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Expert Review: DPS Pagoda 112 RP Skis

Published on 10/06/2022 · 5 min readThis review is my honest opinion of the DPS Pagoda 112 RP Skis, which I bought with my own money in December of 2020.
Tory Dobyns, Ski Expert
By Ski Expert Tory Dobyns

All photos courtesy of Tory Dobyns

About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the DPS Pagoda 112 RP Skis, which I bought with my own money in December of 2020.

My take

The DPS 112 RP Pagoda is a playful, versatile, floaty, and maneuverable ski. This ski can handle almost any terrain; however, it is always my top pick for a powder day. These are suitable for intermediate- to expert-level skiers.

About the skis I own

  • Model: DPS Pagoda RP 112 2021
  • Gender: Unisex - Note- the 158 and 168 are technically the women’s ski and have a different color top sheet (blue for women’s and yellow for men’s). Despite the difference in appearance, these skis have identical construction.
  • Size:

    Length (cm)Tip/Waist/Tail (mm)
    158138/112/122
    168139/112/124
    178140/112/125
    184140/112/127
    189141/112/129

About me

  • Height: 5’6”
  • Weight: 120 lbs
  • Experience: 20 years of skiing

Test conditions

  • When I bought these: December 2020
  • Days used: 120+
  • Size: 168cm
  • Where I’ve used it: Resorts and backcountry in Colorado, Utah, California, Wyoming, and Montana
  • Terrain: Powder, hardpack, moguls, trees, and backcountry

How they perform

Durability
5/5
Flotation
5/5
Turn Ease
4/5
Versatility
4/5
High Speed Stability
3/5
Carving
2/5

What I was looking for

I was looking for a maneuverable and playful ski that also provided a good level of stability and handled well at high speeds. I wanted something that I could take in the tight trees and moguls that could also charge down an open bowl without chatter. Playfulness and maneuverability were my top criteria, with stability falling closely behind.

Why I chose this gear

After testing many skis—including the Armada Tracer 108, Line Pandora 106, and Salomon QST 106—I purchased the DPS Pagoda for its maneuverability and stability. The Salomon QST was definitely a bit more stable at high speeds but much less playful. The Armada and Line were almost as playful as the DPS but much less stable. I was looking for one ski that could do it all, and I felt I had the fewest compromises with the DPS Pagoda. Although, I had to compromise just a bit on the stability.

What I love about them

  • Maneuverability and Responsiveness: This ski can turn on a dime with its 15-meter turning radius and rocker/camber/rocker profile. It is great for navigating technical lines.
  • Lightweight: In the 168cm size, this ski weighs in at only 1670g or 3.68lbs. The unique carbon fiber and wood core construction allow for such a lightweight ski without compromising stability.
  • Float: This is my go-to ski for any powder day. Even in super-deep snow, it is nearly impossible to bury these tips.
  • Durability: The high price tag initially scared me away from DPS as a whole. However, the carbon fiber construction allows the ski to retain its flex pattern over many seasons. I skied these for over 120 days and still feel like they have life left. DPS also uses the highest quality sidewall and edge materials, making them difficult to damage.
  • Versatility: When I bought this ski, I knew it would be great for powder and soft snow, but I was a bit hesitant about its performance on hard-pack and in moguls. Despite being 112mm underfoot, it still is a lot of fun to rip some groomers on – the edge holds pretty well. It also is forgiving and quick enough to ski moguls with ease.

Issues I’ve encountered

  • Tip Chatter: When charging at high speeds, I have noticed a bit of chatter in the tips of this ski. Particularly a few days after a snowfall when conditions get a bit choppy.
  • Ice: I have had some issues getting this ski to hold a good edge on the ice. Probably not the best choice for someone skiing on the east coast. However, this is to be expected with a ski of this width.
  • Stability: This is certainly not the most stable ski on the market, but it is a great compromise. For a ski that handles well in the moguls and trees, it also performs relatively well at high speeds and can handle moderate cliff drops.
  • Carving: These skis do not perform great on ice and true hardpack, particularly when trying to carve at higher speeds. I have noticed a bit of chatter and difficulty holding an edge when the snow gets firm. However, these skis carve pretty well on soft pack considering their width underfoot.

Favorite moment with this gear

I took this ski on a Heli-ski trip in British Columbia. These skis were great for floating through the deep powder. This ski charged down the high alpine bowls and was super quick and floaty in the trees. All the guides were skiing the Armada ARV JJ 116s and were jealous of my DPS Pagodas.

Value for the money vs. other options

This ski is one of the most expensive on the market, but, in my opinion, for good reason. For those who are committed to skiing and want something that will last them many seasons, I would say it is worth the money. I ski on average around 75 days per season and almost always have to buy a new pair of skis every year. These skis were the exception, as they lasted me two full seasons. Yes, they are almost twice the price of many other high-performing skis; but they have twice the lifespan, so it was really a wash for me. If someone is looking for a comparable ski with a lower price tag, I may recommend the Line Pandora 106 (women's specific) or the Armada Tracer 108. These skis have a similarly playful, quick feel to them but come at a lower price. For someone who skis less than 25 days a year, I would say one of these may be a better option.

Final verdict

These are some of my favorite skis I have ever owned. I love them most for their versatility and quickness. Sometimes I wish they were just a bit more stable and handled better at high speeds, but this would likely compromise their playful and ultra-responsive feel.

Out of stock
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  • Returnable

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