The 2023 DPS Pagoda 94 with the C2 shaping is an excellent choice for all-mountain skiers who are looking for something with a unique and interesting feel to it that is versatile, light, stiff, and fun. These skis are built and shaped differently than almost anything else out there, and it makes a lot of sense in this width. Built with a blend of three different wood cores, the Pagoda 94 has an ash central spine with paulownia underneath and aspen on the sides. On top and on the bottom of that core, the skis have DPS’s dual-carbon laminate which gives the ski its individuality as well as its performance. A bit stiffer and lighter than other skis in this range, the 178 cm length produces a 19-meter turn radius and tips the scales at 1850 grams per ski. We talk a lot about skis in the mid-90's underfoot width as being great options for one-ski quivers, and that theory applies with this ski as well. Super-smooth, endlessly strong, and incredibly damp, the 2023 DPS Pagoda 94 has a lot to offer advanced and expert skiers who are looking to do it all out there on the hill.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Aerospace Grade Foam
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Touring, All Mountain
On the 178, both Matt McAlary and John McIntosh both felt it skied true to size and the lengths were good for them. Matt didn’t have the most positive experience on these skis, and that’s okay. We did have some challenging testing conditions, and sometimes they did not line up with what you expect from a ski: “I try to be open minded and amenable to any ski I try, and I try to get an idea of what that ski is supposed to feel like and get an idea of its intended use before actually skiing it. Unfortunately, I didn't quite get the most descriptive or informed insight from the rep so I went in fairly blind and based my assumptions of what the ski would feel like on what I knew about the brand as well as just the looks/shape/profile of the ski. Just in skating from the gondi to the quad, I knew this ski was not going to hold an edge well, so I had the idea that I would ski it in a way that was more surfy or smeary. I took it down Liftline which provided me the opportunity to really try and carve on it as well as make some quicker, smeary turns, and I didn't get a good response in either context. When I tried to carve it, it wanted to either wash out or go straight. When I tried to get surfy and smeary with it, it felt too resistant to that style of skiing. I can see someone with a hyper-traditional ski style potentially enjoying this ski, especially when not skiing soft spring slush.” So, if you find yourself in consistent spring slush, perhaps these aren’t the best choice, and that’s as important and valuable information as any. John notes that the 94 is a “Great carving, frontside oriented ski. Feels light with the Aspen/Ash and carbon core but it is surprisingly stable.” John’s scorecard was pretty impressive as well, with all 4’s out of 5 right across the board. It's quite an interesting contrast between Matt and John’s experience, and that’s a great reminder that there’s a ski out there for everyone.
On the 185, Bob St.Pierre noted that it was a good length for him, scoring it 5’s out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge grip, and overall impression. Bob actually got on this ski earlier in the season, and with more winter-like conditions than Matt and John, so he did have a different experience. “I thought this ski totally ripped. Lots of confidence and control from edge to edge and turn to turn. Great rebound and energy out of this ski, and it’s pretty surprising how stable and strong it is for the weight. That’s what you’re going to get with a premium ski like the DPS Pagoda 94. I also think the width gives it a well-rounded personality, and while I wouldn’t reach for it on a true powder day, I think it will handle up to about six inches pretty easily.” DPS is definitely going for that all-around ski with a carving personality, and they do a very nice job of achieving that goal.
As an interesting option in the mid-90's range, these skis are best for advanced and expert skiers who like the feel and precision of carbon, and aren’t scared to tip their skis on edge. They are certainly on the stiffer side, and that’s okay—you have to work a bit harder in the bumps and trees, but the lighter weight does allow for increased maneuverability and agility.
