DPS built this with Ted Ligety. That tells you everything about the intent — this is a frontside carving tool, pure and simple.

First thing you notice is the weight. At 1,650g in the 174, it's absurdly light for how much edge hold it delivers. Carbon-wrapped construction instead of metal laminate means it doesn't beat you up on long groomer days, but it still locks into a carve and holds. The 13.5m turn radius is tight — shorter turns come easy, and the ski doesn't fight you when you stack turns on steep pitches.

80% effective edge is a lot. There's barely any rocker — just enough in the tip to keep it from catching. Edge engagement happens fast, almost immediately off the fall line. On hard east-coast-style snow, that's exactly what you want.

The trade-off is obvious: this is not a ski you take into soft snow. At 79mm underfoot with this much camber, it sinks. It also doesn't forgive lazy technique — if you sit back, it lets you know. This is a ski for people who actually carve, not people who think they carve.

Phantom base comes factory-applied. No waxing, ever. One less thing to deal with.