Different Production Skis (DPS) is a brand that breaks away from conventional skis, not only in terms of materials, shape, and manufacturing methods, but also in its very design philosophy. Now, the 138mm waist model of the Lotus, a ski created by DPS specifically for powder, has been revived. Let's take a look at its roots and the features of this reissued version
What is the "Lotus" series?
The "Lotus," which appeared in the late 2000s, is an early flagship model of the brand that garnered a cult following. It adopted the then-advanced rocker structure and fat shape, making it one of the foundational models for modern powder skis
▼Rare footage from that time showing Stephen Drake, one of the founders of DPS, skiing down a big mountain
About 15 years ago, fat skis were popular in the US, the brand's home country, with various companies releasing extra-wide skis in the 130mm waist class. However, due to changes in snowfall and overall industry trends, the shapes gradually became slimmer. In recent years, even 120mm has come to be considered wide, and models prioritizing versatility have become mainstream. But this season, the "Lotus 138" has made a comeback, challenging that trend
Backed by enduring popularity, the model reappeared as an anniversary color to commemorate the brand's 20th anniversary even after being discontinued, but it will be revived as a regular model next season
Series Lineup
This series has been continuously updated over more than 15 years, with testing of rocker shape, sidecut, flex, and carbon construction in pursuit of optimal powder skiing performance
The "Kaizen 112," initially known for its iconic yellow color that was the brand's symbol, inherited its innovative shape and was further reinterpreted for modern times. This resulted in the establishment of a unique design with an exquisite 112mm width that doesn't rely solely on buoyancy. With practicality to handle all conditions, it serves as the core model of the series, most strongly inheriting the feeling that is the origin of the brand
The Lotus 117 features a slightly directional design with a larger radius of R21m, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions, from Alaskan big mountains to resorts. The fifth-generation Lotus 124 adopts a tapered shape, gentle rocker, and a large radius of R23m. Both models stand out for their stability at high speeds and their excellent performance in deep powder
A more free and "surf-like" 138mm waist
Joining the lineup is the Lotus 138. Its ride is described as a "surf ride," accelerating while floating without any feeling of stalling. It feels just like surfing, allowing you to enjoy loose and smooth turns and drifts with ease
What are its characteristics?
Unusually for this brand, it features a strong full rocker shape and a convex (boat-shaped) nose. This results in high buoyancy in deep powder and highly maneuverable handling
Furthermore, the 32m radius allows for high-speed turns that are unexpected given its width. This enables a variety of line choices in powder, including sliding and terrain play. The long, tapered shape supports smooth transitions and quick releases
A pure "powder machine" honed over time. This is a ski that will take the enjoyment of powder skiing to the next level
User feedback
At the recent SKI DIG event, popular models were all lined up. It was a truly luxurious opportunity to try out the latest models of premium skis while receiving careful setup and explanations from riders and staff
Among the lineup, the carving model "Pisteworks," which debuted last year and has been updated this season, was also well-received. It was impressive to see the high level of enthusiasm from fans who were keen to notice the changes, even though it is a continuing model
Information
DPS
Official website:https://www.dpsskis.com/
Official social media:Instagram|Facebook
Handling: Hi-Line Co., Ltd