DPS Phantom Permanent Base Glide Treatment

DPS introduced their Phantom permanent base glide treatment at the beginning of this season. The concept is pretty simple: apply Phantom to the bases of your skis or snowboard—once—and never worry about waxing again. My DPS Wailer 112s were "phantomed" before I got them and now, a couple months in, I have had them out in many conditions. We've had a great snow year here in the Kootenays so I haven't yet sampled any sticky snow. I also ordinarily never wax my skis (so I am an interesting study).

There's been no perceivable difference for me on the flats—i.e. on long traverses I don't seem to be zipping ahead of ski buddies. What I have noticed, touring on powder days or skiing groomers at the hill, is that my base glide is consistent, fast and fun. No grabby action at all. The Wailers are already a fun ski, and Phantom brings out the best in them. Porpoising in the powder, the skis feel like super slick blades under your feet. A hell of a sensation.

It's tough to say whether the treatment is permanent without having skied them for a couple seasons, but the consistent glide has held up for over 20 ski days. Phantom also apparently makes your bases harder. I hit a rock early season and my base didn't scratch. This is anecdotal but I'm down with anything that may make a base more resilient.  I'll report back after a sticky snow day but I am optimistic. 

As well as being great for skiers, Phantom also eliminates the nasty chemicals associated with normal waxing from being released into the environment (or the ski tech).

Cool product: two thumbs up. 

We met with the DPS folk at OR. Check out the video below to learn more about Phantom: