The 2023 DPS Pagoda Lotus 117 is a shining example of a modern freeride ski. By focusing on the Pagoda build with a mix of shaping techniques, powders skiers all over the world will get the opportunity to shred the steep and deep on these great skis. If you are fortunate enough to ski in a spot where a ski like this is necessary, then that’s great for you, and we’re jealous. There aren’t a whole lot of front-side and all-mountain applications to this ski, as it allows for more flotation than carving for sure. Amazingly, they’re able to generate some agility and maneuverability in a ski this big, and that’s just one of the great things about these new Lotus skis.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Binding Reinforcement
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Powder, Big Mountain
With a 117 mm underfoot width at all sizes, running from 171 to 191, the skis generate a 21-meter turn radius, which is long in terms of what DPS is known for. It’s neither an RP nor a C2, but something else—more Lotus and original than anything we’ve seen before. In the 185, the 140 mm tip and the 127 mm tail round out the wide-bodied ski, allowing for premium flotation regardless of snow depth. In terms of profile, the skis have 45% rocker and 55% camber. That’s a pretty bowed-out shape and will allow for tremendous flotation through the fresh and deep. Thanks to their abilities to stay on top, these skis are mainly reserved for advanced and expert skiers who spend most of their time ripping the deepest snows on the planet.
From a construction perspective, we’re sticking to the Pagoda build, consisting of three types of wood. Starting with a central spine of ash, the skis use paulownia below and aspen wood along the side. The combination of these woods makes a lot of sense, especially with the central chord of dense wood. We get two sheets of carbon on top and bottom of the core with a binding reinforcement underfoot. The quality of carbon makes a difference here, as DPS relies on an aerospace grade laminate that literally does not wear out. These skis will not lose their feel to them for a really long time. If you’re having a hard time justifying the price, let that be of comfort to you.
Skiers looking for a ski on the wide side of the spectrum will certainly fall in love with the DPS Pagoda Lotus 117. Aside from the overall surface area, the skis have the proper amount of taper and rocker to boost the performance to the next level. The blend of turn radius and rocker is ideal for the deepest snow on the planet, and the camber underfoot allows for good grip and confidence when the terrain gets sketchy.
