The Wailer 112 started a new comparison category for us called “excess fat”. Sure, DPS made the touring version of its iconic resort ski light enough to carry uphill. But skiing back down on it is cheating, pure and simple. The rockered profile perfectly integrated with the buttery sidecut makes skiing too easy. You can lean forward in powder as if you’re skiing groomers, and no one will be able to discern your actual skill level (try doing that on a skimo race ski if you think you’re so good!).

Of course, since skiing basics are covered for you by the Wailer, you might be tempted to turn it up a notch. You might not be able to resist charging at a level of aggressiveness that we simply cannot condone when you’re as far into the backcountry as the weight of the Tour1 allows. As such, we don’t recommend even tempting yourself with this ski.

• 3D PaddleTech Geometry tapers the sidecut as the tip and tail rise off the deck.
• Balsa wood core is light but still provides good feedback as you exit a turn.
• Proprietary carbon fiber laminates keep things stiff enough to perform.
• Hardened P-tex bases and edges can be found on the WC racing circuit.
• Made in Salt Lake City, USA.