Stockli DPs vs. Bros??

[StaggerLee]

Thoughts on pros and cons of both skis primarily as a BC instrument?? Will mount with Freerides (spare me the bs about why Freerides aren't the right BC binder - I have read it all). Hard to find any objective opinions on the Bros (i.e. little downside in any of the posts I have read). Little to no opinions on the DPs, especially in contrast to the Bros. Want a versatile BC ski that can handle a variety of conditions (pow, corn, windboard, short to longer radius turns...) in 90-100 mm underfoot. Quiver currently includes Prohete (106), Stockli SSs (91mm), and Karhu Kodiaks (tele). The SSs ('05) are a bit too heavy for longer approaches and big vertical days. This year's DPs are much lighter. Would be interested in hearing opinions on the two given the requirments above. Thx.

P.S. Open to considering other candidates.

[poorcollegekid]

if your not married to one of those two skis, check out the sugar daddies. They are a great all mountain ski, and they also happen to be light as shit, and pretty durable.

[CUBUCK]

I have owned both. A pretty similar ride but the lighter swing weight of the bros make them not nearly as much to work to ski. I was on the black barb wire dp and they felt very heavy and slow on my feet. They were great skis but I couldn't be happier with my decision to switch. I was surprised how well I could snap turns on the bros considering their width. Also, I can mach just as hard on the bros and I don't feel worn out by early afternoon. If you were looking for resort only it may be a bit closer but if its bc the saved weight of the bros is too mcuh to pass up.

[sevensixfive]

I tried out the DP's last month at Squaw. It was mostly skied out but there was some soft to be found out. They pretty much ripped everywhere. Light but solid. Pretty good in pow, although there wasnt much to judge them in. Really good in chopped up stuff. And of course, they tore up hardpack. Love to go fast. Very versatile resort ski- except no TT. Softer in the tip, stiffer in the tail. Its now my A/M go-to. I'd think they would be great for BC even though they come from a racing line. Im 5'9 165 and was on the 184.

[upallnight]

I think that the 05-06 DP is very different from prior years' versions...so keep that in mind when people are offering their opinion.

I rode one for a day (inbounds) and had a great time...but I'm not sure I would use it for touring. Can't compare it to the Bros, but I do offer that opinion having toured with the following skis:
- 190 Gotama
- 179 Seth
- 185 Pocket Rocket
- 180 Explosiv
+ Spats & some other skinny/light mountaineering sticks.

Lift served/out the gates...yep. Touring? Not for me.

[thommy21]

Agree with CUBUCK. I have the barbed 186 DP's and Stiff Bros. For BC go with the Bros. Lighter and depending on the length of DP's less tip dive. Haven't rode the new DP's. Unless you have a good deal set up with the new DP's then the Bros would be priced better as well.

[StaggerLee]

Thanks all for posts. One final question - soft or stiff Bros? 6'1" 190#. I have seen posts where others have generally opted for soft flex for AT setup. I am gun shy about going w/ soft flex. Are the softs stable at speed/larger radius turns on variable snow OR too much tip deflection? If they are, what is the advantage of the stiff and x-stiff??

[lingcod]

Well, okay, Stagger Lee, I've recently owned both skis. I sold my DPs in January (the burnt orange ones, 2003s probably) because I bought Stiff Bros. I'm 6'1", 190, like long walks on the beach, etc., but you want the stiff bros for your size, I think. When the stiff Bros arrive, you'll think, "holy shit, stiff!" but they're ultra stable, ultra-light (nice for BC), and very lively. Those DPs were great, and I really liked them, but very damp: basically a fat GS ski. The DPs, like the Bros, will handle any condition, but the DPs are demanding, and the Bros, well, they're just really nice. For what you say you're looking for, I'd go Stiff Bros. Also, no question that the new DP is a different ski -- a little wider and quite a bit longer (I can't think of any reason why anyone needs it to be longer since it's a damp, stable SOB already) -- but the DPs stock in trade is demanding, damp, etc. Now, having said all that, I have a telemarker friend who's got some barely used, drilled-once for tele- DPs (the same ones I have, probably 186) that he needs to get rid of since he just broke his leg last weekend and could maybe use the $$$.

[upallnight]

Also, no question that the new DP is a different ski -- a little wider and quite a bit longer (I can't think of any reason why anyone needs it to be longer since it's a damp, stable SOB already) -- but the DPs stock in trade is demanding, damp, etc.

I think this year's DPs are quite a bit softer than prior years...a much different ski. Also, the shorter lengths are substantially softer (if you go that route).

Sounds like the Bros are a better BC choice ,though.