Gear Guide 2018: Men's Indie Skis

Innovation, guts, and “cool factor” are what indie brands are all about. These skis also happen to perform at the top of their class.

Author:: SKI Magazine Editors
Updated:: Oct 6, 2017
Original:: Sep 26, 2017

What makes an independent ski, independent? Well, these brands are small, mobile, and unrestrained, meaning you may just find something out of the ordinary. We tested skis for three days on the legendary steeps of Colorado’s Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Conditions ranged from boot-deep powder to overripe corn—and everything in between.

DPS Wailer A112 (BEST IN TEST)

The Wailer 112 was already a great ski, but with the new Alchemist construction, DPS sets another bar for excellence. Despite its size, shape, and floppy-looking tip, the 112 slays the entire mountain, in any and all conditions. Scores were high across the board, from Flotation and Playfulness to Crud and even Carving Stability. Testers called them “incredibly adaptable,” “damp, but snappy,” and “surprisingly forgiving.” One said “Pow, crud, GS turns, trees, bumps—the 112 crushes everything with ease.” Read more about the DPS Wailer A112 here.

MSRP: $1,299

Dimensions: 141/112/128; Lengths (cm): 168, 178, 184, 189; Radius: 18m (184).