[SHOT Show 2017] DPS Skis – Increased Alpine Mobility for the Warfighter

DPS Skis forged a name for itself producing some of the most advanced skis on the market. A Global company based in Utah, DPS pioneered and perfected the use of carbon fiber in skis, bringing with it reduced weight, increased sensitivity, and power compared to traditional ski designs.

SHOT Show 2017: DPS Skis – Increased Alpine Mobility for the Warfighter

The company is offering skis to the military and tactical market with a new custom order top-sheet program this week. The full  DPS quiver is included in the program, but we think the company's lightweight Tour1 family of touring skis, paired with alpine touring boots and bindings, will generate the most interest in guys looking for increased mobility in alpine operations.

To demonstrate the program's possibilities, DPS linked up with Crye to deck out a pair of 2017/18 model-year Wailer 99 skis in MultiCam Alpine. That pattern looks pretty sharp, but they'll work with customers to produce top sheets in whatever pattern they want.

DPS breaks its lineup down by overall shape, width at the ski's waist, and construction materials.

The combination of sidecut and flex profile dictate the ski's personality. The width gives an idea how well a ski floats in deep snow. The materials used in the ski's construction bear on its versatility, durability and are central in determining its cost.

DPS offers its skis in four different constructions and describes them:

Alchemist Pure Carbon: “Next level vibration- tuned aerospace grade carbon ski construction melded with absolutely the finest supporting materials.”

Tour1: “Class leading downhill performance in the lightweight touring segment, with a prioritization on uphill ease.”

Foundation: “The fusion of carbon/ bamboo/ glass and cutting edge chassis design.”

Hybrid T2: “Race room construction made with a poplar wood core and two full length metal laminates.”

The Alchemist Pure Carbon is the newest iteration of the company's flagship Pure Carbon construction method. It uses an aspen core with two full length sheets of pre-impregnated carbon fiber and is the company's most versatile construction, covering skiers riding resorts, big mountains and backcountry. According to DPS, the 2017-18 Alchemist build increases dampening and offers a quieter, smoother feel than the previous Carbon3 construction.

The easy-to-ski Wailer 99 is available in all four constructions. In Tour1 dress, it's ideal for winter operations in variable conditions while weighing as much as 30-40% less than a traditional ski. Though, a beefier ski such as the wailer 99 in Alchemist Pure Carbon, might be worth the extra weight for the support a burliest ski will offer guys kitted out for winter operations.

People might question the utility of a camouflage ski versus a plain white-topped ski, thinking it'll spend most of its time unseen, down in the snow. While the ski is doing what skis do, sure, it'll be almost invisible. But, when they're carried, strapped across a pack or used to build a hasty shelter, camouflage topsheets make sense.

This has been a special SHOT Show installment of Industry News

What is the NSSF SHOT Show?

The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.

Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc

View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show here; 2015's is right here.

SHOT 2017 Schedule

January 15 — Special invite-only events; Veterans Training Fund/Wishes for Warriors at The Ranch, SIG Sauer Range Day, and others
January 16 — Media on the Range, Boulder City Rifle & Pistol Club
January 17 — 20, 2016

Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours
Tuesday, January 17 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 18 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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