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The Scores (out of 10)
- Crud Performance: 6.89
- Responsiveness: 7.44
- Stability at Speed: 7.22
- Flotation: 7.78
- Playfulness: 7.44
- Forgiveness: 6.78
- Versatility: 6.78
- Quickness: 7.33
The Specs
- Price: $1,549
- Lengths: 153, 163, 171, 179, 184
- Dimensions: 132-100-117
- Radius: 15
- Weight: 1,480g (179cm)
- Level: Intermediate to Expert
In a Nutshell
- Pros: Flotation, Playfulness
- Cons: Crud Performance, Versatility
The new Pagoda Tour 100 RP, with a playful powder shape, is damper and more stable than previous iterations thanks to DPS’s new Third Rail technology, which puts the third sidewall down the center of the ski’s core. This also adds torsional stability and durability due to the improved fusion of their hybrid wood/foam core and the new bio-based sidewall material.
This ski’s energy-saving, lightweight construction makes it a true uphill performer for skiers who prefer to go far and high to find the best possible snow. Given the weight, testers were surprised by the pop and edge hold in firmer conditions, but this ski truly excels in soft, champagne powder, where it can be nimble and playful on wide-open runs.
“This ski is surprisingly reliable and quite fun,” said SKI managing editor Jenny Weigand, who grew up skiing in the Alps. “It is a great option for backcountry skiers of the West who know they’ll find some fresh snow somewhere and are willing to look.”
Related: See how the DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP stacked up against its competition
Tech nerds and granolas (that’s us!) will find the hybrid wood/foam core interesting in concert with Algal Sidewall technology, a new bio-based material sourced from microalgae. It’s more environmentally friendly, selected for its damping characteristics, bend strength, impact resistance, machinability, and bonding. Full carbon laminate and a World Cup race base keep the performance high, though some testers felt the tail was a bit stiff and hard to release from time to time. The ski did get loose at speed in heavier snow and icy conditions.
On soft snow, the Pagoda Tour 100 RP was a dream to float on in both low-angle meadows and steeper, blown-in lines. The exceptionally short 15m radius, designed to accommodate a wide range of snow conditions that can change in a single run, allows the ski to get from edge to edge in tight turns with ease, while the rockered tip and tail keep it from feeling too squirrely. DPS’s unique shape innovation balances out these contrasting features. This option is ideal for touring and scored low for versatility, but dedicated backcountry skiers will find it playful and easy to ski in soft snow.
Related: Ski straps are an important backcountry safety tool. Here’s how to use them.