112's were not near as much fun as the old red hybrid lotus 120's

at your weight go long

**Kopi_Red** · 10-07-2015, 03:14 PM

Go for the red one's...

**XXX-er** · 10-07-2015, 03:36 PM

good point!

yes the red ones

**rod9301** · 10-07-2015, 11:08 PM

If you're an ex racer, you won't like the dps, try the katana, real charger and light

**Doremite** · 10-08-2015, 06:21 AM

Based on your self assessment, 185cm 105s. Def not 112s. Would not worry about stiffness, but more turny and playful than you want. Also if you are willing to go to a115 waist, don't sleep on the 120s. IMHO they hammer on groomers. Rocket ships but very versatile rocket ships. That said, 105 will be more manageable when surface conditions aren't cooperating. 120s will be a beast to wrestle when firm.

**alfajores** · 10-08-2015, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by auvgeek

Neither.

186 ON3P Wrenegade (or older 191, if you can find one used).
189 Praxis RX
192 Atomic Atlas
196 Blizzard Bodacious

etc.

I like DPS as much as the next guy (the L120 Pure3 is one of the best pow-touring skis available), but they just aren't the best tool for the resort.

And @rod9301

Agree. DPS is not your tool. If I see DPS without Dynafit compatible TLT touring bindings, I usually think the person bought for the image since the ski is probably a really mediocre fit for use. Due to your resort and help/cat preference rather than touring, I would go with ON3P. Handmade in Portland by @iggyski and super damp. Race bases, edges, and full sidewalls will make you smile.

Best yet, last season ON3P are on sale, but your wallet seems strong and maybe the difference in graphics and incremental tuning is your thing.

**NW_SKIER** · 10-08-2015, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by Kopi_Red

Go for the red one's...

Originally Posted by XXX-er

good point!

yes the red ones

Wait. So the green skis I bought off stp aren't going to be the fastest?

**Doremite** · 10-08-2015, 06:59 AM

JC, that is incredibly wrong. They are built for the down not the up. DPS introduced tours this year to finally focus more on the up. Pure3s are likely one of the most powerful constructions you can step into.

**rod9301** · 10-08-2015, 07:20 AM

Well, the dps 112, 99, are ok for low speed, intermediate skiers.
The clown shoe shape gets deflected a lot. Which is why modern skis have a low profile tip. But that's just the beginning, I don't have time to enter into endless debates with the dps pr machine.

**adrenalated** · 10-08-2015, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by Doremite

JC, that is incredibly wrong. They are built for the down not the up. DPS introduced tours this year to finally focus more on the up. Pure3s are likely one of the most powerful constructions you can step into.

Have you skied an ON3P ski? DPS makes great skis, but there is no contest when it comes to inbounds dampness and stability.

**Lindahl** · 10-08-2015, 07:51 AM

I will say that the DPS 105 T2 construction is pretty damn damp, very precise and an awesome ski. Very different than other DPS designs and constructions for sure. Not quite as silky smooth as the old Head Monster series (or Kastle MX? Or Stockli? Its been a while), but damper than an ON3P.

**ticketchecker** · 10-08-2015, 07:53 AM

I will second Doremite on the pure3 l120, thing is badass no doubt.

And I really want a pair of Wren102's

**Doremite** · 10-08-2015, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by adrenalated

Have you skied an ON3P ski? DPS makes great skis, but there is no contest when it comes to inbounds dampness and stability.

Yep. Have BGs but don't get much use these days with 99s and 120s offering a ton of collective quiver range. I just happen to be a Pure3 junkie but can see how it is not for everyone. Get the dampness point but Pure 3s are crazy stable and power no comparison to BGs. Fun, but don't give near as much back when pushed. Anyway, my point wasn't about DPS prominence but more so the idea that they are solely built for tech binders and touring. Def not the case. Tons of great skis out there no doubt.

**grskier** · 10-08-2015, 09:13 AM

190 RPC....

Great ski, plenty damp, and a great directional pow/crud charger.

**adrenalated** · 10-08-2015, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Lindahl

I will say that the DPS 105 T2 construction is pretty damn damp, very precise and an awesome ski. Very different than other DPS designs and constructions for sure. Not quite as silky smooth as the old Head Monster series (or Kastle MX? Or Stockli? Its been a while), but damper than an ON3P.

Yeah, I shoulda specified I was talking about the Pure and standard Hybrid constructions. I haven't skied the W105 T2 but would really like to.

Originally Posted by Doremite

Yep. Have BGs but don't get much use these days with 99s and 120s offering a ton of collective quiver range. I just happen to be a Pure3 junkie but can see how it is not for everyone. Get the dampness point but Pure 3s are crazy stable and power no comparison to BGs. Fun, but don't give near as much back when pushed. Anyway, my point wasn't about DPS prominence but more so the idea that they are solely built for tech binders and touring. Def not the case. Tons of great skis out there no doubt.

I think this is a fair answer and illustrates the differences between layups well. I'd agree that the Pure3 is more lively than ON3P's layup, especially the BG as that shape doesn't have much pop at all. My Wrens definitely are more energetic than my BGs, but still don't have as much rebound as a DPS Pure3. I stand by my statement that ON3Ps are typically more damp than the Pure or non-T2 Hybrids. "Powerful" I guess is subjective and could be considered to refer to either rebound/energy or dampness, depending on your style and preferences.

For me the Pure3 is better as a tech binder/touring layup. But I can see where you're coming from and why you like it inbounds.

From reading the OP's post and description of his preferences and style I suspect that he'd appreciate a more damp ski, but can't say that for sure.

**Doremite** · 10-08-2015, 09:37 AM

My pure3 fanboy status aside I think the OP would hate the 112s. RPCs might work but couldn't agree more the Pure3 is a feel & preference thing. Def times I wish I had a damper ride. Nothing but respect for ON3P. Only skied BGs and would likely gravitate to their more directional shapes. Just on a quiver experimentation hiatus. See pure3 fanboy comment.

**Cocximus** · 10-08-2015, 02:53 PM

-1 for the dps for you. What non GS skis have you skied?

**Prince of Tirol** · 10-13-2015, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by flowing alpy

This is the correct time and place to tell you to go Praxis Rx.

Seems to be a lot of different ski's that a buyer "should" try out, and everyone has their favorite. I just don't know how you'd get through trying 20+ ski's in the category without spending your whole winter on the project.

In the end, I called DPS and gave them some very specific criteria and an honest assessment (I think) of my abilities.

They mailed me some RPC's in a 184. I'll report back after my November trip and let ya know how we did.

Thanks for all the input here !

**plugboots** · 10-13-2015, 06:07 PM

Prolly OK, but surprised they didn't go 190 for you. The running length is still short even in the RPC. You're 200 pounds, I'm 175 and older and hove no trouble turning the 99s or 112s with any boot.

**sethschmautz** · 10-13-2015, 07:29 PM

Agreed. I haven't skied the RP2, but I think they got you on the right pair given your choice. That said, the 192 seems like a better length. I'm about 185, and the 192 RPC is a good length for me given the radius.

Seth